Building Bulletproof Backs Ep 16 - Steve Coonan's Workers Comp Lessons

Welcome to the 16 th episode of the Building a Bulletproof Back podcast.

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To Build your own Bulletproof Back go Here
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This podcast aims to empower listeners with HOPE that healing is possible when you know how. We discuss strategic tools addressing mindset, movement & emotional health.

I am your host, Marion McRae, a physiotherapist & movement addict on a mission to see the existing model of treating back pain evolve. The current model is broken. It focusses almost entirely on the physical body, neglecting the fact that we are all both thinkers and feelers. When the thoughts in our head, and the emotions in our bodies are less than optimal, we fail to thrive.

My guest for this episode is another Margaret river Local - Steve Coonan. Steve and I met randomly at the dog park a few months back and within 5 minutes I knew he had a great back pain experience to share.  Several things appealed to me about Steve's story ; A diagnosis of Thoracic Disc ( is unusual) , his nightmare with the Workers compensation  system is worth a discussion, and his practical ability to pull himself out of the pain cycle into a functioning, happy guy  is not an easy thing to do. Steve was only too happy to pass on his wisdom.

And this podcast is the place to do it.

Who want's to listen to physio's and expert movers all day ? it's the real people having the real success that have such wisdom to pass on. I am truly grateful for all the guests that generously supply their time for this mission.

Favourite Quotes - 

• " I realised I was on my OWN " - if it's going to be - it's up to me 
• " She was a f@@kin bitch" - referring to his Worker Comp Case manager 
• "Beer and Drugs sometimes " - referring to his coping strategies sometimes 
• "make friends with the pain" - 
• " Cool Hand Luke - Get your mind right " 

Steve’s tools:

1.   Meditation
2.   Swimming 
3.   Walking in the bush with a dog 
4.   Breathing for a count of 4 

Steve's Top tips -

1.  Get your Head in Gear - you are alone - it's your journey 
2.  Meditation, and re-focus on other aspects of your life 
3.  You will get better, your body will adapt - Just know that. 
4.  On  Workers comp - Select your OWN people to help you 

Mentions : 
John McTaggart - Retired Margaret River Physiotherapist - Email me for John's Details 
Debbie White @ Tonic Pilates Rehabilitation 

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