The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the peak body representing physiotherapists and their patients. Retweets are not an indication of endorsement.
30% of emergency department visits are for musculoskeletal issues. Time for our leaders to stop seeing doctors and nurses as the only solution to our healthcare crisis. Highly skilled physios are ready, able and willing to step up to the plate.
#pathtobettercare
#choosephysio
Today the
@RACGP
released new guidelines for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis. The guidelines highlight exercise and weight management as the gold standard for high-quality care, whereas surgery should be considered only as a last resort.
A recent American study has found those who saw a physio first for the treatment of low back pain were 89% less likely to receive opioid prescription, 28% less likely to require imaging and have significantly lower out-of-pocket costs.
#choosephysio
Osteoarthritis affects 48 per cent of Aussies over the age of 50.
@JoanneLKemp
et al. present 5 discussion points about the role of physio in the diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis. This
#infographic
is a
#PRF
initiative supported by
@FlexezeHeat
Do you know the difference between the terms pain, nociception and central sensitisation? Listen in to this
@BJSM_BMJ
podcast as Lorimer Moseley, FACP, discusses the concepts of pain science—just in time for National Pain Week 2018, which begins tomorrow.
Exercise is a good reliever of pain and is often a recommended treatment for painful joints. Research from Denmark has found those with hip and knee arthritis who exercised twice a week for 6 weeks experienced on average 25% pain relief
@ConversationEDU
Our new Telehealth Guideline, a comprehensive document that clearly outlines how telehealth should be conducted by practitioners, has just been released.
Private health insurers have announced funding for one on one physio telehealth for a range of presentations commencing Tuesday 14 April. This is the outcome we have been pushing for – safe, remote delivery of care for patients.
Wrist fracture is the most common fracture in the elderly.
Physio Susan Reid, APAM, et al, conducted a clinical trial to determine the best rehab methods for a fractured radius.
This
#animation
is proudly funded by the PRF.
Whether you’re looking to get your daily dose of physical activity, clear your head or just enjoy some warm summer weather, walking offers a wide range of health benefits.
Time to bust another
#myth
about
#chronic
#pain
! It may be painful to bend and lift with back pain, but developing mobility and strength to bend and lift is important. Many types of
#exercise
, including weight training, can bring great benefits and help to manage pain.
#WPD2019
The physio-led GLA:D program designed to implement effective education & exercise for people with hip & knee osteoarthritis has resulted in ‘real world’ improvements - reducing pain, reducing the need for surgery & improving quality of life.
1 in 10 of all COVID-19 cases will exhibit Long COVID symptoms for a period of 12 weeks or longer.
Today is
#WorldPTDay
and this year's theme focuses on rehab and Long COVID, and the important role physios play in the treatment and management of people affected.
#WorldPTDay
NSW & Vic are shutting down all nonessential services. Definition of nonessential services currently is limited. We're seeking clarification on the effect of this shutdown on physio services & strongly advocating for the recognition of vital physio care as an essential service
‘To say that back pain is caused by a certain posture, we don’t have evidence for that.’ Peter O’Sullivan, FACP, and Scott Murray, APAM, aim to debunk the ‘perfect posture’ myth, claiming that what we need is more movement and posture variation.
Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in the acute hospital setting: clinical practice recommendations
Download free full-text pre-proof PDF here:
Thanks everyone for your amazing cooperation
@chodgsonANZICRC
@PhysioPeterT
@iantheboden
@GrangerCL
We wish to congratulate Dr Anne-marie Boxall, a trained physiotherapist, on her appointment as Australia’s new Chief Allied Health Officer. The APA has advocated for a long time for a federal CAHO who can drive outcomes for the Allied Health sector.
A recent
@JPhysiother
study found that people who have experienced low back pain are open to using exercise to reduce their risk of recurrence; however, they prefer programs that differ from those exercise programs that are known to be effective.
Today’s announcement that telehealth will be funded permanently is welcome news to the APA and its members. APA members have reported appropriate client uptake and a high degree of satisfaction with telehealth, particularly during COVID-19 restrictions.
#MediaRelease
#News
- The APA is calling on the federal govt to protect the term ‘physio’ to reassure the public that practitioners using this term are fully qualified, registered
#physiotherapists
using evidence-informed treatments. Read more:
We have been deeply saddened by the ongoing devastation caused by the unprecedented bushfire crisis across Australia, our thoughts are with our members, their loved ones, and all affected communities now and in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead.
This week marks Dementia Australia’s
#DementiaActionWeek
. This week, we’ll be sharing a range of resources about dementia and physiotherapy, starting with these 5 facts on dementia and physical activity.
Let's bust the seventh and final
#myth
in our series on
#chronic
#pain
! For low back pain, many people assume
#surgery
is the only answer. But with just 1-5% of cases caused by serious disease or injury, surgery has a very limited role if any in the majority of cases.
#WPD2019
The 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours List has acknowledged the significant contributions of three APA members. Congratulations go to Professor Graham Lorimer MOSELEY AO; Dr Susan Jane MAYES AM; Mrs Claire Jean Mary DOHERTY OAM.
