Cliff Chan
- MSc Manipulative Physiotherapy (HKPU)
- BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy UK, HCPC
- Accredited Acupuncture Practitioner (HKPA)
- Registered Physiotherapist (HK, UK)
- Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy (UK)
Areas of Expertise:
- Ergonomic and movement disorder
- Postural adjustment and functional training
- Neck and back pain
- Neck related headaches
- Post-operative care to return to sports or functional activities
- Ankle sprains
- Specific muscles strengthening
- Manual therapy including soft tissue release, joint mobilisation
- Acupuncture
Tell us about your background in physiotherapy.
I became interested in physiotherapy during my sports science studies in high school. I was intrigued by the way individual muscles work together to produce movement, which led me to explore the field further at Keele University in the UK. After completing my studies, I returned to Hong Kong and continued to develop my practical, manual skills and extensive knowledge by earning a diploma in Acupuncture and pursuing postgraduate studies in Manipulative Physiotherapy.
I began my career as a physiotherapist in a private hospital in Hong Kong. This experience provided me with a wealth of learning opportunities and vast exposure to a diverse range of conditions and diseases. After my time in the hospital, I worked in both the university health services at the University of Hong Kong and orthopedic doctors, where I treated a wide range of disorders. These experiences have given me the vast skills and knowledge to provide patients with a comprehensive approach to treatment, tailored to their individual needs.
What are your interests/areas of expertise in physiotherapy?
I believe that chronic pain and disorders stem from specific habits or movement patterns, rather than just acute injuries. As a healthcare provider, I am passionate about identifying these underlying issues through a detailed assessment, and addressing them with a variety of techniques, including manual therapies, acupuncture, and strengthening exercises.
My approach to treating chronic pain and disorders involves a thorough examination of the patient's medical history, as well as their current symptoms and lifestyle habits. By taking a holistic approach, I am able to identify the root causes of the patient's pain or discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
I believe that manual therapy and acupuncture can be highly effective in reducing pain and restoring mobility, while strengthening exercises can help to improve overall function and prevent future injury. By combining these techniques with patient education and ongoing support, I strive to help my patients achieve long-lasting relief from chronic pain and a healthier, more active lifestyle.
What is the most fulfilling part of this job?
As a physiotherapist, I enjoy being a 'detective' and identifying faulty movement patterns or lifestyle habits that contribute to my patients' pain. By developing personalized treatment plans, I help patients make progress and achieve their goals, whether it's recovering from an injury or improving overall physical function. I see myself as a supportive teammate, empowering patients to be engaged in their own care.
Physiotherapy is a collaborative process that involves working closely with patients to develop treatment plans that are tailored to their unique needs and goals. By taking a team-based approach, I am able to help my patients feel empowered and engaged in their own care, which can be incredibly motivating and rewarding for both myself and my patients. Whether I am working with a high-performance athlete or an elderly patient recovering from surgery, I always strive to be a supportive and empathetic teammate, helping my patients to achieve their full potential and live their best possible lives. Witnessing my patients make progress and achieve their goals is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Tell us about a life-changing experience or adventure you’ve been on.
As a teenager, I had the opportunity to attend the 8-day Outward Bound adventure camp. This program offers a wide range of outdoor education and experiential learning programs that help participants develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience. During the program, I was assigned to different groups and collaborated with my fellow participants to complete various challenges and achieve common goals.
One of the highlights of the program was spending seven days living in tents on rural islands across Hong Kong. This experience gave me the chance to immerse myself in nature and learn basic survival skills such as setting up a campsite, cooking over an open fire, and navigating through the wilderness. It was a unique opportunity to disconnect from technology and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
The program also presented physical, mental, and emotional challenges that pushed me beyond my limits. For instance, I had to climb tall trees and cross fast-flowing rivers, which required me to overcome my fears and develop courage and determination. Through these experiences, I learned to be more resilient and adaptable, which has helped me to face challenges in other areas of my life.
What are your personal interest?
I am passionate about sports and staying active through different exercises, including bodybuilding, cardiovascular fitness, and functional training. I also love football and enjoy watching matches and playing fantasy football with friends. In addition to sports, I have a strong curiosity in innovation, particularly in technologies, non-fungible tokens, and cryptocurrency.