Embrace the F-word to overcome pain

No not that f-word! We’re talking about feelings – and did you know contemporary pain science shows they are an essential component of successful athlete / performer recovery?

The role of psychology in overcoming pain will be further explored by physiotherapist and PhD student, Michael Henry, at the Master Sessions Less Pain Better Performance event in November.

With 20 years’ experience as a clinical physiotherapist, as well as six years as head therapist with the prestigious entertainment troupe, Cirque du Soleil, Michael has broad experience of treating individuals across the worlds of sport, showbiz and the armed forces.

Michael said: “By understanding more of what each individual is feeling, we can really attack pain from multiple angles. Pain is amazingly complex, but that is a positive. Trainers have the opportunity to address pain from multiple angles, rather than being faced with one all-encompassing pain entity.”

Less Pain Better Performance is a four-day online program aimed at anyone training others to achieve their personal best.

Michael’s years of experience as a physiotherapist will inform an engaging and informative session, after which participants will…

• Be better equipped to discuss each individual’s experience of pain in order to gain deep understanding of their circumstances to support a quicker recovery.
• Feel confident advising and encouraging performers, whose livelihood and identity often rely on their body and ability, and who are therefore more likely to be concerned about the consequences of injuries than others.
• Learn to listen for subtle cues in each performer’s language, which are an important signpost for how best to deal with them as individuals and in developing their own unique treatment plan.

About Michael

Michael Henry is currently undertaking a PhD at the University of South Australia, with a focus on concussion. He has almost 20 years of international clinical experience across a wide range of settings. Michael most recently spent 6 years as a head therapist with Cirque du Soleil, and prior to this was the physiotherapist for the Bangladesh national cricket team. He has worked in private practice and sports clinics in Australia, the UK, and Cayman Islands, and with individuals and teams in a range of sports. Other employment has included roles with police and military rehabilitation, and humanitarian work with Médecins du Monde in a capacity building role. Michael maintains strong interests in sports and performance, head injuries, research, humanitarian work, and the influence of culture in healthcare.

To attend Michael’s session and gain access to over 16 hours of outcome-focused learning, click below to sign up for Less Pain Better Performance.