Physiotherapy is an increasingly integral part of the healthcare system, playing a vital and broad role across many areas. 

As the profession grows in scope and practice, however, it’s important to make sure that while physiotherapy remains a key allied health profession, it also retains a strong professional identity of its own. 

‘Physiotherapy is an autonomous, diagnostic profession that supports people across the life span, managing a wide range of conditions affecting movement, function and quality of life. 

‘We are trained to assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological and functional impairments as well as provide targeted support for complex areas like women’s and men’s health, disability and chronic conditions,’ says APA President Rik Dawson. 

‘Whether it’s helping someone recover after surgery, managing chronic low back pain, supporting continence or addressing functional impairments in disability or aged care, physiotherapists apply a whole-person lens to care. 

‘Importantly, our diagnostic skills enable us to streamline and enhance the patient journey—identifying red flags, providing timely treatment and supporting access to other medical and allied health services when and where they’re needed.’ 

Rik notes that, in addition to its broad scope, the profession’s identity is also marked by its collaborative approach to working with other healthcare professionals, making it a cornerstone of prevention, rehabilitation and integrated care across primary, acute and community settings. 

Its visibility in the community, supporting athletes at all levels and promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, is another facet of physiotherapy’s professional identity. 

Having a strong professional identity does not preclude interprofessional collaboration with other allied health disciplines. 

In fact, Rik believes it reinforces both, allowing physiotherapists to confidently bring their unique skills to the table while strengthening collaborative care.

There are times, however, when Rik believes it’s critical for the physiotherapy profession to advocate for itself. 

Dr Rik Dawson will take part in a panel discussion about navigating the evolution of allied health and physiotherapy at APASC25.

‘For instance, in musculoskeletal and primary care, physiotherapists play a key role in first-contact diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation—alleviating GP workload and improving patient outcomes. 

‘In contrast, the updated 2025 Australian falls prevention guidelines highlight the effectiveness of physiotherapists working within multidisciplinary teams in aged care and hospital settings,’ he says. 

Rik says it’s clear that in some cases—such as the recent NDIS pricing cuts affecting several allied health professions, including physiotherapy—working collaboratively with other allied health organisations strengthens the advocacy impact. In other areas, physiotherapy brings a unique skill set that benefits from strong advocacy from a single voice. 

‘In these cases, such as urgent care clinics, pelvic pain services and direct referrals, we need to act strongly and assertively to ensure our inclusion. 

‘Doing so will not only enhance patient outcomes but also deliver greater system efficiency and value.’ 

When it comes to collaborating effectively with other allied health professions, Rik stresses that keeping the focus on the patient’s journey through the healthcare system can smooth the path towards coordinated multidisciplinary care in clinical contexts like aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and neurological rehabilitation. 

‘In these settings, role clarity, mutual respect and structured communication (eg, case conferencing and shared care plans) help avoid duplication, gaps or scope creep,’ he says. 

Finally, Rik notes that the APA is taking a dual approach, lending its voice to advocacy efforts that collectively benefit allied health professions while making sure that physiotherapy’s voice is heard loud and clear. 

‘We are building and maintaining direct, independent relationships with state and federal politicians, ensuring that when reform is on the table, decision-makers know exactly where to go for expert advice on how physiotherapy can enhance health outcomes and system performance. 

‘Importantly, we must all take responsibility for continually educating stakeholders—funders, policymakers, clinicians and consumers—about the full value of physiotherapy in everything we do. 

‘Sustained healthcare reform that values physiotherapy also depends on ensuring our profession remains viable and visible across all settings, from primary care to disability, aged care and public health,’ he says. 

>> Rik is on a panel for the plenary session ‘In discussion: navigating the evolution of allied health and physiotherapy’, which will be held on Saturday 25 October at 9–10 am.

Click here for more information about APASC25