New York’s loss and The Alignment Studio’s gain, Michelle Labonia is a skilled Physiotherapist with qualifications from Penn State and the University of Melbourne. Initially working with professional sports teams, it was only after a stint in private practice that she found her true vocation—improving movement in the broader population.
Today, Michelle thrives on the challenge of working with patients of all ages, life stages and physical ability. However, her personal passion for fitness and hands-on, collaborative approach to recovery remains.
Read on to learn about Michelle’s path into physiotherapy, her ‘favourite’ injuries to work with, and her secret, all-American talent.
Why did you decide to become a physio?
I grew up in an active family and have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. In year 11, I made a funny turn during a basketball game and tore my ACL/MCL/meniscus—a season-ending knee injury! I had surgery on my knee, and during the process found myself curious about how and why my knee had been injured and what the operation and rehabilitation would entail.
Rather than taking my time away from sports as a negative, I really felt that I was learning a lot and I was able to persevere through my rehab exercises and return for the next high school volleyball season. After high school, I went off to Penn State University without having declared a major. My mother and grandmother were nurses, and so empathy, helpfulness and interest in healthcare is inherent to me.
I decided to study as an Athletic Trainer—an American version of a sports physio. It wasn’t until I worked in a private practice that I realised I could take the sport aspect out of the work I thought I had wanted to do, and I could develop more skills and more passion for working with a wider variety of patients. I love to learn and pursued my Doctor of Physiotherapy degree here in Melbourne and have absolutely loved working as a physiotherapist here.
What have been your career highlights so far?
There are so many! Often people come to see me and say they can’t do something, or they don’t believe it’s possible for them to do something they used to love. Even though it’s not a very specific “highlight”, I can’t express the amount of pride and joy I feel in the moments when they’re able to return to things they love. Or prove themselves wrong and achieve what they believed they could no longer do.
What excites you about working at The Alignment studio?
I can’t wait to be a part of the community in the CBD. With the energy coming back into the city, I’m excited to be working at an aesthetically beautiful, calming clinic where I can help provide holistic healthcare right in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
WHAT ARE YOUR AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST?
I really enjoy working with people with neck and back pain. The pain can be so distracting and feel debilitating. It’s rewarding to help ease that pain and lighten the load someone bears all day. With my background of knee injury, I am also always drawn to knee injury as well as hip injury/function. From my own experience, working on my hip muscles really helped me recover from knee pain and I love working through that with my patients.
What’s unique about your treatment approach?
I believe physio treatments work best when there’s a team approach. I will put in all the work I can to be there for my patients. When that’s met with willingness to learn, ask questions, and find reasonable solutions that fit the individual, that’s where I see the most success.
I also believe language is really important. It’s often met with a sigh or an eye roll (which is fair enough!) but if we keep referring to a sore back as being “bad” I think we start to believe that! Talking about pain or injury with less negativity helps shape how we can see our recovery and gives a bit more hope.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Working with so many different types of people! It’s so much fun to meet people from all walks of life with different experiences. I love helping people learn about their bodies, but I often find that my patients are teaching me things along the way as well.
How has Covid changed your approach to health and wellbeing?
The impact of Covid has been so eye opening. It really forced us all to slow down and discover what’s most important to us. There are so many factors that influence our health; social, physical, emotional, mental. I made a promise to myself to carve out a block of time each day that was just for me. Whether that was spent exercising, reading a book, or calling my loved ones, slowing everything down and prioritising myself helped me keep healthy.
Yoga or Pilates?
Both! There are so many benefits to both, and each is challenging in its own way. I love to mix both yoga and Pilates into my exercise routine, as well as some cross training, barre and running. I strongly believe the best exercise is the one you enjoy, so I like to keep things dynamic.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a physio?
I honestly have no idea. I have yet to have a day where I don’t feel like going to work. I feel so lucky to be in a field that not only aligns with my beliefs and ideals but allows me to help others.
What do you love to do in your spare time?
I love to walk near the Yarra River or on a beach—I just find being near water is so refreshing. In the last few years, I’ve made a couple of attempts to try to learn to play tennis and golf… but both need a lot of work!
I love to be active and busy, but when I get home I Facetime my family, put on episodes of Jeopardy!, try cooking new recipes, and relax with friends and the rescue cat I adopted during lockdown. I’m always up to go explore more of Melbourne with my friends and am often out and about now that we can take advantage of it.
What’s your approach to wellness?
Drink water, get quality sleep, and move your body. To me, wellness means listening to what my body needs. If I think I should go for a run but my body is exhausted, I respect it enough to change my plans and try yoga or a walk instead.
My secret talent is…
I can sing the 50 States in alphabetical order… but my singing voice is painful so don’t ask!
Book an appointment with Michelle, or call us on 9650 2220 for further information.
With a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Science and Human Movement from Penn State, Michelle Labonia is a skilled physiotherapist with a passion for holistic patient care. Particularly interested in back and neck pain and hip and knee injury, she combines her extensive knowledge of the body and expertise in manual therapy, Clinical Pilates and dry needling to relieve pain, rehabilitate and prevent future injuries.