After thirty years of physiotherapy practice in a wide range of areas including treating acute pain in athletes, rehabilitation, community health, pain management programs and student education, I undertook a PhD program in neurophysiology through the University of Melbourne and the Melbourne Brain Centre. My aim was to formulate an evidence based, common sense explanation that could help patients/practitioners understand why pain persisted long after injuries had healed or danger to tissues was past. I particulary wanted to explain pain from its earliest presentation in childhood and help people avoid surgery. Working with a great international team investigating pain mechanisms was a stimulating and highly rewarding eighteen months. However, calling into question an entire paradigm was awkward. I decided to return to my primary interest (treating individuals) and write a book based on my research. This is an ongoing process.
I enjoy research, learning and teaching. I have a post graduate Diploma in Health Education as well as an Arts Degree majoring in History and Philosophy of Science and Social Theory. The later fostered critical analysis. For over 20 years I have taught and developed modules for University of Melbourne physiotherapy students on Health Promotion, based on the WHO Social Model of Health.
Anne Brennan