Dr Alana Dinsdale APAM started working clinically in 2012, predominantly in the musculoskeletal space, but didn’t initially think about getting into research.

However, after treating many patients with neck problems, and particularly temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), she realised there was a gap in the research for TMDs from a physiotherapy rehabilitation perspective.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has come to dominate the tech sphere over the past five years and its influence has spread into other fields, including healthcare.

Its growing presence has prompted the APA to release a position statement on the use of AI in physiotherapy.

While other bodies such as Ahpra have already released statements about AI, we felt it was important to provide guidance specific to physiotherapy.

The APA has partnered with the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) to enhance the RLSSA Hydrotherapy Rescue Award.

As part of that work, a recent project focused on the development of updated online learning content.

Building on a longstanding partnership between the two organisations, this latest update incorporates contemporary aquatic physiotherapy expertise while maintaining RLSSA’s established aquatic safety and rescue framework.

Every year on 8 September, World Physiotherapy Day celebrates the contribution physiotherapists make to improving health and wellbeing around the globe.

It is an opportunity to recognise the expertise, compassion and leadership of our profession while reflecting on how physiotherapy continues to evolve to meet today’s greatest health challenges.

This year is particularly significant. Following consultation with member organisations, World Physiotherapy has launched a four-year focus on non-communicable diseases, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

 Australian physiotherapists must complete 150 hours of practice in a one-year period or 450 hours within three years to retain their registration with Ahpra – a rule that applies equally to those on sabbatical, parental leave or any other break from work. 

In Australia, there is no specific pathway for physiotherapists who need to take parental leave. 

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.