Conference Conversations

In this episode, hosts Leanne Johnston, Nora Shields, and Georgina Clutterbuck explore strategies to enhance sports and recreation participation for individuals with disabilities. They discuss the Sports Participation Framework, transitioning from screening to international competition. The "Sport Stars" program, a practitioner-led initiative fostering confidence in sports, and "Fit Skills," a program matching young individuals with mentors for gym sessions, are also highlighted. The conversation delves into overcoming barriers at various levels and suggests avenues for further education. Connect with the experts for valuable insights into inclusive recreation and sports engagement. Tune in for an insightful discussion.

In this episode, Joshua Zadro, Yenfei Xie, and Travis Haber delve into the impact of language and labels on people's beliefs about musculoskeletal pain. They discuss recent studies exploring the effects of specific labels on patient management strategies. Joshua introduces the concept of labels in the musculoskeletal field, highlighting the potential influence on treatment decisions. Yenfei shares insights from a study on changing labels for neck pain after road traffic injuries, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in compensable environments. Travis discusses findings on hip pain labels and the importance of understanding and addressing patients' existing beliefs in clinical practice. The episode concludes with a reflection on the clinical implications of these studies and the role of language in shaping patient perceptions.

Explore the world of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in stroke rehab with Mark Elkins and Ashan Weerakkody. Gain insights into CIMT's unique components, challenges, and outcomes. This episode delves into qualitative and quantitative data, revealing disparities between perceptions and experiences. Join the conversation on the future of stroke rehabilitation in this episode of Conference Conversations.

In this episode, Tim Austin chairs a discussion on psychologically informed practice in physiotherapy with guests Dr. Anne Daly, Professor James McAuley, and inaugural Chair of National Pain Group; Dr. Lester Jones. They explore the definition of psychologically informed practice, its importance, and the challenges faced in research and clinical settings. The conversation covers various psychological constructs influencing pain experiences, trauma in clinical contexts, and the role of physiotherapists in delivering psychologically informed interventions. Anne Daly shares successful outcomes from a real-world intervention, emphasizing the need for research involving well-trained physiotherapists. The episode concludes with discussions on future research directions.

Step into the future of knee osteoarthritis care with Dr. Thorlene Edgerton, Ali Gibbs, and Adrian Kan. Uncover the challenges in current guidelines and how physiotherapists are leading the way. Ali Gibbs explores the need for evidence in exercise types, while Adrian Kan shares exciting pre-operative lifestyle modification research. Engaging clinical stories showcase the power of patient education and holistic approaches. Join these experts as they highlight the pivotal role of physiotherapists, bridging gaps in guidelines, and shaping the future of knee osteoarthritis care!

Join Mark Elkins, Carrie Taylor, and Megan Ross in a dynamic episode discussing the essentials of inclusive physiotherapy. Carrie illuminates the spectrum of neurodivergent conditions, emphasising unity and diversity within the neurodivergent community. Megan draws parallels with LGBTQIA+, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care. The hosts delve into historical context, increased recognition, and practical examples of creating welcoming physiotherapy environments. They stress the advantages of embracing affirming practices for patients, practitioners, and the broader community. The episode concludes with a call for further research into the intersectionality of neurodivergence with various health conditions.

In this episode, Caroline Bills, Craig Allingham, and Tahlia Alsop delve into the nuances of behavior change in physiotherapy. Craig shares experiences with older men resistant to change in the face of health issues, while Tahlia explores challenges in promoting activity in acute settings.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding patients' filters and draws parallels between clinician-patient interactions and sales strategies. Emphasizing the need for frequent, impactful patient contacts, the hosts challenge the notion that attitudes must change for behavior change.

Listen in for valuable insights into enhancing communication and achieving personalized behavior change in physiotherapy. Gain practical tips and perspectives from seasoned practitioners in this insightful episode.

Dive into the future of physiotherapy with the Physiotherapy Research Foundation podcast hosted by Dr. Daniel Harvey. Join experts Professor Stephen McPhail and Dr. Ryan Gallagher as they unravel the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

In this episode, discover the transformative applications of AI in physiotherapy, from pain research to stroke outcome prediction. The conversation sheds light on challenges like data quality and ethical considerations, urging physiotherapists to embrace AI in their practice.

