#37: AFLW physio insights: Injury rehab, player support & the future of women’s footy
Release Date: 03/14/2025
#46: The most important exercises after menopause
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by David Smith to explore why strength training becomes essential for women during and after menopause, and how training smarter (not harder) leads to better long-term results. The conversation unpacks the key physiological changes that occur during menopause, including the impact of reduced oestrogen on muscle, bone health, tendons, and recovery. Michael and David discuss why maintaining muscle mass should be the priority at this stage of life, how structured strength training supports metabolic, cognitive, and cardiovascular...
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#45: Why clinical Pilates OR strength training on their own isn’t enough (and what actually works)
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by one of MD Health's physiotherapists, Will Ryan, to explore why clinical Pilates and strength training aren’t opposing approaches, but powerful partners when it comes to performance, injury prevention, and long-term health. The conversation dives into the often-overlooked benefits of strength training as we age, including improvements in bone density, muscle mass, and overall resilience. They discuss why strength training can be safely introduced at any age, and how personalised programs consistently outperform generic group...
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Ep 44: Why Pain Isn’t Always Coming From Where You Feel It
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by Connor Sjogren, Osteopath at MD Health, to unpack a surprisingly common problem: when pain in one part of your body isn’t actually coming from where you feel it. They explore how back, hip, and pelvic issues can all mimic each other, often presenting with the same symptoms, and why getting the right diagnosis early is the key to long-term recovery. Michael and Connor break down the importance of looking at the whole body, not just the painful area, and how issues at the hips or ankles can quietly drive knee and back...
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#43: Build long-term strength in your 50s without stepping into a gym
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Lyne Strmecki, a competitive basketball player still going strong at 58, to discuss how to improve long-term strength without relying solely on gym workouts. They explore Lyne’s journey from elite sport to targeted rehabilitation, how COVID reshaped her approach to fitness, and why professional supervision makes all the difference when it comes to safe, effective training. Lyne also shares how strength and conditioning have helped her stay confident on the court, and in everyday life. For more expert advice on building a...
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#42: From chronic pain to a 60-kilo squat: The power of a second opinion
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Tania Cicmil, founder of Mindstate Coaching and a high-performance mindset strategist, to discuss what to do when your body just doesn’t feel right, and why getting a second opinion can change everything. They unpack why lack of progress after seven weeks may signal the need for a new approach, and how staying consistent for the first three months can deliver real, lasting results. Tania also shares why building muscle and bone strength, especially for women over 50, is key to living an active, healthy life for decades...
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#Ep 41: Nutrition after 35: forget diets, focus on health
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by nutritional health expert Tracy Davies to explore what truly matters when it comes to long-term health, and it’s not just about weight. They unpack how good nutrition isn’t about restriction or perfection, but about fuelling your body for energy, strength, and longevity. Tracy shares how nutrition supports muscle and bone health, heart function, and metabolism, especially as we age, and why small, realistic changes are more powerful than strict diets. They also tackle a common barrier: the fear of being judged. Tracy...
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#40: The secret to getting stronger? it’s not more exercise
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by sports physiotherapist Kusal Goonewardena to unpack the often-overlooked key to strength and performance: recovery. They dive into why recovery isn’t just rest—it’s a structured part of every smart training plan. From sleep quality and hydration to stress, nutrition, and tracking tools like HRV, Kusal shares how to spot when your body isn’t bouncing back and what to do about it. Whether you're training regularly or just want to feel better day to day, this episode helps you understand how to balance effort with...
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#39: Running after injury—how to make a safe return
The Confident Body Show
This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Loris Bertolacci to explore what it really takes to return to running after an injury. From hamstring strains to calf issues, they break down how to recover safely, avoid common mistakes, and know when you're truly ready to run again. Loris shares expert tips on strength training, managing load, and the fine line between rehab and performance training. If you're eager to get back on track—stronger and smarter—this episode is a must-listen. For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit .
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#38: Back to triathlons at 66!
The Confident Body Show
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Jackie Kenny, a 66-year-old triathlete and martial artist, to explore how staying active, strong, and purposeful can transform the way we age. Jackie reflects on her rich athletic journey—from her first triathlon in 1984 to her dedication to karate—and the challenges she’s overcome with injury and recovery. A key part of her comeback was training at MD Health, where a personalised program helped her rebuild strength, improve mobility, and return to doing what she loves. Together, they discuss how the right mindset, structured strength training,...
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#37: AFLW physio insights: Injury rehab, player support & the future of women’s footy
The Confident Body Show
This week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Matt Pallozzi, Founder of Instinct Health and head physiotherapist for Collingwood’s AFLW program, to discuss the evolving landscape of women’s football and the unique challenges athletes face. Matt shares insights from his extensive experience in AFLW, including his time with Carlton and Collingwood, highlighting the distinct injury patterns in women’s football—particularly the prevalence of ACL injuries—and the impact of the league’s condensed season on recovery and performance. They explore the critical role of communication in...
info_outlineThis week, Michael Dermansky sits down with Matt Pallozzi, Founder of Instinct Health and head physiotherapist for Collingwood’s AFLW program, to discuss the evolving landscape of women’s football and the unique challenges athletes face.
Matt shares insights from his extensive experience in AFLW, including his time with Carlton and Collingwood, highlighting the distinct injury patterns in women’s football—particularly the prevalence of ACL injuries—and the impact of the league’s condensed season on recovery and performance.
They explore the critical role of communication in rehabilitation, from physios to coaches to players, and how better pathways, increased funding, and improved injury prevention strategies can help shape the future of the sport. Matt also reflects on the relationships built within the football community and the rewarding journey of founding Instinct Health, which has now grown to two locations with a dedicated team of eight physiotherapists.
Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the present and future of women’s football, injury prevention, and the importance of strong support networks in elite sport.
For more expert insights on building a confident body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.