Education and PD

Alex Bell wanted to build a clinic that focused on performance optimisation as well as injury management.
INMOTION 01 May, 2025

Fast track to recovery for runners

For many in the world of sport and rehabilitation, the name Alex Bell has become synonymous with excellence in physiotherapy. From working with elite athletes such as ultramarathon runner Nedd Brockmann to extensive charity efforts, Alex’s impact has been profound.

Alex Bell APAM’s journey into physiotherapy began with a strong foundation in sports and human movement. 

As an avid junior athlete, he developed an interest in biomechanics and injury prevention. 

Leia Barnes using a multiaxial repositioning chair at Logan Hospital. Photo: Courtesy of Metro South Health
INMOTION 29 Apr, 2025

Leading in her field

Leia Barnes’ dedication to vestibular physiotherapy has set her apart from the crowd. She is passionate about advocating for the importance of vestibular care.

Leia Barnes MACP, a 20-year veteran in physiotherapy, has built a career focused on innovation, advocacy and improving
patient outcomes. 

The image is of a person in pale grey sweats lying on a couch with their arms holding their abdomen. The person's head is not in the image.
INMOTION 01 Apr, 2025

Teaching GPs about pelvic pain

EDUCATION Tasmanian physiotherapist Rachel Andrew is teaching GPs and other medical professionals about persistent pelvic pain through a series of courses she has developed.

Rachel Andrew MACP (left) is an APA Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist in lutriwita/ Tasmania with a keen interest in helping women with persistent pelvic pain. 

Sam Suke’s turning the thinking on falls on its head.
INMOTION 01 Apr, 2025

Sam flips thinking on falls prevention

Watching his grandmother’s fear of falling drastically limit her quality of life had a deep impact on Sam Suke. His grandmother’s apprehension, which led to a decline in mobility and independence, set Sam on a path to helping others in his community. During April Falls Month, Sam opens up about his physiotherapy journey and his commitment as a physiotherapist to serving humanity.

Autism symbol
INMOTION 01 Apr, 2025

Physiotherapy and autism

Over the past few decades, research has helped increase our understanding of autism and neurodivergence. It has also helped to highlight the benefits of physiotherapy for autistic and neurodivergent people. Brendan Bugeja, Melissa Mitchell and Melissa Trudinger report.

It is estimated that around one in 40 Australians is an autistic or neurodivergent person, an increase on a previous estimate of one in 70. 

An elderly man holds his back as if in pain from ageing.
INMOTION 26 Mar, 2025

Pioneering pathways in specialisation

Ann Rahmann is helping set a new standard in physiotherapy for older adults. She discusses how physiotherapists can shape healthcare in Australia.

Last year, Queensland-based physiotherapist Ann Rahmann FACP achieved a rare milestone, becoming a Specialist Gerontological Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2024). 

A woman doing hydrotherapy exercises in a pool
INMOTION 26 Mar, 2025

Aquatic physiotherapy in neurology and disability

PD PROFILE Judy Larsen discusses the face-to-face aquatic physiotherapy course she will be running with Julie Harrison in July and August.

What does the course aim to cover? 

The course has a practical emphasis including hands-on clinical management and ideas for functional rehabilitation, and aims to provide physiotherapists with an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills relevant to this type of aquatic practice. 

A woman holding her wrist in pain
INMOTION 26 Mar, 2025

ATLAS for arthritis care

In 2019, the Australian Government released the National Strategic Action Plan for Arthritis (here), with the aim of improving care for the millions of Australians who live with arthritis.

One of the priority recommendations that received funding was workforce-capacity building. 

Professor Tony Goldschlager (left) and physiotherapist Peter Allen (right).
INMOTION 12 Mar, 2025

Sleep: a game changer in pain management

A groundbreaking initiative that empowers physiotherapists to integrate sleep assessment into chronic pain treatment was officially announced today (March12). The physiotherapy-first program—spearheaded by a team of leading experts in neuroscience, physiotherapy and sleep medicine—represents a transformative shift in pain management.

Artist Nadia Rose is a Gunditjmara woman living and working in south-west Victoria. This artwork reflects the journey of a physiotherapist, guided by a supportive network of peers, mentors and diverse conversations.
INMOTION 03 Mar, 2025

Practising cultural safety

A key aspect of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap—the whole-of-government strategy aimed at overcoming the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people—is to provide all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with access to culturally safe healthcare.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021–2031 (Department of Health 2021) defines cultural safety as follows: