Sophie Shephard, Dr Shelley Barlow, Dr Ryan McGrath, Emily Lile and Tessa Rose Gillespie of the APA Mental Health national group present five discussion points on how physiotherapists can adapt and optimise their approach when treating patients who may be anxious.

The Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) has highlighted key messages from the 5 facts article featured in the October 2026 edition of InMotion and produced this infographic.

Click on the image below to access a printable A3 file:

About the Authors:

Sophie Shephard MACP is an APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist, director of Vive Pain and Fatigue and PhD candidate based in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Her experience spans clinical practice, research and leadership roles, supported by postgraduate qualifications including a Professional Certificate in Pain Science and Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management). She contributes at a professional level through her involvement on the committees of the APA Mental Health national group and New South Wales Pain group.

Dr Shelley Barlow MACP is an APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist working in physiotherapy outpatients and transition care at Ballina Community Health. Shelley has an interest in chronic pain management going back 15 years. Her research has enabled her to combine chronic pain management and physiotherapy outpatients to see what is happening in rural and regional services.

Dr Ryan McGrath MACP is discipline lead and senior lecturer in physiotherapy at the La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University in Bendigo, Victoria. An APA Titled Research Physiotherapist, Ryan is passionate about bridging the divide between physical and mental healthcare. In his research, teaching and clinical practice, he draws on a background in physiotherapy and psychology.

Emily Lile APAM is a physiotherapist and dance movement therapist. She is interested in adult mental health, falls prevention, dance movement therapy and group exercise.

Tessa Rose Gillespie from Griffith University and a Diploma of Applied Psychotherapy. As a physiotherapist and psychotherapist at Zephyr Movement, she works in breathing pattern physiotherapy and nervous system regulation, while also serving as co-chair of the Mental Health Peer Support group.

This infographic is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative supported by FlexEze – partner of the PRF.