Mike James is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the fitness, sports, and rehabilitation sectors. His diverse career includes roles as a personal trainer, a military specialist in sports and exercise, and a physiotherapist. Mike holds an MSc in Physiotherapy as well as degrees in Sports Rehabilitation, Strength Conditioning and Sports and Exercise Science. He has worked across various settings, including public and private health, the military, and within professional sports. Currently, he runs a clinic and an education business in Wales while also lecturing full-time at a university. His passion is helping therapists and patients alike understand the evidence base by sharing his message into understandable and applicable content. This talk, delivered at Therapy Expo 2023, was a reflective piece where Mike shared his accumulated wisdom from newly qualified to where he is now.  

Listen to the audio recording here and see a written summary below:  

Master the Basics 

Mike emphasises the importance of being world-class at the basics before pursuing advanced techniques. He stresses that foundational skills like subjective history taking, communication, and listening are crucial. Early in his career, Mike describes how he was tempted by advanced courses and tools, but he realised the value of the basics over time. 

Understand the Person, Not Just the Condition 

Mike learned the importance of understanding the person behind the injury. During his military career, he saw the value of spending time with patients to understand their broader context. This holistic approach often revealed underlying issues that impacted their rehabilitation more than the physical injury itself. 

Reflect Regularly 

Reflection is a key part of professional development. Mike advocates for both formal and informal reflection to evaluate successes and failures. This practice helps therapists understand their actions and improve their methods continuously. 

Embrace Critical Thinking 

Critical thinking and clinical reasoning are essential skills. Mike encourages therapists to question everything and to be open to new ideas and approaches. This mindset prevents complacency and promotes ongoing learning and adaptation. 

Accept and Challenge Biases 

Acknowledging and challenging biases is important. Mike explains that biases are natural, but they need to be recognised and questioned. He uses his own bias towards exercise as an example, demonstrating how he constantly evaluates its appropriateness for each patient. 

Be Authentic 

Initially, it's common to mimic role models, but Mike advises finding one's own authentic approach over time. This reduces the exhaustion of trying to emulate others and allows therapists to develop a personal style that resonates with their values and strengths. 

Develop Non-Clinical Skills 

Non-clinical skills like communication, empathy, and listening are as crucial as clinical skills. Mike spends significant time understanding his patients' psychological states, which enhances his ability to provide effective care. 

Never Stop Learning and Relearning 

Continuous learning is vital. Mike stresses the importance of revisiting and reinterpreting knowledge as one's understanding evolves. This practice ensures that therapists remain up-to-date and adaptable. 

Collaborate Interprofessionally 

Working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals enriches patient care. Mike highlights the benefits of interdisciplinary teamwork, learned from his experiences in the military and high-level sports environments. 

Seize Opportunities 

Taking risks and seizing opportunities, even when feeling unprepared, is crucial for growth. Mike's career advancements often came from stepping into roles before he felt ready, trusting that he would learn and adapt. 

Self-Care 

Therapists must prioritise self-care to avoid burnout. Mike advises setting boundaries and ensuring personal well-being to maintain professional effectiveness and personal health. 

Patience in Career Progression 

Mike warns against rushing career progression. Mastery takes time, and therapists should be patient with their development, focusing on incremental improvements rather than quick fixes. 

In summary, Mike’s talk provides a reflective and comprehensive overview of essential lessons learned throughout his diverse career. By sharing his experiences and insights, Mike offers valuable guidance for both novice and experienced therapists. His emphasis on mastering the basics, understanding patients holistically, continuous learning, and self-care provides a robust framework for professional and personal development in the healthcare field. 

Mike will be speaking again at Therapy Expo 2024, with an insightful session titled ‘Tick tock efficiency: manipulating short appointment time to maximise outcomes’ on Day 2, 28th November, at 14:05. Book your ticket now and don’t miss out!  

Check out the full conference programme for 2024 here: https://www.therapyexpo.co.uk/programme