How does the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) affect our physiotherapy skills? 

AI presents a fascinating paradox for physiotherapists— incredible opportunities for advancement alongside potential risks to fundamental clinical abilities. 

The physiotherapy industry is on the brink of a new era, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).

Early tools like chatbots hinted at what AI could do but within the next two to three years, AI agents—powered by advanced language models—are set to change how clinics operate.

Dr Caitlin Farmer MACP is an advanced practice physiotherapist at Royal Melbourne Hospital who has worked in various roles in emergency departments (EDs) since 2008.

She has a keen interest in helping people experiencing vestibular conditions, particularly in acute settings.

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Australia, with an estimated 14,800 Australians diagnosed with the disease in 2023.

Surgery is typically the first treatment option for early and localised cancer but patients can be left with significant fatigue, breathlessness and pain; reduced functional capacity and muscle strength; and poor health-related quality of life.

Modern approaches to treating low back pain focus on physical activity and encouraging people with low back pain to self-manage their pain and activity.

It begins with our earliest memories of feeling safe with our families and travels with us through life—at our educational institutions, in our workplaces and in our social circles.

‘Find your reason to belong’ is our message when we’re attracting new members to our association. 

Because we know that the emotional driver of being part of a tribe is an important reason to join a membership association. 

Early in 2022, physiotherapists Dr Kevin Wernli APAM and Joanna Morris APAM were chatting at a dinner about chronic pain and endometriosis, topics of interest to them both.

In recent years, however, AI has rapidly evolved and has found applications in all kinds of sectors, driving change at a rapid pace and revolutionising the way we live and work. 

The field of healthcare, including physiotherapy, is no exception.

A groundbreaking AI transformation is already taking place in the realm of continuing professional development— from universities and training providers to APA courses and lectures. 

Since the widespread launch of ChatGPT, the free artificial intelligence (AI) program that swept the world in 2023 with its apparent ability to provide answers to any question posed, write essays and documents on command and even write novels based on a few prompts, people have been wondering how it will affect their own work.

In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, technological advancements continue to reshape the delivery of patient care.

Among these innovations, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionising various aspects of clinical practice.