Chris Purcell APAM always knew where he wanted his physiotherapy career to lead. 

After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies) in 2002, Chris enrolled in the Master of Physiotherapy Studies program at the University of Queensland, graduating in 2005. 

Even as a student, he had his sights firmly set on private practice. 

‘I entered with the vision that I would be a private physiotherapist working in some form of private practice.’ 

While he completed the required hospital rotations, he admits he never applied for a hospital role. ‘I didn’t even try.’

That clarity was shaped by his early experience working one-on-one with clients as a personal trainer while studying. 

It gave him a test run of helping people manage pain and movement issues and a sense that there was more to learn. 

‘I knew what I knew but I also knew what I didn’t know.’

Although private practice was always the goal, owning a clinic wasn’t. 

Chris initially worked as an employee, gradually becoming more interested in how practices are run and what his long-term future might look like. 

Around seven years post-graduation, frustration with business models that didn’t align with his values led him to step away from clinical work altogether.

In 2012, Chris moved into a non-clinical injury management role with Suncorp. Working in the corporate environment confirmed that physiotherapy, on his own terms, was where he belonged. 

Chris Purcell.

‘I love what I do. I love my patient contact.’ That decision marked the start of his journey into practice ownership.

Chris acquired an existing physiotherapy location within a medical precinct, allowing him to build on established referral pathways while rebranding and refitting the space. 

Out of the Box Physiotherapy was born. 

From there his business continued to evolve, integrating high-quality hands-on care with evidence-based exercise, including a purpose-built gym and group programs such as falls prevention.

Soon after becoming a business owner in 2015, Chris joined the APA Business national group as a premium principal member.

Access to business resources, employment contracts and timely updates quickly proved its worth. 

Chris’s initial membership grew into a deeper involvement. 

He joined the group’s Queensland committee, later becoming its chair, and went on to contribute at a national level. 

For Chris, the APA Business group plays a critical role regardless of practice size. 

He highlights practical benefits such as HR support lines, award rates updates and clear guidance during times of change, all of which help owners focus on sustainability as well as short-term goals.

Alongside practice ownership, Chris completed a Master of Business Administration at Queensland University of Technology, finishing in 2023. 

The experience deepened his interest in leadership, finance and the broader future of the profession. 

In April 2025, Chris exited clinic ownership as part of a planned transition, proud that the practice continues under new ownership.

Reflecting on his career, Chris describes a journey familiar to many physiotherapists, with highs, lows and moments of doubts. 

‘The turning point for me was the realisation that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side. 

'I am inherently a human-based person.’

It is also why he encourages APA members to engage with the Business group, not just as users of resources but as contributors.

Volunteering on committees, he says, ‘comes back in spades’ through networks, credibility and faster access to the right people when challenges arise.