Staff Spotlight: Tanya Audas, the Academy’s Lead Rehabilitator
As part of our Staff Spotlight series to continue the connection between the Academy and the supporters, this month’s interview is with Academy Lead Rehabilitator Tanya Audas. We sat down with Tanya to discuss her role at the Academy, her work with the players and her advice to anyone starting out in their career of sports rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
So, Tanya, it’s great to have you here. Can you start by telling us a bit about your role here at the Academy and how long you have been with the club?
TA: I’ve been here since 2016, and I have been running the medical department through many stages of the club’s journey. Primarily my job is to manage any injuries that arise throughout the season.
Can you share with us an example of what your day-to-day schedule is with the Academy and what it involves?
TA: Typically, the day starts by progressing players injury programmes followed by assessing any new injuries and leading return to play sessions for those who are almost ready to return to training. There are also some gym sessions to supervise and yoga classes to lead.
As the lead rehabilitator at the academy, you must oversee everyone involved within the medical department including fellow rehabilitator Georgia, university students on placement and the players themselves. How do you find working with a range of different people in the Academy?
TA: Georgia has been a great asset to the department, and the students provide additional support during warmups, yoga, and supervising player’s rehab. Organising the players is just a case of getting them into the routine of how the rehabilitation process works, once they understand the steps required for them to return to play, they are easy to work with.
So, Tanya, outside of the academy you run your own performing arts business and have a show coming up. Can you tell us a bit about that?
TA: Yeah, outside of football I am a professional circus performer. I specialise in aerial hoop and aerial silks, but I also do partner acrobatics. I’ve performed in many capacities such as corporate dinners, circus big tops, Manchester community shows and Blue Peter. My performing career really started after winning several UK aerial competitions, and it was nice to be recognised for my skill level, creativity, and performance skills. Since performing has been such a large part of my adult life I organise shows for my aerial students to participate in. More recently I hosted a show for professional performers to showcase their talent and be paid a fair wage.
Lastly Tanya, what advice would you give any person starting their journey within sports rehabilitation and physiotherapy, whether that be a student or someone starting a new job?
TA: My advice would be to experience as many different environments as possible. Every department is run differently, has different facilities available and different experiences that make it what it is. I would say to a new graduate that it’s okay not to know what’s wrong with the person in front of you, not everything is a musculoskeletal injury, and by not assuming you’re supposed to ‘fix’ everything you could be helping someone find something more sinister much earlier. Final bit of advice…. buy a heated body warmer!
Thanks for that Tanya! It has been great catching up with you!
Look out for next month’s issue where we catch up with Academy tutor Tom Cox!