As the episode concludes, listeners are left eager to explore the promising future of AI in physiotherapy, driven by the imperative to demonstrate tangible value for patients and society. Don't miss this dynamic discussion shaping the cutting-edge landscape of physiotherapy and innovation.

Join Dr. Jane Rooney, Dr. Chris Vertullo, and Dr. Stephanie Filbay in a riveting discussion on ACL injury management in Australia!

The episode uncovers prevailing beliefs favoring surgery, despite evidence supporting non-operative approaches. Dr. Filbay introduces the cross-bracing protocol, revealing promising results in promoting ACL healing.

The speakers stress the vital role of clinicians in providing unbiased information for informed decision-making. Dr. Vertullo advocates for a holistic approach, considering prevention strategies and comprehensive data through an ACL registry.

Don't miss this insightful conversation urging a nuanced and informed approach to ACL injury management in Australia.

Dr Jenny Setchell (they/them), NHRMC Research Fellow at The University of Queensland, and Dr Megan Ross (she/her), Chair of the APA’s LGBTQIA+ Advisory Panel, Physiotherapist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The University of Queensland, discuss the importance of inclusive and respectful communication with patients and colleagues who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Rik Dawson APAM, MACP, titled Gerontological Physiotherapist, APA National Vice President and PhD candidate, Dr Kerrie Evans APAM, FACP, Group Chief Education and Research Officer for Healthia Limited Australia, clinician-researcher, clinical physiotherapist and part-time Senior Research Fellow at The University of Sydney and Marlena Calo APAM, lecturer and clinical educator manager at La Trobe University and PhD candidate talk about graduate engagement, satisfaction and success.

Mark Round APAM, Managing Director of Symmetry Physiotherapy, Board member and National Vice President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Chair of the Physiotherapy Research Foundation and Board member of the Australian Physiotherapy Council, Dr Paula Harding APAM, MACP, Victorian practitioner member of the Physiotherapy Board of Australia, Barwon Health Director of Allied Health and Alfred Health as the Allied Health Workforce Unit Manager, Jackie Robertson, member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and current National Business Group Chair and Ellen McMaster APAM, rural Physiotherapist, Chair of the APA National Rural Advisory Committee, NSW Branch Council, rural representative, Physiotherapy Advisor for the local public health district and a member of the District Clinical Council discuss the workforce challenges facing physiotherapy Nationally.

Erin MacIntyre APAM, physiotherapist and PhD candidate at the University of South Australia, and Tim Austin APAM, MACP, FACP, a Specialist Pain Physiotherapist working in primary and secondary healthcare in Sydney discuss the clinical effectiveness of a novel physiotherapy VR intervention that has direct relevance for Physiotherapy Practice.

Dr Ken Winkel, leading Australian toxinologist and Senior Research Fellow within the School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne, Associate Professor Louisa Remedios APAM, Physiotherapy Discipline lead at Federation University, Associate Editor for the Focus on Health Professional Education Journal and Special Editor for the horizonal theme of Respectful Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging, and Mirjana Jovetic, Policy & Government Relations Senior Advisor at the Australian Physiotherapy Association talking about the One Health concept, of achieving the highest attainable standard of health, wellbeing, and equity Worldwide, and how it applies to healthcare practice.

Dr Christian Barton APAM, musculoskeletal physiotherapist, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow and the Communications Manager at La Trobe University's Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, and Dr Felicity Braithwaite physiotherapist and early-career postdoctoral fellow with the Body in Mind research group at the University of South Australia discuss osteoarthritis and some of the myths surrounding this debilitating condition.

In this episode, Dr Mark Merolli APAM, clinical physiotherapist and Senior lecturer and research fellow at the University of Melbourne, and Dr Sonya Moore APAM MACP, a physiotherapist and Senior Lecturer & Sports Medicine Program Co-ordinator at the University of Melbourne, discuss Education and assessments and Entrustable professional activities.