Meet David Kwong, Senior Physio at Norwest
I’ve been involved in a variety of sports all my life including: football, tennis, athletics and more recently dragon boat racing. While I’ve always loved what I do, I’m also accustomed to the setbacks that injury provides having had them myself and seen the impact they have had on my teammates and friends. In light of this, it always made sense that a career in Physiotherapy would be a great fit, due to my interest in the body and performance, as well as helping people.
While sports has been a big part of my attraction to Physiotherapy, I’ve also seen the great benefits it has had on people from all sorts of backgrounds.
When you come and see me, my goal will be to work on a diagnosis that focuses not just on the specific damage, but the cause of the problem that led to you seeking care. Together, we’ll create a treatment and rehabilitation plan that focuses on your goals and what you want to be able to do while using the best available research.
Qualifications & Certifications
Bachelors of Physiotherapy
Segmental and Dry Needling
Sports Trainer SMA Level 1
“ I promise to take the time to make a plan that works for both us, and keep us both accountable to make sure that we’re following through”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO PEOPLE’S LIVES?
Making a difference to people’s lives means being someone that people can rely on to be there for them. It involves being a great practitioner, but more than that it’s about being trustworthy, caring and doing the little things which make a difference.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO PHYSIOTHERAPY?
Having a profession where I could talk and work with people on their health drew me in the most and the fact that it could also be done with a basis of exercise and movement is also important to me. I was initially most inspired by the idea of working with athletes and people in sport, but as I got closer to becoming a physiotherapist, I realized that people with all sorts of backgrounds and interests can benefit from physiotherapy and a lot of personal satisfaction comes from that.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Don’t try to understanding everything. Because sometimes it’s not meant to be understood, but accepted.
WHAT IS YOUR PROMISE TO PATIENTS?
My patient promise is to go above and beyond what is expected. While always aspiring to be a great practitioner and improving my clinical skills, for me it’s taking the time to get to know our patients and really understand what drives and motivates them. I promise to take the time to make a plan that works for both us, and keep us both accountable to make sure that we’re following through. It also means having the humility and understanding that none of us can do it on our own, and sometimes it takes the help of other practitioners, coaches, friends and family to make a difference to our patients’ lives and being able to ask for that help and collaborate is crucial.
WHAT TYPES OF PATIENTS DO YOU ENJOY WORKING WITH THE MOST AND WHY?
I really enjoy the detail and specificity involved in barbell sports which leads to in depth problem-solving and collaborative trial and error with patients. I also get a lot from seeing patients who participate in sports that I’ve had a lot of experience in as well, such as paddling, tennis and running, because it's great to be able to incorporate more personal experiences into treatment and rehabilitation.
SHOUTOUT ONE PERSON THAT HAS INSPIRED YOU AND WHY?
Mary, a former coach of mine. She taught me how to be a better communicator through listening and that being a good leader isn’t always about being the best, but being able to understand who you’re actually leading. She is incredibly patient and understanding and I strive to be more like her every day.
IF THEY MADE A MOVIE ABOUT YOU, WHO WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY YOU?
Channing Tatum, have you seen the rig on that bloke?
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU HAVE ACHIEVED THAT, IF YOU COULD TIME TRAVEL, YOU WOULD WANT TO TELL YOUR 10 YEAR OLD SELF?
Through a lot of hard work and perseverance, one day you will become a three time Australian representative and get to live through the magical moments of representing your friends, family and country.
