The Confident Body Show

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael sits down with MD Health client Sian Fereday to talk about finding out you have osteoporosis early in life and what you can do about it.

An osteoporosis diagnosis can be confronting, particularly when you're younger and may not expect to be thinking about your bone health. But finding out you have osteoporosis doesn't mean there's nothing you can do.

In this conversation, Sian shares her experience of living with osteoporosis, while Michael explores what people can do to support their bone health and why the right approach to exercise matters.

It's a conversation about understanding your diagnosis, taking practical steps to look after your bones, and recognising that osteoporosis doesn't have to mean giving up the things you love.

For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael sits down with 75-year-old MD Health client Jane Madden to talk about her journey with osteoporosis.

Jane had known she had osteopenia for years, but in 2023, a DEXA scan showed osteoporosis in her spine. Instead of letting that stop her, she worked with the MD Health team to gradually build up her strength training and introduce impact work.

In this honest conversation, Jane talks about learning to trust the process, why heavier lifting and jumping didn't feel as scary as she expected, and the results she's seen in her bone density.

She also shares something that often gets overlooked: how having a routine, staying active and making social connections can become such an important part of feeling good as we get older.

At 75, Jane's story is a great reminder that getting older doesn't mean you stop challenging your body. Sometimes, it's about finding the right support to help you do it confidently.

For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by podiatrist Dr. Abbie Najjarine to explore the connection between foot health, biomechanics and the way the whole body moves.

Dr. Najjarine shares his personal journey from experiencing chronic pain as a child to studying engineering and eventually becoming a podiatrist after finding answers to his own pain. His experience shaped his belief that understanding the cause of pain is just as important as treating the symptoms.

Michael and Dr. Najjarine discuss how foot mechanics, including pronation and ground reaction forces, can affect the alignment and movement of the rest of the body. They also explore the Nardurin Biomechanical Assessment System, which Dr. Najjarine developed to help identify underlying mechanical issues and guide more personalised treatment, including the appropriate use of orthotics.

The conversation also covers the importance of early intervention, particularly in children, and how genetics, footwear and individual foot mechanics can influence long-term foot health.

Whether you're experiencing foot or lower-limb pain, considering orthotics, concerned about your child's foot development or simply want to understand how your feet affect the rest of your body, this episode offers valuable insight into looking beyond the symptoms and understanding the bigger picture.

For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by MD Health client Jane Normoyle to share her experience of undergoing two hip replacements and how preparing her body and mind before surgery made a significant difference to her recovery.

Michael and Jane discuss Jane's journey with osteoarthritis, how she knew it was time for surgery, and why the decision should be based on quality of life rather than age. Jane also shares what she learned from her first hip replacement and how it helped her prepare differently for her second.

The conversation explores the importance of prehab, including building strength, staying active and preparing mentally for surgery. Jane explains how three months of consistent preparation helped her feel stronger and more confident going into surgery and supported her recovery afterwards.

They also discuss the psychological side of rehabilitation, the importance of confidence, and how the right support can help patients feel more prepared throughout the recovery process.

Whether you're considering a hip replacement, preparing for surgery or recovering from one, this episode offers a valuable patient perspective on why getting stronger before surgery can make such a difference.

For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by fellow physical therapist Karen DeSimone to explore what it really takes to achieve long-term recovery from back pain.

Together, Michael and Karen discuss why traditional approaches to treating back pain often fall short and why a more comprehensive, outcome-focused model is essential for lasting results. They explain the importance of patient education, changing beliefs around pain, and giving the body the time and training it needs to recover properly.

The conversation dives into the role of core stability, muscle control, and strength in preventing recurring back pain, highlighting why foundation work and movement quality are just as important as building strength. They also discuss the long-term journey of recovery, the milestones patients can expect along the way, and the systemic challenges within healthcare that can make sustainable recovery difficult to achieve.

Whether you're currently experiencing back pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to prevent future issues, this episode offers practical insights into building a stronger, more resilient body and creating lasting change.

For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, host Michael Dermansky is joined by Rob Gregory, who shares his personal journey of overcoming back pain and building a stronger, more resilient body through clinical Pilates and strength training.

Rob reflects on the challenges of managing back injuries, the lessons he learned along the way, and how combining stability, control, and strength helped him regain confidence in his body. Together, Michael and Rob discuss why strength alone isn't enough, the critical role that movement control plays in injury prevention, and how a balanced approach to exercise can support long-term back health.

They also explore the value of professional guidance when returning to exercise after injury, how structured training can help people move beyond pain, and why investing in your physical health can have a positive impact on every area of life.

Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing back pain, or simply looking to stay strong and active as you age, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for building a more confident body.

For more expert advice on building a confident, healthy body, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Connor Sjogren to explore one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare: back pain.

Together, they unpack why back pain occurs, the most common conditions affecting the lower back, and why many people struggle to find lasting relief. Michael and Connor discuss the limitations of passive treatments alone and explain why building strength, control, and confidence through movement is often the key to long-term recovery.

The conversation highlights the role of Clinical Pilates as an effective rehabilitation tool, providing a personalised and supportive approach to improving core strength, movement control, and overall function. They also discuss why individualised treatment plans are essential and how strength training can help build resilience and reduce the risk of future flare-ups.

If you're living with back pain or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights and a reassuring message: with the right plan and guidance, back pain can improve, and you can get back to doing the things you enjoy with confidence.

This week on The Confident Body Show, Michael Dermansky is joined by Will Ryan for an in-depth conversation on osteoarthritis, unpacking why it is far more than a simple wear-and-tear condition.

The conversation unpacks the underlying factors that contribute to osteoarthritis, including the role of cartilage, bone, muscle strength, joint loading, and inflammation. Michael and Will discuss why exercise remains one of the most effective tools for managing symptoms, how weight management and nutrition can support joint health, and where medications and surgical interventions may fit within a broader treatment plan.

They also address the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to care, including prehabilitation before surgery and structured rehabilitation afterwards, highlighting how the right support and treatment pathway can significantly improve long-term outcomes, mobility, and quality of life for individuals living with osteoarthritis.

If you or someone you know is dealing with osteoarthritis, this episode offers practical, evidence-based insights to help you move with more confidence and less pain.

For more expert advice on managing joint pain and improving long-term mobility, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

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 health, and why rest and recovery are critical for adaptation and progress.

They also address the uncertainty and fear many women in their 50s and 60s experience around exercise, sharing practical insights on how intentional programming, appropriate loading, and professional guidance can help women build strength safely and confidently over time.

For more expert insights on exercising with confidence and building strength for long-term health, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.

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 classes.

Through real-world examples, Michael and Will highlight how combining clinical Pilates with targeted strength training leads to better outcomes, from improved confidence and performance to long-term health and longevity.

For more expert insights on building a confident, strong body at any age, visit mdhealth.com.au/articles.