Australian Physiotherapy Association

Physiotherapist Alexandra Iacovou APAM talks about being an APA member. This is her reason to belong. Renew your APA membership and continue to connect with your community, grow your career, and get the support you need. In collaboration with our members, the APA advocates on behalf of the profession on the issues that matter most to make a real difference. Renew your 2025 APA membership today: https://bit.ly/3Z0r9aJ

Transform the future of physiotherapy – for the price of a coffee. For over 35 years, the Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) has been at the forefront of advancing physiotherapy knowledge and practice. Clinical research funded by the PRF drives breakthroughs in care, from relieving lower back pain to revolutionising stroke recovery. This evidence empowers physiotherapists to deliver treatments that are safer, more effective, and always cutting-edge. The PRF also fuels innovation by awarding grants to support groundbreaking research, ensuring physiotherapy continues to evolve and improve lives. As Catherine Granger explains, you can play a vital role in shaping the future of physiotherapy with just $5. Simply click the 'donate' box as you renew your APA membership. Your small act today can lead to life-changing care tomorrow: https://bit.ly/41o16Mf

Did you know that inadequate DVA funding models are impacting those who have served and sacrificed for this nation by limiting their access to healthcare? 26 per cent of physiotherapists have already stopped providing DVA services, with an additional 45 per cent expected to do the same. At present, physiotherapists face a difficult decision: to treat veterans at a financial loss or to turn them away. Read on to advocate for change: https://bit.ly/3DfoUrA.

Do you struggle with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD)? Situated at the side of the jaw, the TMJ is a small but powerful joint that connects to the skull. It plays a crucial role in everyday movements such as yawning, chewing, and speaking. Affecting ten per cent of Australians during their lifetime, TMJD leaves 15 per cent of cases with chronic pain and, in some instances, disability. Discover how physiotherapy can help with your pain management through Dr Alana Dinsdale, APAM. Learn about potential treatment plans designed to address underlying issues, habits, and conditions that contribute to this disorder and its associated pain. Read more: https://bit.ly/4ioFEwR

As the festive season approaches, it’s time to take your physical activity seriously and get holiday-ready! Tune in to Anna-Louise Bouvier APAM on ABC Sydney for expert tips on transitioning from busy workweeks to active holidays. Anna-Louise, an Adjunct Fellow at Macquarie University and Founder of Physiocise Sydney, shares practical advice on staying safe, avoiding exercise-related injuries, and making the most of your holiday activities. Listen here: https://ab.co/3VvbDl9

World Sports Physical Therapy Day, akin to World PT Day, serves as an opportunity to recognise the invaluable work that sports physical therapists do for their patients and communities. Reports from across the globe highlight that activities for World PT Day have a positive impact on the profession’s visibility and standing with both the public and policymakers. Similarly, IFSPT’s goal is to unite sports physical therapists worldwide in celebrating their contributions to the health, rehabilitation, and performance of all athletes- from weekend enthusiasts to elite performers. Today marks the beginning of this initiative, with plans for continued growth in the coming years. Learn more and get involved, today: https://bit.ly/3Bgv5Lu/.

Congratulations to APA President-Elect Rik Dawson on completing and graduating from his PhD program! Being the first university graduate in his family, Rik embarked on a PhD journey to deepen his understanding of the unique challenges faced by Australia’s ageing population, especially in regional and remote areas where access to physiotherapy is often limited. Falls are a prevalent issue among the elderly, leading to considerable healthcare costs, diminished quality of life, and increased mortality. Implementing effective fall prevention programs in aged care is critical for enhancing well-being and reducing these burdens. However, the challenges in executing these programs stem from funding limitations, workforce shortages, and accessibility barriers. ‘As the incoming president of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, my PhD experience has taught me to be a better communicator. It has reinforced to me the critical need for government support in expanding physiotherapy services, particularly in rural communities, and highlighted the importance of funding to scale these programs effectively,’ says Rik. With his experience, knowledge and academic wisdom, Rik’s goal is to guide policymakers in enhancing healthcare delivery for all Australians particularly those most vulnerable such as our elderly and First Nations people, ultimately promoting better access and quality of life through innovative applications like telephysiotherapy and funded first contact physiotherapy. Read about Rik’s thesis and his findings: https://bit.ly/3ZFNpHu

Did you know that 843 million people worldwide will experience lower back pain (LBP) by 2050? Partake in a trial with APA members Professor Mark Hancock APAM and Professor Peter O'Sullivan APAM to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) in reducing disability in patients with chronic lower back pain. Developed by Peter O'Sullivan, CFT harnesses trained physiotherapists’ expertise in personalised sessions to aid patients form a positive mindset. This enables those suffering from LBP to alleviate their pain as they learn to alter their movements and lifestyle.   Learn more and join the fight against LBP: https://bit.ly/4eNlJ8D.

In this month's InMotion, Rebecca Snowden, MACP, shares her career journey and how she began helping children and babies diagnosed with club foot. ‘My sister and I were the first in our family to attend university, so it was a big deal.’ says the titled APA Paediatric Physiotherapist. 'Out of our cohort, most of us went back to the country. I think it was a catalyst for lots of rural physios to start training in the country, which was really good.’ Read about the incredible difference Rebecca has been making as a community member and physiotherapist, here: https://bit.ly/41gwZX1.

Did you know that knee problems are spreading far and wide like wildfire? With one in four Australian adults experiencing knee pain regularly, more needs to be done. Listen to APA President-Elect Rik Dawson’s discussion on this common yet treatable condition on ABC Radio Sydney’s Nightlife Health to understand how physiotherapy can help you recover with or without surgery. Understand the role of physiotherapy and how it can help you:https://ab.co/3CWzqUN