Exercise during cancer treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it shouldn’t be. Exercise physiologist and PhD candidate Brent Cunningham explains how auto-regulation helps patients adjust training on the fly, why both aerobic and resistance work matter, and how to dose sessions to support recovery instead of draining it. We cover safety considerations by treatment type, what to expect in a session, and practical ways to find programs and support in Australia.

Key Points:

• The “three buckets”: prevention, during treatment, survivorship

• Why intensity helps—and how to make it safe with RPE-based auto-regulation

• Picking the right levers: load, sets, reps, rest, and especially volume on high-fatigue days

• Aerobic vs resistance: cardiotoxicity considerations, muscle preservation, power, and function

• Peripheral neuropathy, bone metastases, radiation skin changes—what to modify and how

• Training timing around infusions; early research on the tumour microenvironment

• Supervised vs unsupervised: outcomes, behaviour change, and building self-efficacy

• How long it takes to move the needle on cancer-related fatigue (think 12–16 weeks)

• Finding services: Cancer Council, cancer-specific organisations, ESSA, ACSM

• Australian access: GP Chronic Disease Management Plan for subsidised sessions

• Brent’s project: building practical tools to adjust training day-to-day during chemo

Guest links:

• LinkedIn: Brent Cunningham

• Research: ResearchGate – Brent Cunningham

• Coaching & education: tmrwlabtraining

Scope & Show Notes:

• Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program (Ipswich)

• Resources mentioned: ESSA Position Statement; ACSM infographics; UBC Bone Metastases Exercise Hub; Cancer Council; Myeloma Australia

Chronic Pain: 5 Practical Tips to Support Your Recovery | Back to Your Best Rehab PodcastIn this solo episode, Dan shares 5 essential tips to help anyone navigating chronic pain and the challenges of longer-term rehab. These are the strategies he uses most often in clinic with patients dealing with persistent pain—and they can make a huge difference in your recovery journey.Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you simple, actionable advice to help make sense of the process, build consistency, and recognise real progress.🔄 Recovery isn’t linear—but it is possible.🧠 Learn how to set goals, manage setbacks, and reframe your pain experience with clarity and confidence.📌 Chapters:0:00 – Intro0:42 – Why These 5 Tips Matter1:26 – Tip 1: Begin with the End in Mind2:45 – Tip 2: The Highs and Lows of Recovery4:47 – Tip 3: Understanding Pain (Pain ≠ Damage)7:10 – Tip 4: The Power of Compounding and Consistency11:54 – Tip 5: Look for the 1% Wins14:50 – Final Thoughts & Referrals💬 If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs it.This podcast relies on word of mouth to reach more people who are working through pain and recovery. Every share helps us support others on their journey.📍 For more info or to work with us: www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au📲 Follow us on Instagram:  @scopesportsinjuryclinic  #ChronicPain #RehabTips #PainRecovery #BackToYourBest #PainScience #ChronicPainSupport #RehabPodcast

In this episode of Back to Your Best, Dan chats with Oliver Crossley—physio, yoga teacher, and founder of Yogic Physio—about the power of mindfulness, meditation, and movement in managing chronic pain and invisible illnesses like EDS and POTS.

They explore how Oliver’s personal journey through Tibetan monasteries, meditation practice, and working with people at the end of the road in their healthcare journey has shaped his unique approach to rehab. You’ll learn why downregulation is just as important as strength, how breathwork impacts pain, and how we can better support people with complex, misunderstood conditions.

Whether you're a clinician, coach, or someone managing chronic pain, this conversation is full of insights that blend science, humanity, and a whole lot of hope.

🔗 Learn more about our Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program here: www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au
📍 Based in Ipswich and helping people get back to doing what they love.

