Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Robyn Ringberg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Robyn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey that wove together my passions, experiences, and the desire to make a meaningful impact. It all started with personal training. I loved helping people achieve their fitness goals, but I soon realized I wanted to go deeper, to aid in their recovery and enhance their mobility beyond what I could as a trainer. This led me to pursue physical therapy, driven by a desire to help people move better and enjoy an active lifestyle.
During my education, I was particularly drawn to working with athletes and active individuals. A clinical experience in a neuro clinic opened my eyes to the incredible capabilities and adaptability of the human brain. The profound impact that specialized care could have on someone’s quality of life was both fascinating and deeply rewarding.
My final clinical rotation in an acute inpatient rehab setting at a trauma hospital further honed my skills. Here, I found myself creating innovative solutions for patients with complex injuries, blending my knowledge of physical limitations and brain injuries. This experience solidified my interest in combining trauma, neuro, and sports orthopedics.
The turning point came when I began practicing Muay Thai. A visit to support my gym mates at the TBA World Expo was eye-opening. Witnessing fighters struggling with injuries and their recovery between bouts, I felt a compelling urge to help. When a friend and fighter was in pain, unable to walk properly after a fight, I knew I had to step in. Using my skills to assist him in his recovery and seeing him able to fight again ignited a passion in me that I couldn’t ignore.
Driving home, I shared with my supportive partner my vision: to serve the martial arts community by opening a cash-based practice specializing in physical therapy and performance training for combat athletes. I wanted to help these athletes recover effectively, enhance their movement, increase their power, and protect their bodies in the sport they love.
Fast forward to today, Move Forward Physiotherapy and Performance has been growing for over a year and a half. I’ve had the privilege of helping combat athletes recover from injuries and win their next fights. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of such a vibrant community and to support athletes in achieving their dreams. This journey has been about connecting my skills with my passion and finding a niche where I can make a real difference. It’s more than a career; it’s a calling.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Move Forward Physiotherapy and Performance, we specialize in helping combat athletes not just recover from injuries, but win their next fight. Our approach is comprehensive and tailored specifically to the needs of combat sports athletes. We address everything from repetitive stress injuries and traumatic incidents to those persistent aches and pains that can hinder performance.
What excites me most about this work is the transformation we see in our athletes. It’s not just about recovery; it’s about empowering them to optimize their performance through a holistic approach. We focus on enhancing mobility, implementing combat sports-specific strength training, and employing advanced recovery techniques. This blend of services ensures that our athletes not only return to their sport but come back stronger and more resilient than ever.
Looking ahead to 2024, there are several exciting developments on the horizon. We’re launching an e-book that will provide valuable insights and strategies for injury prevention and performance enhancement in combat sports. This resource is designed to be accessible and beneficial for athletes at any level.
Additionally, we’re continuing our series of monthly workshops. These workshops have been a fantastic way for athletes to gain hands-on experience and knowledge in various aspects of their training and recovery processes.
Perhaps most thrilling is the launch of a brand-new program that will be offered entirely online. This development is particularly close to my heart, as it allows us to extend our reach globally. Athletes around the world will have access to our specialized training and recovery programs, breaking down geographical barriers and fostering a more inclusive combat sports community.
At Move Forward Physiotherapy and Performance, it’s about more than just treatment; it’s about fostering a community of athletes who are well-informed, well-prepared, and well-cared for. Our brand is synonymous with innovation, quality care, and a deep commitment to the well-being and success of combat athletes.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My journey has been shaped profoundly by three key elements: creative thinking, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of community and mentorship.
Thinking Outside the Box: Embracing innovation was crucial. The realization that just because something hasn’t been done before, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done, opened up a world of possibilities for me. Advice for Newcomers: Don’t be afraid to venture into uncharted territories. If you have an idea or a vision that challenges the norm, pursue it. It might just be the breakthrough that sets you apart.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: This was a personal challenge. It’s easy to get trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, especially when you’re doing something unconventional. Building a solid support system was key for me. Advice for Newcomers: Cultivate a network of support. If you don’t have one, take the initiative to connect with like-minded individuals. Find those who believe in you and your vision, especially for the moments when you might struggle to believe in yourself.
Surrounding Myself with the Right People: The impact of mentorship and surrounding myself with people who challenged and pushed me to grow cannot be overstated. Advice for Newcomers: Seek out mentors and coaches. Find someone who has achieved what you aspire to do. Their insights and guidance can be invaluable. Learning from someone a few steps ahead can accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls.
In conclusion, for those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace your unique ideas, build a supportive community, and seek mentorship. These elements not only facilitate personal and professional growth but also pave the way for innovation and success.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Overwhelm is a common experience, especially when you’re navigating the waters of entrepreneurship and dealing with the demands of a niche field like combat sports physiotherapy. My approach to handling this feeling is threefold.
First, I address the basics – I grab a snack, hydrate, or make a cup of tea. Sometimes, it’s as simple as physically moving my body to shift my mental state. It’s astonishing how often a bit of physical activity or even just a glass of water can recalibrate your mindset.
When the feeling of being overwhelmed is due to multitasking or facing a mountain of tasks, my strategy is to pause and prioritize. I ask myself, ‘What’s the most urgent task, or what will move my business forward the most?’ This helps me to focus and tackle things one at a time. Remember, it’s about doing the right thing at the right time, not everything at once.
If the overwhelm stems from venturing into uncharted territory, I lean on my support system. A conversation with a mentor or a colleague who has walked a similar path can provide clarity and reassurance. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone, and others have navigated these same challenges successfully.
Lastly, for those moments when self-doubt creeps in, I turn to what I call my ‘fuzzy feels folder.’ It’s a collection of positive testimonials from clients, impactful journal entries, and reminders of past successes. It serves as a tangible affirmation of my capabilities and the impact of my work.
My advice to others: When you feel overwhelmed, first, address your basic needs. Then, simplify and focus your tasks, seek guidance when stepping into new territories, and create a personal repository of positive feedback and achievements to remind yourself of your strengths and successes. It’s not about never feeling overwhelmed; it’s about knowing how to navigate through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.moveforwardphysioandperform.com
- Instagram: @moveforwardphysiotherapy
- Facebook: Move Forward Physiotherapy and Performance
- Linkedin: Robyn Ringberg
- Youtube: @MoveForwardPhysiotherapy
- Other: TikTok: @moveforwardphysiotherapy
Image Credits
Billy Perrier
