My Physiotherapy Career Journey with Vivir Healthcare - Matt W
My career journey with Vivir Healthcare began in 2020 when I started working as a Sydney-based contractor physiotherapist. And yes, you’re thinking correctly – NSW and Sydney experienced the first of many lockdowns pretty soon after! Despite the restrictions, I continued to provide essential home care services and even had the opportunity to explore telehealth. It was truly a privilege to work with clients during this challenging time when they couldn't have any other visitors.
In 2021, I had the opportunity to transition to a full-time role in home care. One of the highlights was regularly seeing several clients in their 90s, helping them improve their balance and mobility. One remarkable client I supported was still climbing up and down 16 stairs at the front of her house at the age of 98!
That same year, I took on the role of clinical lead for our home care clinicians in NSW and ACT. This position allowed me to support and guide new clinicians joining the team as they navigated the complexities of the home care environment. Additionally, I began working in a hybrid role, balancing homecare with residential aged care. This combination was enriching, providing a broader perspective on assessing and managing aged clients in different settings. Building relationships with clients through multiple weekly visits led to engaging conversations about politics, sports, crosswords, and many delightful stories which I really enjoyed as well.
The years 2021 and 2022 were significant for my career growth, with multiple roles offering numerous opportunities to expand my skills. Although juggling time between various responsibilities was challenging, it was equally rewarding to see both clinical results and personal development. To support my work and feed my passion and interest in musculoskeletal injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, exercise therapy, and Parkinson’s disease, I pursued further training in aged care, hydrotherapy, Sports Level 1, and Parkinson's disease.
In 2023 and 2024, my primary focus has been in the home care space. During this period, I have had the privilege to support a wide variety of clients from all walks of life — from an incredibly motivated post-stroke client who did 100 squats in response to my request for 10, to a client who loved to sing. My work has ranged from setting mobility goals, such as walking to the local shops, to functional goals like standing up from a chair, and addressing various conditions including post-surgery recovery, lower back pain, and Parkinson's disease. It has been a joy to work with such diverse individuals and to witness their progress.
I love working with and alongside people as they age, building relationships, offering support, and helping to make life easier and more manageable. It is one of the many reasons why I enjoy working at Vivir Healthcare. The opportunity we have to assist people when they are feeling vulnerable and to witness the joy that comes from their progress is incredibly fulfilling.
My journey with Vivir Healthcare has been very rewarding so far, and I look forward to continuing to grow and make a positive impact in the lives of my clients.
We are always on the lookout for amazing Physiotherapists with a passion for 'making lives better' to join our team right around Australia! Check out all our roles on our jobs page here.
