Specialised Health, Behind the Scenes. Who is Specialised Health?
The culture of progression, passion and authenticity behind Specialised Health drives all of us to provide quality Exercise Physiology services in the compensable space. We support claimants in achieving their return to work and life goals through specialist exercise and lifestyle prescription while recognising the importance of open communication with all parties involved in the rehab process. We share knowledge with a passion and are made up of exceptional individuals. As a part of my role, I get to pry into the lives of these individual’s and share them with you!
– Biara Webster, Exercise Physiologist and Content Manager, Specialised Health
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: #09 Brad McGregor
Brad has been with us for 2 years now (Happy workiversary!). Brad has nearly 20 years experience in all things exercise, health and rehabilitation. He works clinically providing rehabilitation to clients as well as educating health and fitness professionals privately and lecturing at the University of Southern Queensland. As well as being a top-notch Exercise Physiologist for us, he is also Specialised Health’s Clinical Educator.
Brad not only supports others’ health and performance he also has his own impressive history including completing one marathon and previously playing semi-professional rugby league.
You can check out Brad’s articles on linked in here, and keep an eye on our social media as he often sends us in demonstrations of rehab exercises.
Why did you choose the Exercise Physiologist career path?
I derive a great deal of intrinsic satisfaction from working with people to help them improve their lives. I have tried a number of different roles over my career, but something keeps bringing me back to work with patients. A lot of people go entire careers without finding what it is that they are meant to do, however I know I have found it & that makes me happy!
What are your Ninja Exercise Physiology skills?
Complex musculoskeletal conditions are always fun for me because it challenges problem-solving skills, however, I also enjoy working with mental health conditions.
The magnitude of impact we have with mental health is profound & I am excited to see what research tells us about exercise & cognition moving forward.
🐱👓Complex Musculoskeletal conditions 🐱👓Mental Health
Do you exercise?
Every day if possible. I love weight training & also go for one long run each Sunday morning – helps me to mentally disassociate & sets me up for the upcoming week.
Tell us about your most inspirational client
The main one that stands out to me was… a little complex. She had a chronic hip issue with no definite diagnosis.
She was so determined & resolute to improve all aspects of her life. It very cool when she acknowledged that “the old me is back.” She actually took her elderly mother to her birthplace overseas towards the end of our program. If she reads this I know she will smile.
Favourites
🦪 Food – I’ll eat almost anything, but I do love oysters
🏃♂️Exercise – I Love the endorphin rush from weight training & the mental acuity that running gives me. I discovered at uni that if I went for a run before attempting an assignment, I would finish it in half the time.
🧠 Fact – Just 20 mins of aerobic exercise will start “lighting up” the cerebral cortex which in turn enhances cognition & working memory. There is a great MRI study that shows the difference in 2 groups of students just before an exam.
🐴 Fiction – I grew up on a farm, so I still love The Man from Snowy River
💥 Exercise Myth Buster – HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is the only way to reduce body fat – NOT
Whilst researchers love putting out their work with regards to HIIT, I think they forget to acknowledge that a lot of people simply won’t do this type of exercise. In my opinion, the best exercise prescription is the one that the client will actually do.
Have you learnt anything new recently?
I’m currently reading a little about fascial tension.
Everyone loves a good foam roll, especially for the ITB, however we do need some tension in our fascia to function effectively. I still like rolling out to reduce protective guarding & muscle spasms, however I don’t think this is the panacea some people would believe – there is more to rehab than foam rolling!
Do you have a life outside of Exercise Physiology?
My family. I have 2 daughters, Lauren (11) & Abbey (8). Plus I am sport obsessed.
What are your goals for 2019?
Tough one given that we are approaching the final quarter of the calendar year. I want to commit to running a 2nd marathon!
Contact: bmcgregor@specialisedhealth.com.au
Area of service: Brisbane (CBD & north)
