A systematic review and meta-analysis have helped to identify major risk factors for knee osteoarthritis in later life.

Researchers from the United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland analysed data from 18 qualitative studies to investigate patient and public perceptions of diagnostic labels for musculoskeletal pain. Lead author Stephen Martin answers some questions about the study.

Researchers from Australia, America and the United Kingdom published a narrative review outlining recent research highlights and uncertainties in the exercise management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) published in the past five years. The lead author, Travis Haber, answers some questions about the review.

New research shows that almost one in two Australians with shoulder pain have increased central sensitivity.

LOW BACK PAIN While dozens of low back pain treatments have been tested in patients, two recent systematic reviews using meta-analysis to compare data from multiple trials have shown that very few treatments have enough high-quality evidence about their efficacy.

Dr Tania Gardner and Dr Kirsty Duncan of the APA Pain national group present five discussion points about the social determinants and consequences of chronic pain and their implications for physiotherapy.

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.

A suite of online modules designed to transform the way pain is understood and managed will be available to clinicians across the country this month.

PD BRIEFS The APA runs a significant number of professional development courses throughout the year, both face-to-face and online. Here are some highlights among the upcoming courses.

Clinician-researchers living in regional, rural and remote regions implement a novel pathway of care for people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.