5 minutes with a Physio… Will Kenton

Will has been a physio for over ten years. He works for Teladoc Health four and a half days per week in his private practice.

Will 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?

The variety is excellent; I enjoy helping people with various musculoskeletal presentations from all walks of life. It’s an incredibly rewarding career, as the impact you can have on your patients’ lives is significant.

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

It simplifies the process for patients. If you need to speak to a Physiotherapist, you won’t experience delay as you can request appointments at any time. We also know that having quick access to Physiotherapy improves patient outcomes, so it’s a win-win. What is also great about with virtual approach is that traditional face to face physiotherapy is not a requirement for many common Musculosketal presentations.

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

I had an active patient who rolled their ankle playing football a few weeks ago. Often these injuries can cause significant uncertainty and concern for the patient. Despite considerable swelling and bruising at the time, I could rule out any consequential damage or cause for concern. Working closely with the patient, we completed a six-week rehabilitative exercise program. I’m pleased to report they are back playing football pain-free!

What advice would you give a patient thinking of using the service but unsure?

If you’re unsure about whether our Physiotherapy service might be suitable for you, your request will be reviewed by one of our highly experienced Physiotherapists. We’ll often given patients a call to ascertain a few more details about their presenting problem to ensure not only their safety but to make sure we can advice on the most appropriate course of action.

What do you most enjoy about working for Teladoc Health?

I love that Teladoc is a highly innovative company to work. The company works to improve access to healthcare for many and ensure the process is as easy as possible for its customers. The right people, a clear vision, and technology are at the heart of this. It’s great to work with many like-minded individuals who share a common goal and are passionate about healthcare and the user experience. Being able to shape how a service is delivered is very rewarding; creating processes that work for our team and customers is often challenging but fun and engaging.

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

A typical day for me starts by checking in with the team and planning the day. If I am consulting, I will review my patients for the day, which will help me plan the upcoming sessions. We commonly see presentations such as back or shoulder pain, which often are very effectively managed by our service. Between consulting and meetings, I will triage patients who request our service. This often involves a quick call with the patient to gather and confirm a few details regarding their problem. It helps in our decision-making process and is an excellent means of ensuring the safety of all our patients. Often, we will discuss clinical cases as a team during our regular catch-ups; this helps support learning and contribute to excellent patient outcomes.

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

Completing my Physiotherapy Masters was my big career goal and has allowed me to pursue my career. I’m also very proud to be the head of Physiotherapy for Teladoc Health, developing a new service for patients who need support with a range of common Musculoskeletal problems.

What do you like doing to relax?

I enjoy walking my dog, getting out on my bike, or exploring somewhere on foot to relax or unwind. Spending time with my partner, friends, and family is important. Reading a good book and getting hooked on a Netflix documentary series also helps me switch off my focus and recharge.

How do you sustain your own physical wellbeing?

I enjoy breaking up my day with a walk at lunch with my dog, as it helps manage stress, and clear my mind with the benefits of activity during the day. I’ll aim to eat a healthy lunch each day – often, this is relatively light or leftover as I like to have a main meal in the evening. After work, I’ll usually go to the gym to combine weights and cardiovascular exercise. If I’ve been active in the week, I find my focus, sleep, overall mood, and energy much better than when I’ve had a less busy week. In the summer months, I tend to spend more time on my bike or running and reduce time in the gym.

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

I’m a big fan of morning oats and a cup of coffee. I find this keeps my hunger at bay until lunch most days. If I need a snack, I usually have nuts and a banana, which are healthy, low-calorie options.

What are your top 5 tips for people looking to achieve a healthier lifestyle?

1. Try to move a little bit more – exercise is vital for preventing a wide range of diseases, with benefits not only for our physical health but our mental health also. If you’ve lost the habit, start small. Set realistic targets, and if it helps, use a fitness tracker, smartwatch, or smartphone, which can help keep you accountable and motivate you.
2. Aim for better sleep – good quality sleep helps improve stress management, energy, mental health, and cognitive function while reducing your risk of serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.
3. Set goals – this could be as simple as losing 3kg of weight over a set period or being able to run 1km without needing to stop. SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timebound) goals can help your focus and motivation.
4. Diet – maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is so crucial to our health. If you need specific support, our specialist nutrition service can help guide you.
5. Smoking & Alcohol – while it’s OK to drink sensibly, consuming Alcohol regularly or too excess can significantly impact your health. The impact of smoking on your health is also well documented, with smokers much more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, strokes, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).