Arthritis costs the Australian economy $23.9 billion annually, and is the major cause of chronic pain and disability in Australia. However, patients living remotely and those with mobility issues cannot access Medicare or private health insurance rebates for video consultation with their physiotherapist, despite growing evidence that digital health treatment options are effective. On World Arthritis Day, Friday 12 October, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is calling for increased treatment access for sufferers.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association says a lack of funds is preventing arthritis sufferers in the country — whose treatment costs $23.9 billion every year — from being treated with digital health options which have been found to be effective.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) welcomes the announcement this week by federal Health Minister Greg Hunt that the cystic fibrosis (CF) drug Orkambi® will be added to the PBS effective October 1 2018. Access is available to families immediately as a result of a compassionate request from the government to drug manufacturer Vertex.

Stroke sufferers who are failing to meet basic rehabilitation needs are at risk of a secondary stroke.

Stroke is the second highest cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. In the lead up to National Stroke Week commencing 3 September, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is highlighting the important role physiotherapists play in prescribing targeted exercise programs for stroke survivors to support neurological repair and regain functional movement.

A Westmead Hospital exercise program which sees patients fighting their prostate cancer by training like the X-Men superheroes has helped more than 50 men on their way to better health.

Anne Peters has been on a mission to put research about the benefits of exercise for cancer patients into practice. 

Ballarat physiotherapist, Brendan Cutts, was recognised in the 2018 Stroke Foundation Awards, as the Foundation’s Fundraiser of the Year. Brendan was inspired by the many stroke survivors he works with to raise funds and in 2017 he swam 20 kilometres from Perth to Rottnest Island, raising $8,000 to support stroke research, community initiatives and carer support.

In the lead up to National Palliative Care Week, May 20-26, the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is highlighting the important role physiotherapists play in treating and supporting patients and their families living with life limiting illnesses.
 

Over the past ten years, recognition of physiotherapy as an integral part of treatment for numerous medical conditions has increased tremendously.