Supervisions in Pain Podcast By Alex Scott and James Morley cover art

Supervisions in Pain

Supervisions in Pain

By: Alex Scott and James Morley
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A free learning series for community-based OTs and Physios: Real-world strategies for complex pain management

Join us for a learning series designed specifically for community-based clinicians. We move beyond theory into real-world “supervision-style” discussions, unpacking the nuance, the struggle, and the practical strategies that actually move the needle.

Hosted by Alex Scott and James Morley, two highly experienced community physiotherapists who collectively have 2 decades of community neuro experience as well as post-grad pain studies under their belt.

What we’ll cover together:

  • Untangling complexity: How to manage persistent pain alongside significant disability.
  • Practical strategies: Delivering education to clients with cognitive or memory impairments.
  • System navigation: Providing meaningful support within NDIS funding constraints.
  • Real-world plans: Developing actionable management plans for home and community settings.
  • Client education: Pain education for clients with cognitive or communication impairments
  • Funding barriers: How to be resourceful and impactful with minimal funding
  • Scope of support: Knowing when and where to refer on
  • Looking after you: How to avoid burnout and wellbeing strategies

This isn’t just another lecture. It’s a transparent look at our wins, our flops, and the evidence-based strategies we use to help clients live their best lives.

Independent Rehabilitation Services
Episodes
  • E1: "Where do I Start?"

    E1: "Where do I Start?"
    Mar 5 2026

    In our first full supervision session, Alex Scott brings a particularly challenging case to the table: a 14-year-old boy navigating persistent low back pain following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a complex refugee background.

    Alex and James unpack the imposter syndrome that often hits clinicians when faced with high-complexity cases and discuss why traditional pain education isn't always the right first step. We explore the tactical shift from "fixing the pain" to "building a routine" and the importance of meeting a client where they feel most empowered.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The case study: Navigating TBI, PTSD, and persistent pain in a pediatric community setting.
    • The approach: Why Alex chose to prioritise the client’s goal of bulking up over traditional Pilates or core exercises.
    • Trauma-informed care: Practical applications of the five pillars: Safety, Choice, Empowerment, Trustworthiness, and Collaboration.
    • The evidence base: What recent Cochrane reviews say about exercise types for non-specific low back pain (Hint: there’s no magic exercise).
    • Clinical realities: An honest reflection on what worked and what didn't, the importance of clinician gender in rapport and knowing when a case is beyond your direct scope.

    Resources mentioned

    • What is Trauma Informed Care - ACI
    • Exercise for treatment of chronic low back pain - Cochrane Review 2021
    • Trauma and Pain - NIH 2021

    Any questions, comments or requests?

    Your direct line to Alex and James is learning@independent-rehab.com.au
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    37 mins
  • Introducing Supervisions in Pain

    Introducing Supervisions in Pain
    Mar 5 2026

    Welcome to the Supervisions in Pain learning series!

    In this introduction, hosts Alex Scott and James Morley share the story behind this series and why they are passionate about changing the conversation around chronic pain in the community.

    As community physiotherapists based in Melbourne with over 20 years of combined experience in neuro-rehabilitation, Alex and James noticed a gap: most pain management education doesn't account for the added complexity of cognitive impairments or the practical constraints of the NDIS.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • Our backgrounds: From supervisor and supervisee to long-term colleagues and pain-management geeks.
    • The "theory vs. reality" gap: Why traditional pain studies often fall short for clients with significant disabilities.
    • Real-world challenges: How to deliver effective education to clients with memory loss and navigating limited funding.
    • The supervision approach: What to expect from this series as we untangle complex cases together.

    This series is built for allied health professionals who want more than just a lecture. Join us as we share our wins, our flops, and our evidence-based strategies to help our clients live their best lives.

    Connect with us

    Have a complex case or a specific challenge you're facing in the community? Get in touch via your direct line to Alex and James - learning@independent-rehab.com.au
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    2 mins
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