Past IRMA Conference
IRMA Conference 2012
On Sunday 14th October the IRMA Conference 2012 was held at Hilton on the Park Melbourne with a fabulous attendance of nearly 140 Myotherapists.
The day was sponsored by Firm N Fold with trading exhibitors Therapeutic Pillows and Acuneeds.
The theme for the day was ‘Building for the Future’ which entailed many great Presentations. The day started off with Management Guru Jim Cummane who spoke to everyone about how to manage your business through the hard and good times. His presentation was based on how to control your business through direction and strategy and what risks you might face in doing so.
His presentation was followed by Leading Accountant, Laurel Arndt and Financial Advisor, Peter Hartnell who spoke about how take control of your business finances, and how to protect you and your family if something were to happen to your business or yourself. Laurel spoke about the responsibilities and entitlements Myotherapists have whether you are an employer, employee or contractor, these included discussions about Superannuation, Tax – what you are and are not entitled to claim etc. Peter went on to speak about how we can secure our business and income in the unfortunate event of illness or inability to earn an income. He elaborated on the insurances a Myotherapist, along with many self-employed people, should have like income protection.
The Toni Moynihan Award was awarded to a very worthy recipient, Sam Rigby, who was unfortunately away at the time of the Presentation. It was accepted on her behalf by her friend and colleague, Liz Astling.
A highlight for the day was the group discussion, which was moderated by Dr Karen Lucas with a panel of highly regarded Myotherapists, discussing personal experiences and management of their own businesses.
In the afternoon 3 workshops were held, including “Tendinopathy” by Ebonie Scase, which was filled with an abundance of knowledge of how we can assess, treat and maintain tendons within our bodies. Ebonies’ background in Sports Physiotherapy and Advanced Education gave a very interesting approach to how we can help our diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Karen Lucas presented “Exercise Prescription in the treatment of muscle pain and dysfunction”, which went into what is really happening within Myofascial Trigger Points on Muscle Function.
Dr. Julia Treleaven presented “Management of Neck and Head Pain”, which gave a better understanding of treatment goals and planning for someone with chronic neck and whiplash. She also spoke about when and when not to treat and what options might be better.
The Cocktail hour ended the day, which was a great way for everyone to network and enjoy some nibbles and a glass of bubbles.
All in all a wonderful day.
Kara Pratt
Vice-President, IRMA Board 2012