5 minutes with a Physio… Ben

Ben has been a physio for 11 years; he works for Teladoc Health 3 days a week and then at his local practice 3 days a week.

Ben talks to us about what he thinks of the virtual physio service, what patients can expect, and some tips for achieving healthier physical wellbeing.

What do you like most about being a Physio?

I love that I can influence people’s recovery and also help educate people about any changes which would lead to a better long-term health picture.

What do you like most about Teladoc Health’s approach? How is the service different from other physio services available?

The service allows patients quick access to physio virtually and tools that can help immediately. This, in turn,, gives people a better outcome in the long term as they have a much-reduced likelihood of the problem returning.

Can you share some recent anon examples of how you have helped patients coming into the service?

I have had a recent patient who had been experiencing shoulder pain for 2 years on and off. After assessing his problem and looking at his movement through the virtual service, I gave him exercises and progressed him through rehab over 6 weeks, and he has seen his shoulder become pain-free, and he has returned to the gym with no problems.

I have also had another patient who has utilized the service for their back pain but also needed help with symptoms which were repeated headaches and migraines. The back pain has been improving, and as a result of input from the Teladoc Health GP service, they have seen an improvement in the headaches. They are currently waiting for further assessment from a specialist to look into the causes of the headaches.

What advice would you give a patient who thinks of using the service but is still deciding?

I advise people to get in touch with any issues they have with their body. The sooner we can assess your needs, the sooner it can be resolved through physio or if they need further input from other experts at Teladoc Health.

What do you most enjoy about working for Teladoc Health?

I enjoy the fact that I can give patients a thorough explanation of the problem and how to fix it as if I were in a face-to-face setting, and as a result of this, it gives them a much better outcome at the end of their treatment compared to other virtual services.

I also love that Teladoc Health is a company that puts the patient’s wellbeing first.

Can you describe a typical working day (or week) at Teladoc Health? What types of symptoms present the most?

My typical working week is 3 days doing my role at Teladoc. We typically see a lot of back and knee pain, followed closely by shoulder issues. They stem from various causes, but using the virtual physiotherapy service enables both the investigation of the problem and then the objective view of how people move to better understand how the issue affects basic functional movements.

What is the professional achievement you’re most proud of?

The most significant professional achievement would have to be my NPS scoring in the services I have worked for, being above 90 at all times and being championed in this, which was fantastic to show people how to help patients and customers in ways which they feel valued and cared for while promoting the service.

What do you like doing to relax and take care of your wellbeing?

My downtime typically consists of spending time with my family, doing DIY projects, and gardening. Doing physical tasks such as DIY and gardening acts as a meditation to help keep my headspace in a good place.

How do you sustain your own physical wellbeing?

I exercise 3-4 x a week, which consists of gym strength and conditioning workouts, running, and muay thai. I usually walk every day with my dog.

What’s your typical breakfast and go-to snacks?

My typical breakfast changes daily but it’s either eggs or a yogurt protein granola bowl.

What are your top 5 tips for people seeking a healthier lifestyle?

• Diet:  Look at what you put in your body, and the quantities as your fuel are the most important thing for your body’s physical and mental development.
• Exercise:  Try to get out and do something more intense 3 x a week for at least 30 mins.
• Don’t put off questions about health:  Sometimes they have straightforward answers and can change your habits for the better if you get the answers quickly.
• Take time for yourself:  Do something you enjoy and can switch off from external stresses at least 2 x a week.
• Communication:  Talk to the people closest to you and tell them how you feel and how your day has been, and get them involved in your actions. This helps build your relationships with others and helps spread any loads you may be feeling while also doing things with people and enjoying doing things together, as modern lives are busy and not always the best for people’s relationships.