Chukwuemeka Nnuji finds 'something valuable for everyone' in Essential Skills for Physiotherapists

Initial thoughts

When I was first approached to review this book, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves. I had never reviewed a book and would not necessarily call myself an avid reader, but I always wanted to develop this skill. So, when someone I deeply respect in physiotherapy and allied health recommended me for the opportunity, I decided to go for it.

Once the book arrived, I was relieved by how compact and approachable it felt. At just over 194 pages, a quick flip through reassured me that it was something I could comfortably work through and, hopefully, enjoy sharing my thoughts on. And here I am, diving into the review!

Reading the first section of the book, I came across a chapter focused on purpose and values, which prompted me to reflect on my journey in the NHS, from my early rotations in physiotherapy to my current role as an advanced physiotherapist practitioner. If I had to choose between ‘Purpose then Mastery’ or ‘Mastery then Purpose’, I would definitely pick the latter. My experiences across various specialties include musculoskeletal (MSK), orthopaedics, community, falls prevention and respiratory. These settings have been essential to my growth, shaping my skills and, ultimately, helping me to discover a sense of purpose in this field.

Overall impression

'This insightful and practical guide offers expert reflections and strategies to help enhance self-management and deepen your understanding of your physiotherapy journey, making it a relatable and valuable resource for professional growth.'

The importance of self-care

The book also reinforced the importance of self-care to prevent burnout. It reminded me of the need to re-energise and stay committed to our patients, which only happens when we prioritise our own wellbeing. It emphasises starting small with healthy habits like getting better sleep, focusing on nutrition, and making time for recovery. These small steps, practised consistently, can help with the elusive ‘work-life balance’. Yet, I still wrestle with the idea of balancing work and life versus aligning them. While the book explores both concepts with expert insights, I find myself wondering if either is fully achievable. Perhaps it’s a personal struggle, but in a field as demanding as health care, the idea of achieving both seems like an ever-moving target.

Sections II and III of the book struck a chord with me as they highlighted qualities every physiotherapist needs, especially the power of active listening. Building a therapeutic alliance with patients requires that deep, genuine listening, being a ‘generative listener’. But, in practice, it’s often affected by time constraints and the energy we have left, especially in those late-day appointments. It all circles back to healthy habits – such as sleep, nutrition and mental fitness – that can help us sustain the patience and focus our patients deserve.

Sections II and III also emphasised the importance of mentorship, networking, and collaboration. Having completed a leadership course, I know these principles are essential, as they were repeated often, and I’ve seen their benefits first-hand in my own career. Applying these concepts has been transformative, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone in the field.

Overall, the book is well-researched, insightful, and genuinely transformative. I would recommend it to any physiotherapist – whether they’re just starting their career or have years of experience. There’s something valuable here for everyone!

Strengths

The book shines in its collection of reflections led by experts, making it easy to connect with real-world physiotherapy practice. I appreciated the manual-like instructions that make it feel like a practical guide you can refer to repeatedly. The writing style, a blend of persuasive, narrative, and expository voices, is engaging and complements the depth of content and contributions from various authors. The structure is user-friendly, and I particularly liked the mini-summaries and key takeaways at the end of each chapter. The self-directed reflections and tasks were an excellent touch, making it feel interactive and engaging.

Weakness

A few minor criticisms! Firstly, on the diversity of expert voices: while a few chapters feature insights from female professionals, I feel the book would benefit from additional perspectives from women in physiotherapy, especially in the final section focused on reflections and career journeys.

Secondly, I noticed that most authors and contributors to this book come from backgrounds in sports and MSK physiotherapy, so, understandably, much of the expertise shared reflects these specialties. In several chapters, discussions on the challenges of high demands, stressful situations, and unmanageable workloads tended to focus on sports and MSK physiotherapy settings. However, I wondered if a more inclusive approach incorporating other specialties within physiotherapy might have further enriched these discussions. Insights from hospital-based or community-based physiotherapists, for instance, could have broadened the perspectives offered. However, as the book illustrates well, the essential skills it highlights are highly transferable across various physiotherapy and healthcare settings.

A brief mention of physiotherapists working with children, for example, could have added valuable perspectives. What are the unique experiences and challenges for those in paediatric settings compared to colleagues working with adults? Reflections from paediatric physiotherapists might have offered an interesting contrast and enhanced the book’s overall scope.

Final thoughts

Overall, the book is well-researched, insightful, and genuinely transformative. I would recommend it to any physiotherapist – whether they’re just starting their career or have years of experience. There’s something valuable here for everyone!

Chukwuemeka Nnuji is a frailty link physiotherapist and an advanced clinical practitioner at an NHS trust

To read a PhysioUpdate QA with David Clancy, the book's first editor (titled Meet David Clancy, lead editor of a book titled Essential Skills for Physiotherapists and much more!), click