New research has highlighted a potential role for physiotherapists to work with coaches and players to effectively implement injury prevention programs like Prep-to-Play, an exercise-based injury prevention program developed for girls and women playing Australian Rules football. 

Simulation-based education is a learning approach that supports the training of health practitioners by exposing students to realistic scenarios that prepare them for clinical practice. 

One method of simulation-based education has actors, or sometimes fellow students, portraying the role of the patient. 

As chair of FOCUS26, I am genuinely excited about what we have created for this year’s conference in October in Cairns (Gimuy). 

The passion, creativity and dedication of the team have shaped a program that I believe will inspire, challenge and connect physiotherapists from across Australia. 

There are many moments I am looking forward to but three stand out. 

First, it’s an opportunity for our community to come together. 

MOTOR RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION AFTER STROKE 

Researchers from Australia, the USA and the Netherlands summarised five years of research into motor recovery and rehabilitation after stroke. Two of the authors, Dr Emily Dalton and Associate Professor Natalie Fini, agreed to answer some questions. 

How do these courses help physiotherapists move into occupational health roles? 

These courses are designed to provide a clear, structured pathway for physiotherapists looking to expand their practice into occupational health physiotherapy (OHP). 

Entrapment neuropathies are a common group of conditions that affect small nerves as they pass through narrow anatomical spaces. 

Examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, cervical and lumbar radiculopathies and Morton’s neuroma in the foot. 

Clinical reasoning provides physiotherapists and other clinicians with a basis for assessing, diagnosing and managing a patient’s condition. 

However, pain physiotherapists find that the standard clinical reasoning framework doesn’t always match the complexity of a patient with chronic pain.