From an early age, Alaina Collins was never going to be the kind of person to sit still in an office. She had to be moving, talking and thinking - all at once. Being a physiotherapist allows Alaina to do all three and more every day. She loves interacting with people and helping them get their lives back on track. She says, “With the addition of Pilates, I feel like I can tick the creative box as well.”
How did you come to be a physiotherapist?
At one stage I thought I would become a psychologist but my mum told me she was worried I would take everyone’s problems home with me. She was right, I can wake up some nights and think, “That’s it! That’s what I have to try with my client tomorrow.”
I don’t really know when I decided I wanted to be a physiotherapist, but I knew I had to do something that helped other people and physiotherapy was it for me.
What do you love about your job?
The diversity every day. No two people are the same and there is no ‘recipe’ for every injury. All treatments have to be individualised to succeed and it’s the successes that get you out of bed every day.
What do you find challenging?
There is never enough time in the day! As a physio, you feel like the job is never done, there is always something you can change, albeit small improvements at higher functioning levels, but improvements just the same. So when do you stop?
How do you differ from other physiotherapists?
Good question. From the very beginning I have been told by lecturers, employers and clients that I have a great rapport with people and that my passion for physiotherapy shows in my treatments. I love what I do, and I strive to achieve the best, and if that cannot be achieved with physiotherapy I am more than willing to refer to other professions if needed. I will not waste someone’s time and you will also never hear me say “nothing can be done, it’s just old age.” You can always make a difference.
Can you share an anecdote about a case?
The most common theme that springs to mind is, “I’ve been to plenty of physios and they have never performed an assessment like that.” We do not have x-ray vision, things need to be assessed and ruled out, and the client needs to be seen as an entirety, not just as one body part.
What do you do to care for yourself?
As a physio, you cannot work all day watching people exercise and not do anything yourself - it makes you feel incredibly lazy and guilty. Over the years I have belonged to gyms, and then moved into Pilates for strength and flexibility training. Now, at Movement Lab we have both. Couple that with a treadmill and a rower at home, I keep up with regular exercise and feel good because of it.
What’s your advice to people seeking physiotherapy?
You need to trust your physiotherapist and although it would be lovely to always have
a lie down and be fixed, it does involve a bit of effort in between appointments to ensure you have a speedy recovery. Remember to ask questions. Although you may feel bossed around, you are the one in control of your injury or goals.
MOVEMENT LAB, L3/S1 58 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, T: 09 360 0008,
www.movementlab.co.nz