For more info on the Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program please visit www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au

In this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab podcast, Dan Rothenberg interviews Zane Bormann, who shares his extensive journey through pain and rehabilitation. Zane discusses his experiences with multiple injuries, the transformative power of strength training, and the emotional aspects of training while managing pain. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, support from coaches, and the psychological factors that drive individuals to overcome their limitations. Zane also highlights success stories from his coaching experience, showcasing the resilience of those who have faced significant challenges in their fitness journeys. In this conversation, Zane Bormann and Dan Rothenberg discuss the transformative effects of strength training, particularly in the context of injury recovery and long-term health. They emphasize the importance of understanding client goals and mindset, managing injuries and flare-ups, and the balance between technique and load in preventing injuries. The discussion also covers the impact of cumulative stress on injury risk and offers strategies for sustainable long-term training. Finally, they provide advice for individuals on their rehab journey, highlighting the importance of working with knowledgeable professionals and adjusting training loads as needed.takeaways

• Zane Bormann shares his journey through multiple injuries and surgeries.
• Strength training played a crucial role in Zane's rehabilitation.
• Emotional support is vital for clients dealing with pain.
• Coaching involves helping clients find joy in training despite injuries.
• Mindset shifts are essential for recovery and performance.
• Zane emphasizes the importance of a supportive team in rehabilitation.
• Success in powerlifting and bodybuilding can be achieved despite injuries.
• Understanding the mourning process of losing physical abilities is important.
• Clients often need to be reminded of their progress and potential.
• The psychology of pain and recovery is complex and varies for each individual. Strength training can lead to significant health improvements.
• Client mindset and belief in recovery are crucial.
• Identifying and improving weaknesses is key to progress.
• Managing flare-ups involves understanding their causes.
• Technique is vital when lifting at maximal loads.
• Cumulative stress can increase injury risk.
• Fat loss should not be a constant goal; it has its time.
• Taking weight off the bar can be necessary for recovery.
• Effective rehab requires specific, targeted approaches.
• A good coach is essential for injury prevention and management.

• Overcoming Pain: Zane Bormann's Journey
• Strength Training as Rehabilitation
• The Emotional Side of Pain Management
• Mindset Matters: Support in Recovery

• "I thought this guy was nuts."
• "I felt very confident."
• "I can't fix these people."
• "I never wanted to stop doing it."
• "It's about the big picture."
• "You don't want to lose that."
• "It's such a powerful thing."
• "Don't just ditch everything."
• "Fat loss is not a life sentence."

titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Zane Bormann's Journey03:05The Power of Strength Training in Rehabilitation06:14Emotional Aspects of Training and Pain Management08:51Mindset and Support in Overcoming Injuries11:58Success Stories in Powerlifting and Bodybuilding14:49The Psychology of Pain and Recovery22:17Transformative Power of Strength Training24:01Understanding Client Mindset and Goals27:33Managing Flare-Ups and Injuries29:57The Role of Technique vs. Load in Injury Prevention34:17Cumulative Stress and Injury Risk40:46Sustainable Long-Term Training Strategies42:22Advice for Those on a Rehab Journey

In this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab Podcast, sports chiropractor Luke Nelson discusses the common injuries associated with running, particularly focusing on Achilles tendinopathy. He shares insights on the prevalence of running injuries, the importance of understanding injury patterns, and the multifactorial nature of these injuries. Luke emphasizes the significance of a structured recovery plan and the psychological aspects of running, especially for those who identify strongly with the sport. He provides practical advice on injury prevention and management, highlighting the role of strength training and community support in a runner's journey. In this conversation, Luke discusses the complexities of injury recovery timelines, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual criteria rather than fixed timeframes. He highlights the significance of running technique, the necessity of listening to one's body, and the common myths surrounding running and injuries. Luke also stresses the role of strength training in enhancing performance and injury prevention, while addressing the mindset needed for recovery from conditions like tendinopathy.For more info head to www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au

In this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab podcast, Adam Henry shares his inspiring journey of recovery from chronic lower back pain, stemming from a long military career and various injuries. He discusses the challenges he faced, including mental health struggles, the importance of support systems, and the role of stress in pain management. Adam emphasizes the significance of rehabilitation, mindset, and staying active within a community, ultimately highlighting that recovery is a multifaceted process that requires both physical and mentalFor more information on the back 2 your best rehab program head to www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au

In this podcast, Leah shares her journey as a professional figure athlete and the complexities of dealing with chronic pain and injury. She discusses her experiences with various injuries, surgeries, and the mental health challenges that accompany chronic pain. Leah emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, intentionality, and curiosity in the rehabilitation process, as well as the significance of having a supportive network. The conversation highlights the turning points in her recovery and her current training goals as she prepares for future competitions.If you have a rehab & pain recovery story you'd like to share please reach out at [email protected]

For more information on the back 2 your best rehab program head to www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au