Manchester 2024: Reflections on the CSP Conference and Beyond

Attending the CSP 2024 Conference in Manchester was more than just a professional milestone—it was a profound opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Presenting my poster at this event felt like stepping into a vibrant, dynamic research community where ideas flourish, challenges are shared, and inspiration is contagious. (Find the poster here) It reminded me why we do what we do, and why showing up to such spaces is not just a privilege but a necessity for anyone serious about evolving in their field.

Here’s a glimpse into the sessions that sparked new ideas and some personal reflections that may resonate with you.

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The Humanity Behind the Appointment: Psychologically Informed Interventions

Dr. Diarmuid Denneny, a pain specialist physiotherapist, and Christina, an expert patient living with persistent pain, delivered a thought-provoking session on Psychologically Informed Collaborative Conversations (PIC-C). Their discussion wasn’t just about innovative techniques—it was a call to approach care with humility, curiosity, and compassion.

One key takeaway was the stark reminder that every patient carries a story we only partially glimpse. Their journey to our consultation room may have been fraught with invisible challenges—be it emotional stress, logistical barriers, or recent upheavals in their personal lives. It’s easy to assume patients arrive ready and able to engage, but often, they’re not.

This reflection hit home when I considered my own approach, not just with patients but with colleagues. Taking a moment to pause, breathe, and ground myself before entering appointments or meetings can help me show up fully, ready to meet others where they are.

A second, equally transformative insight was about the distinction between goals and values. As physiotherapists, we’re often laser-focused on setting and achieving goals with our patients. But this session made me realize how limiting goals can sometimes feel. Values, on the other hand, offer something enduring. For example, a patient with chronic pain may struggle to achieve a specific goal, but if we anchor care in their values—like persistence or accomplishment—we can help them appreciate progress and feel empowered. This shift in focus has already started reshaping how I approach care.

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Leadership: A Visionary Team Sport

Discussions with Gemma Garfield, an MSK service manager and passionate advocate for leadership, combined with insights from a dedicated session on the topic, redefined how I view team dynamics and organizational change.

Key Takeaways:

• Build a Values-Driven Team: Align the team’s values with the organization’s vision to create a foundation for collective growth and shared purpose.
• Communication is Key: Clear communication reduces resistance to change, fosters trust, and ensures accountability. After each meeting, summarize key points and create an action plan to maintain focus and follow through.
• Change Matters: Change is the drive for action. Bringing about change through people is the key to success, and leaders must act as drivers of this process.
• Stay on Track: Keep conversations focused by bringing them back to the central question when discussions drift. Before asking for ideas, ensure the question is clear to avoid unnecessary tangents.
• Manage Your Manager: Leadership isn’t just about those you supervise; it’s also about understanding and supporting those above you. Lessons from Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink resonated deeply here: knowing how your manager communicates and what they need helps you build trust and secure autonomy.

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Physiotherapy and the Environment: A Philosophical Lens

The Environmental Physiotherapy Association (EPA) sessions led by Filip Maric, Joost van Wijchen, Matthew Low, Danielle Munford, and Richard MacTire were highlights of the conference for me. As someone passionate about sustainability, these discussions felt both grounding and inspiring.

Insights and Reflections:
The sessions explored the intersection of physiotherapy and sustainability through various lenses—education, philosophy, and practical action. One standout theme was the sense of wonder: the idea that reconnecting with our natural environment can inspire care for both the planet and our patients. Recognizing the fauna and flora where we live, or simply taking time to reflect on the beauty around us, can deepen our appreciation for the interconnectedness of health and environment.

There was also a powerful emphasis on sustainability being about choices—how the narratives we create about our lives shape our actions. The debates revealed a mix of anxiety and curiosity, with questions like, What is the link between physiotherapy and the environment? Is it just about having recycling bins? The answer was both profound and simple: It has everything to do with it.

Sustainability, they argued, is about embedding ethical intent into every decision we make as clinicians, educators, and individuals. From curriculum design to clinic operations, our profession has the opportunity to lead by example. This conversation broadened my horizons and inspired me to explore new ways of embedding sustainability into my practice.

For those looking to dive deeper, I highly recommend engaging with the EPA‘s work and resources, including some thought-provoking conversations.

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The Consultant Physiotherapist: Defining a Multifaceted Role

The final session—a debate among four MSK consultants including Chris Mercer—centred on what it means to be a consultant physiotherapist. Should they be researchers, educators, leaders, or clinical experts?

Takeaway: The answer is all of the above. Each consultant shared their unique journey, highlighting the flexibility and individuality of this evolving role. While all emphasized the importance of balancing the four pillars—academia, education, leadership, and clinical expertise—it was clear there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This flexibility is a strength, offering opportunities to shape the role based on personal skills and passions.

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Recommended Resources: Expanding Perspectives

During off-session conversations, Matthew Low (@MattLowPT) / X shared some invaluable resources that have since broadened my perspective. One standout is the IFOMPT 2012 presentation by Roger Kerry and Linda-Joy Lee, which dives into complex musculoskeletal concepts with striking clarity (watch it here). Additionally, he recommended an eye-opening paper on low back pain that challenges traditional MSK approaches and encourages a more comprehensive understanding of this pervasive issue (read it here). These resources are a must for anyone looking to expand their clinical and conceptual toolkit.

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Why Conferences Matter

The CSP 2024 Conference didn’t just enrich my professional toolkit—it reignited my passion for this work. From psychologically informed care to sustainability and leadership, every session offered insights that will ripple through my practice.

But perhaps the most valuable takeaway was the reminder that growth happens in community. Conferences like this are spaces where ideas collide, relationships form, and inspiration takes root. If you’ve been hesitating about attending one, I can’t recommend it enough.

The connections you make, the insights you gain, and the renewed sense of purpose you leave with are well worth the investment. And maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself already planning for the next one.