Mindful Rehab, Chronic Pain & Invisible Illnesses with Oliver Crossley (Yogic Physio)
In this episode of the Back to Your Best Podcast, I sat down with Oliver Crossley—physio, yoga teacher, and the founder of Yogic Physio—to talk about how mindfulness, breathwork, and a holistic approach to rehab can transform the way we help people living with persistent pain and invisible conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and POTS.
Oliver’s unique blend of clinical expertise and deep mindfulness practice offers a refreshing—and much-needed—approach to allied health care. His story spans from working in physio clinics on the Gold Coast to meditating in Tibetan monasteries, and he brings a depth of wisdom and calm that shines through in this episode.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:
1. Mindfulness is more than meditation—it’s a clinical tool
Breathwork, body scans and mindful movement aren't just feel-good add-ons. They can help downregulate the nervous system, shift the pain experience, and reconnect people with their bodies—especially those dealing with chronic stress or anxiety. As Oliver puts it, “Our body knows how to heal—it just needs the right environment.” Mindfulness helps create that.
2. EDS, POTS and invisible illnesses require a supportive, flexible rehab approach
Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS are more common than most people think—and often misunderstood. Oliver breaks down how things like salt loading, compression garments, and smart strength training can make a real difference. And above all, people with these conditions need to be heard, believed, and supported with individualised care.
3. Strength and calm go hand in hand
One of my favourite takeaways: we don’t just need to “build people up” with rehab—we also need to “calm people down.” Whether through heavy trap bar deadlifts or a guided breathwork session, rehab is about finding the right blend of intensity and rest, depending on where each person is at in their journey.
At Scope, we’re proud to be part of this movement—offering mindfulness-based rehab, combining strength and support, and helping people not just recover, but thrive.
👉 Want to learn more or join our program?
Check out the Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program and get back to doing what you love.
