This year, World Physiotherapy Day on 8 September celebrates the vital role that physiotherapists play in cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention, management and rehabilitation. For Ashan Weerakkody, that role goes far beyond the clinic.

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE A six-article series in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy provides information and resources on how to advance musculoskeletal health with, and for, Indigenous Peoples. The lead authors speak with Melissa Trudinger.

Cam Edwards talks with Dr Oka Sanerivi about the importance of creating culturally safe spaces in the clinic.

CLOSING THE GAP For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapists, their cultures and identities give them unique insights when treating First Nations patients. From working in remote communities and suburban practices to teaching physiotherapy students, five Aboriginal physiotherapists share some of their experiences and explain their passion for improving healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

MUSCULOSKELETAL Ivan Lin splits his time between research and clinical work for an Aboriginal Medical Service in rural Western Australia. Here he talks about why he keeps coming back to Geraldton.

Co-design is an important aspect of physiotherapy research and affects all stages of the research process. In a mini keynote session at APASC25, a panel of physiotherapy researchers and their co-investigators with lived experience discussed how co-design can and should be implemented and its impact on research.

Physiotherapists at Royal Darwin Hospital are redefining renal care in the Northern Territory, improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients living with kidney disease.

PULMONARY REHABILITATION A set of culturally safe resources to assist health workers at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to yarn with their patients about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been launched by Lung Foundation Australia. Professor Jennifer Alison talks about their development.

Cameron Edwards and Rob LoPresti discuss the new cultural protocols guide that will be launched to members at the end of October.

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.