From Rugby to Rehabilitation: Andrew Dunne's Journey into Physiotherapy

In this podcast episode, host Laura Dowling interviews Andrew Dunne, a former professional rugby player turned physiotherapist and founder of a clinic in Rathmines, Dublin. Andy discusses his transition from rugby to physiotherapy, driven by his own injury experiences and a pivotal conversation with a team doctor. He shares insights into his clinic's work, which focuses on helping patients, particularly those with cancer and other serious health conditions, improve their quality of life through tailored exercise regimens and lifestyle changes. They also explore the broader healthcare system's challenges, the importance of attitude and connection in life, and the need for a holistic approach to patient care.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:19 From Rugby to Physiotherapy: Andy's Journey

01:21 Dealing with Injuries and Rehabilitation

02:47 Life After Rugby: Personal Reflections

07:08 Challenges in the Healthcare System

11:56 The Importance of Lifestyle Medicine

32:44 Exercise as a Standard of Cancer Care

36:14 Addressing Lifestyle in Cancer Treatment

36:45 Baseline Assessment and Fitness Trials

39:32 Understanding VO2 Max and Fitness Measurement

41:09 The Importance of Compassion in Healthcare

42:18 Role of Occupational Therapy

44:15 Health Coaching and Sustainable Change

46:26 Heart Rate Zones and Exercise Prescription

52:10 Challenges in Managing a Healthcare Clinic

55:15 Increasing Cancer Diagnoses in Younger Populations

57:50 Exercise and Neuroplasticity in Parkinson's

01:00:13 Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life

01:01:24 The Paving Wheel: A Tool for Wellness

01:03:25 Clinic Information and Social Media Presence

01:05:07 Advice for Young People and the Meaning of Life

Thanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.