An interview with Physio Chris Tiley from Never Too Old to Lift

An interview with Physio Chris Tiley from Never Too Old to Lift

1. What was your biggest hesitation or struggle when you first thought about starting a YouTube channel? (confidence, time, tech?)

My biggest hesitation was definitely the fear of being on camera, combined with imposter syndrome. There are so many confident personalities in the physiotherapy/rehabilitation space, and with all the criticism that happens on social media, it felt really daunting to put myself out there. I'm pleased to say that this hasn't been an issue, despite a few odd comments, the vast majority are appreciative of the message I'm trying to spread and are very supportive.

2. What's been the biggest benefit of having a YouTube channel as a professional? (more patients, credibility, income, reach, opportunities)

There have been several benefits I wasn't expecting. At school, I did Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Art for AS levels, then dropped Art to focus on the sciences for A-levels. I've always missed having that creative side, and now I really enjoy taking an idea and going through the whole process to create a video that can help educate or inspire others.  It's given me the creative outlet that I was missing.

Because of my YouTube channel and the "Never Too Old to Lift" brand, I've been invited to speak at Therapy Expo - a conference for physiotherapists and other rehab professionals - and I'm speaking there again this year. I never could have imagined standing in front of an audience at a conference! 

Through my podcast interviews that I post on the channel, I've had the chance to network with other experts related to helping older adults start strength training. It's been a brilliant way to not only learn directly from them but to guide conversations toward topics I'm genuinely curious about.

I'm not monetised on YouTube yet, so that's not a main driver, but knowing it's a possibility in the near future makes what I already enjoy doing even more appealing. I'm certain the channel has helped attract clients to my physiotherapy practice. These days, unless someone has a personal recommendation, they're doing their due diligence and looking up potential physios in their area. I feel that having more of an online presence gives them confidence that I am someone who they can see themselves working with. As a result, I end up seeing more of the type of patients that I enjoy treating.

3. If you could give one piece of advice to another health professional thinking about YouTube, what would it be?

I'd say just start - it really has never been easier. Take one question you've been asked recently, or one idea you have, and create a video about it. You can even use ChatGPT or similar tools to help brainstorm talking points and organise them (just don't copy anything word for word - I only use it for helping form ideas).

Then pick up your smartphone, press record, and upload to YouTube. Don't worry about fancy editing at the start - just get used to talking to the camera and posting videos. The advantage of starting when you have no audience is that only a few people will see your first videos, so you can always take them down later if you want. But unless you post those first videos, you won't learn how to make the next ones better.

4. How has your channel changed the way you practice or connect with people?

I've learned to get the same message across in fewer words while still having the same impact. YouTube viewers can be quite ruthless - they'll swap to another video as soon as they hear too much repetition or unnecessary lengthy sections. I've learned that being more concise actually makes you appear more confident, which is something I'm still working on since I've always been someone who uses more words than needed. This has definitely helped me communicate better in the clinic.

It's also been really helpful having a catalogue of videos I can point patients toward so they can review explanations and exercises at home. Instead of trying to remember everything I've told them in the appointment, they can go back and watch the relevant video as many times as they need. This has made my patient education much more effective and gives people more confidence to actually follow through with what we've discussed.

With thanks to Chris Tiley MCSP for taking the time to share this with us. 

Next check out Chris's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@NeverTooOldtoLift