Chronic health and disability

A man doing stretches at home
INMOTION 28 Jul, 2025

Leading the way for better clinical outcomes

JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY Read about the latest research covered in the July issue of the Journal.

EXERCISE MANAGEMENT OF KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS 

Researchers from Australia, America and the United Kingdom published a narrative review outlining recent research highlights and uncertainties in the exercise management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) published in the past five years. 

Man clutching his shoulder during a physio examination
INMOTION 25 Jul, 2025

Central sensitivity a key factor in shoulder pain

New research shows that almost one in two Australians with shoulder pain have increased central sensitivity.

Shoulder pain affects up to a quarter of the general population and is often slow to resolve, with about half reporting complete resolution of pain after 18 months. 

Half of those who report ongoing pain also report chronic disability, limiting their daily activities. 

The image shows three people standing up in a park, with a picnic basket and one person sitting down. One of the three people standing has a walking aid and a prosthetic leg.
INMOTION 01 Jul, 2025

5 facts about physiotherapy and the social determinants of chronic pain

Dr Tania Gardner and Dr Kirsty Duncan of the APA Pain national group present five discussion points about the social determinants and consequences of chronic pain and their implications for physiotherapy.

A woman attempts to shift a giant needle towards a resolution of pain.
INMOTION 01 Jul, 2025

Shifting the needle on pain management

At the 2025 Australian Pain Society’s 45th Annual Scientific Meeting, some of the profession’s leading lights presented groundbreaking research aimed at transforming pain care through more inclusive, evidence-based and system-aware approaches. Together, their work highlights the evolving role of physiotherapy in helping to tackle complex pain challenges across diverse populations.

The image is a zebra pattern across the spectrum of colours
INMOTION 27 Jun, 2025

The rainbow zebras

Holly Shuttleworth considers the higher prevalence of connective tissue disorders in members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders (HCTD) that affect all systems of the body. 

The most common type of EDS is hypermobile EDS, which is characterised by increased mobility in the joints as per the Beighton score, systemic features including skin problems and widespread pain. 

Professor Tony Goldschlager and physiotherapist Peter Allen reveal details about the new sleep-focused research.
INMOTION 27 Jun, 2025

From sleepless nights to better outcomes

A world-first model of care is integrating sleep screening and posture-focused sleep interventions into routine physiotherapy. Clinicians say the approach is already delivering transformative results for patients stuck in cycles of chronic pain.

A pioneering model of care is placing physiotherapists at the centre of a new approach to managing chronic pain through better sleep. 

A group of medical professionals listening to a presentation.
INMOTION 27 Jun, 2025

Courses for you

PD BRIEFS The APA runs a significant number of professional development courses throughout the year, both face-to-face and online. Here are some highlights among the upcoming courses.

Elderly woman clutching her head
INMOTION 25 Jun, 2025

Guidelines for physiotherapy in dementia

A recent recipient of The Nancy Low Choy Memorial Gerontology / Neurology PRF Seeding Grant is investigating the development of clinical practice guidelines for physiotherapy in dementia.

Cath Connolly APAM is a physiotherapist, PhD candidate and research assistant in the Caring Futures Institute within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Flinders University, Adelaide. 

Woman clutching her lower back in pain
INMOTION 23 Jun, 2025

Seeking physios for PACE-RURAL research

Clinician-researchers living in regional, rural and remote regions implement a novel pathway of care for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the leading cause of disease burden in Australia and access to high-value care remains inequitable. 

Traditional MSK care pathways contribute to the burden by following a biomedical, stepped-care model. 

A clinician examines a patient's knee.
INMOTION 02 Jun, 2025

Summit sets the OA research agenda

RESEARCH FOCUS A recent summit brought together osteoarthritis researchers, clinicians and other stakeholders to mark progress and set future research priorities.