Earlier this year, Australia made a world-first statement calling for exercise to be part of routine cancer treatment. Dr Catherine Granger, APAM, provides a physiotherapist's guide to fitness during cancer treatment.
#choosephysio
Today marks World Physiotherapy Day. This year’s focus aims to highlight the role exercise and physical activity plays in better mental health outcomes and how physiotherapists can help.
#WorldPTDay
#choosephysio
PHI rebates for physio telehealth have commenced. Several insurers have advised they will rebate according to physio determined clinical need. Great win for APA. Details here
A recent review has found evidence that
#exercise
interventions reduced the rate of falls by 23% in older people. Listen to
@normanswan
interview Prof
@CathieSherr
(Institute for Musculoskeletal Health,
@Sydney_Uni
) for ABC Radio National’s Health Report.
Research shows exercise is an effective treatment approach for mental health conditions and that the best outcomes are achieved when exercise is delivered by a
#physio
. Today marks
#WorldMentalHealthDay
which aims to reduce the stigma and shed a positive light on mental health.
Despite rates of spinal fusion being on the rise, randomised trials suggest that this treatment has little to no advantage over a well-structured rehabilitation program.
#choosephysio
for lower back pain.
Australasian Institute of Digital Health chief executive Dr Louise Schaper has called for telehealth provisions to be made permanent beyond the current 30 September expiry date.
Congratulations Professor
@paulwhodges
for becoming the first physiotherapist to receive Australia's top science honour - induction as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
APA
#physio
Dr Catherine Granger named one of the top 5 scientists of 2018 by the ABC and UNSW
#ABCTop5
for her research into the role of physical activity and exercise for cancer care. Congrats Catherine, another win to ensure more Aussies
#choosephysio
After two ACL injuries, VFLW player Ainslie Kemp has experienced both the surgery and physiotherapy routes for treatment. Hear about her experience, and how the more conservative, surgery-free approach is working for her.
#choosephysio
#VFLW
#ACL
Today is World Physiotherapy Day! Watch as APA National President Scott Willis shares a few words about this year’s theme and his immense pride in the profession nationally, and internationally.
#WorldPTDay
@president_apa
Pain is not always an accurate measure of damage - contextual factors like stress, anxiety or depression can play an important role. In the July issue of InMotion the APA Pain group breaks down five new and existing understandings of pain.
The APA is calling on the federal government to ensure the inclusion of physiotherapists as frontline health workers in the priority list for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Read our full media release at
#MediaRelease
: Congratulations to
@latrobe
academic and APA member
@DrChrisBarton
who has secured
#MRFF
funding to lead exciting new research into the extent physiotherapy care can reduce the number of Australians on wait lists for knee surgery
The Economic Value of Physiotherapy report demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of physio for a range of common conditions. The Government must fund these treatments if it is serious about health sector cost savings and the well-being of all Australians.
#MediaRelease
: The APA has embraced the latest recommendations from
@ACSMNews
that promote the systemic use of an ‘exercise prescription’ to combat the effects of
#cancer
treatment and improve survival rates.
#Press
#choosephysio
More:
A recent meta-analysis has found that
#psychological
interventions delivered by a
#physiotherapist
show promise regarding improved health outcomes, particularly of a psychological nature, in musculoskeletal pain conditions.
#choosephysio
Recreational exercise does not seem to be harmful to knee cartilage. In fact, APA member
@DrChrisBarton
suggests that because exercise is important for cartilage health, people who exercise moderately are less likely to have knee osteoarthritis.
Around 50% of ACL injuries are preventable. APA member and AFLW player Brooke Patterson, talks with the
@AFLW
podcast to discuss the challenges faced when recovering from an ACL injury and the importance of prevention programs.
Kay Crossley understands some of the challenges and rewards for women in research and what it means for the physio profession.
‘If we don’t put our voices out there then they’re not going to be heard. I say, “see, hear and empower”.'
The APA sends its sincere condolences to the people of NZ as the full extent of today's terror attacks unfold. To our colleagues & friends at PhysioNZ the physio community of Aus stands with you. All physios aspire to improve the health & wellbeing of all members of the community
PM update on broadened shutdowns. Physio declared essential and OK to continue. The APA respects members’ individual decision to remain open or close their businesses.
#News
#PressRelease
: Counter to advice in a recent Reader’s Digest article, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) advises that
#exercise
programs should be based on individual ability and needs, rather than
#age
.
In her
@JPhysiother
Invited Topical Review, Dr Catherine Granger provides a comprehensive summary of blood cancer, the disease burden, and its management, with a focus on physio treatment and precautions:
@GrangerCL
This blog is a
#PRF
initiative.
DVA has agreed to fund telehealth delivered by allied health providers. All items (except groups) can be claimed. Practitioners can determine if the service is clinically appropriate to be delivered via telehealth. Details of the new fee schedule will follow later today.
The 15 ICU physio teams in Melbourne have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To raise support and thank them for their dedication and bravery, the ‘Frontline ICU Physiotherapy Initiative’ was launched during the second wave of the pandemic.
The Economic Value of Physiotherapy report provides irrefutable evidence of the cost effectiveness and enhanced quality of life delivered by physio. The evidence for the value of physio to the health system is conclusive.
