Public health

Making a difference, one physio at a time
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Making a difference, one physio at a time


Ben Gwilliam, APAM, asserts it’s great to think ‘I would love to go and volunteer my time overseas for even just a couple of weeks’, but it is difficult to make a lasting difference in the standards of healthcare long term.



‘It’s like a drop in the ocean. To truly make a difference, you need to train the people who live there, who speak the language and know the culture. If they can become well-trained physicians, and well-trained physiotherapists, that’s what is going to bring the standard of healthcare up,’ he says.

Coronavirus advice is at hand
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Coronavirus advice is at hand


The nature of their work puts healthcare professionals more at risk of exposure to the novel coronavirus, so the implementation of infection control strategies in the workplace have never been more important.

Following the curved path
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Following the curved path


Rebecca Harding’s passion for treating spinal conditions eventually led to her practice solely focusing on the diagnosis and management of scoliosis.



It was Greek philosopher Heraclitus who said, ‘change is the only constant in life’. But when dealing with a variation in spine alignment, Rebecca Harding, APAM, says a fair dose of vigilance is also needed.

Lymphoedema: Potential for change
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Lymphoedema: Potential for change


Evidence has identified the cause and development of lymphoedema as a result of cancer treatment. In reality, cancer-related lymphoedema only contributes to a small percentage of lymphoedema cases worldwide. 



Improving awareness and an understanding of other chronic oedemas will contribute to improving outcomes for these patients. The information presented in this article, and the skills of physiotherapists, can offer potential change for patients who consider their chronic oedemas as something they have to live with.

A one of a kind for jaw dysfunction
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

A one of a kind for jaw dysfunction


APA Queensland branch councillor Miles Wilson talks to Rodney McLean about his work within the jaw assessment clinic at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the integral role of physiotherapists in this area.

A salute to a 40-year career
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

A salute to a 40-year career


As a soccer mad kid, Ian Cooper had his first inkling to become a physiotherapist. It was an idea that sparked a 40-year career, culminating as head of physiotherapy at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) in Perth. 

Farewell to a true pathfinder
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Farewell to a true pathfinder


Jan Mountford retires from her work as an advanced scope physiotherapist. Here, Jennifer Persaud, APAM, reflects on Jan’s career and her pioneering contributions.

Breaking the cycle of repeat fractures
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Breaking the cycle of repeat fractures

A select group of patients who present with fractures to  a hospital in Sydney, New South Wales, is getting help to avoid making the same mistakes again. Melissa Mitchell looks at the success of a new refracture prevention program underway at Liverpool Hospital.

Improving pain for young people
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Improving pain for young people


Improving the quality of life for young people experiencing persistent pain is a focus of interest for APA member Bec Fechner. 



In her role as a senior physiotherapist with the Queensland Interdisciplinary Paediatric Persistent Pain Service (QIPPPS) at Queensland Children’s Hospital, Bec Fechner supports children and their families to understand the biopsychosocial complexity of persistent pain.

Taking the travel out of stroke recovery
INMOTION 31 Dec, 2021

Taking the travel out of stroke recovery


A pilot project underway in Western Australia is having a huge impact on helping acute stroke patients stay close to home in their rural community. Melissa Mitchell reports.