More than 50 per cent of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Australia and New Zealand each year require mechanical ventilation. 

Being on a mechanical ventilator for as little as 24 hours can weaken the inspiratory muscles and the process of weaning patients off mechanical ventilation can be difficult, leading to a prolonged stay in ICU.

For Mitchell Taylor APAM MACP, completing the Australian College of Physiotherapists Milestone 3 titling credential offered an opportunity to reflect on a career that includes working in the trilogy of
physiotherapy—clinical practice, research and education. 

Physiotherapist-directed exercise is a key component of burns rehabilitation, helping to reduce scar contracture and improve range of motion, muscle strength, exercise capacity and quality of life.

‘Our main role as physiotherapists is to try to improve movement in general. 

1. Huntington’s disease is not just a hyperkinetic movement disorder

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder with a typical age of onset in the 30s and 40s.

At the Australian Pain Society’s 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting in April, I was honoured to present at the ‘Pain in the Media’ plenary about the value and potential of social media in research and clinical practice.

There goes a lady, a teacher and mentor, a colleague and a friend.

From June 2012 until December 2017, Nancy Low Choy APAM held a joint appointment as Professor of Physiotherapy (Aged Care and Neurological Rehabilitation) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) and The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH).

Cutting-edge vestibular rehabilitation

Two intensive courses in vestibular rehabilitation extend the knowledge and competence of physiotherapists treating people with vestibular disorders, explains Alexander Ring, one of the presenters.

What can participants expect from ‘Vestibular rehabilitation: A competency-based course’ and ‘Advances in vestibular rehabilitation: A competency-based renewal course’?

Exercise both before and after lung cancer surgery has been shown to be safe and effective, improving symptoms such as shortness of breath, exercise capacity, muscle strength and quality of life.