Recent changes to international guidelines for the management of low back pain will see non-medicinal treatments, such as physio, recommended over pain medicines:
Leading physiotherapists concerned ‘stay at home’ restrictions could exacerbate falls have developed a new website to support older people to stay active, safely, at home. The Safe Exercise at Home website was launched today. Proudly endorsed by the APA.
In this episode of Talking Physio, Physiotherapists Dr Adrian Traeger, APAM, Associate Professor Tasha Stanton and Dr Emma Karran discuss why overdiagnosis is a problem and how it impacts our health systems.
@FlexezeHeat
So many female physios
#ChooseToChallenge
each day. Our membership includes incredible women choosing to do incredible things - from research and education, to clinical work and leadership. We see you, and celebrate you. Tag an incredible physio to celebrate
#IWD2021
How do physiotherapists take care of their own and their patients' mental health?
APA Mental Health Group leaders from across Australia have identified five key facts that could help physios look after mental health in times of stress and uncertainty.
New research shows that patients who first see a physiotherapist for low back pain were much less likely to be prescribed opiods.
#choosephysio
#opiodcrisis
APA member and co-founder of PEDro Anne Moseley has been awarded
@WCPT1951
's highest honour for her outstanding contribution to the physiotherapy profession as a clinician, teacher, and researcher.
#globalPT
#congratulations
Today is
#WorldParkinsonsDay
. Physiotherapy plays a key role in symptom management, particularly in the early stages of the disease. For more information on how physio can help, visit:
Kate Ellis, APAM, et al. present five discussion points about frailty and the role physiotherapists can play in healthy ageing and the prevention of frailty.
This
#infographic
is a
#PRF
initiative supported by
@FlexezeHeat
A/Prof Catherine Granger, APAM, MACP, discusses the important role of physiotherapist play in the treatment of people with lung cancer.
#LungCancerAwarenessMonth
The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for greater long-term investment in team-based health care through the establishment of a First Contact Physiotherapy model to relieve the pressure on GPs and enhance patient outcomes.
Growing up in the Western suburbs of Sydney, Indigenous man, Scott Willis’ ambition was discouraged by schoolteachers, who told him he’d never reach his goal of becoming a physiotherapist.
Today, Mr Willis is the National President of the APA.
Our next generation of physios have joined the bushfire relief efforts, with physiotherapy students from three universities banding together and using their
#physio
skills to raise funds for bushfire relief.
#bushfires
@MonashUni
@latrobe
@unimelb
The APA is proud to support Prep to Play program aimed at reducing knee injuries and enhance the performance of females playing elite Australian Football (
@AFLWomens
).
In this recent article, APA physiotherapist Kieran Richardson discusses practical, evidence-based advice for clinicians managing
#ACL
tears non-surgically
#choosephysio
Congratulations to Dr Peter Selvaratnam, APAM, FACP, on receiving an Order of Australia award for his significant service to physiotherapy, and to professional development.
The APA has embraced the latest recommendations from The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that promote the systemic use of an 'exercise prescription' to combat the effects of cancer treatment and improve survival.
#choosephysio
rates.
Read the latest
#research
on the benefits of aquatic physiotherapy in the management of various conditions and why we should utilise water-based
#exercise
#rehabilitation
.
The APA has echoed the Chiropractic Board of Australia’s concern following the release of a video showing a chiropractor manipulating the spine and neck of a baby.
#MediaRelease
#Press
#choosingwisely
Women who do specific pelvic floor muscle exercise training during pregnancy are 62% less likely to have incontinence in late pregnancy & have 29% lower risk of incontinence 3-6 months post-birth.
#WomensHealthWeek
#choosephysio
@JPhysiother
@JeanHailes
Kinesiophobia, or the
#fear
of
#pain
due to movement, has been associated with a higher pain intensity and lower quality of life in new
#research
that encourages clinicians to consider kinesiophobia in their preliminary assessment.
@BJSM_BMJ
Research has found that knee arthroscopies for OA aren't always necessary and can, sometimes, be damaging. For a lot of people, the most effective remedy is the simplest one: exercise. 7 News reports:
GPs recommend
#physio
more than any other health profession because they can manage and treat such a wide range of conditions. Help us ensure all Australians
#choosephysio
for joint pain and visit today.
New research by Macquarie University, published in The Journal of Physiotherapy, has indicated that a properly prescribed exercise program is likely to roughly halve the risk of a new episode of neck pain.
#choosephysio
Despite numerous
#health
benefits, running is ‘frequently suggested to be associated with negative longer-term impact on the health of your knees’. The latest running-related
#mythbusting
from
@DrChrisBarton
and team, available on the
@TREK_group
blog.
Physiotherapists provide safe exercise prescription throughout cancer treatment. Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema National Group members present five discussion points about exercise in cancer treatment. This
#infographic
is a
#PRF
initiative supported by
@flexeze
A recent UK
#study
acknowledges that patients with musculoskeletal conditions can be assessed and managed independently and effectively by
#physiotherapists
instead of GPs.
#ChoosePhysio