Coolum physio recognised

A Coolum sports physiotherapist studying a PhD at University of the Sunshine Coast has been recognised for his research into whiplash injuries.

Phil Gabel is a former professional triathlete and current Coolum surf club patrol captain who has practised physiotherapy for 25 years.

He investigated why it took some patients longer than others to recover from whiplash and how individual recovery times could be better predicted.

“I’ve treated whiplash patients and I’ve also had minor injuries from car and bike accidents, so I became interested in working out what stops some people recovering quickly – how much is physical or mental,” Mr Gabel said.

He devised simple methods of analysis, including a questionnaire and focusing on the angle of the impact and rotation of the head during impact. This was developed into a software package.

Mr Gabel was named USC’s Best Early Career Researcher 2009 after presenting his topic, “Predicting long-term impairment in general practitioner whiplash patients – a simple approach” to a recent USC research conference.

He said his methods had practical applications, not only for use by GPs but also therapists, employers, insurance companies and sporting clubs.

“It’s an inexpensive but effective approach to determining how a patient’s treatment and rehabilitation is progressing, particularly past the six-month mark,” he said.

Mr Gabel, a former touring physiotherapist with Australian teams at world triathlon titles and Commonwealth Games, said his current PhD research at USC focused on the screening and outcomes of chronic injuries to the spine and limbs.