The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has welcomed the Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report and commended the Allan Government for its historic Inquiry into Women’s Pain, informed by more than 13,000 women, girls and carers who shared their lived experience of dismissal, delayed diagnosis and barriers to care.

The report recognises physiotherapy as a critical pillar of multidisciplinary pain diagnosis and management, reflecting the APA’s key recommendations submitted to the Inquiry in July 2024.

APA National Chair of the Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Group and Specialist Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist* Dr Angela James, said the report confirms what women and physiotherapists have been saying for decades: that access to the right care, which is early, affordable and evidence-based, can change lives.

‘This inquiry finally gives voice to thousands of women who have been dismissed or disbelieved when seeking help for pain. The report’s recognition of physiotherapy’s essential role in diagnosing and managing women’s pain is a major step forward,’ Dr James said.  

‘Women and girls do not need to live in pain. When physiotherapists are embedded in teams across primary, community and hospital settings, we see earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment and better quality of life.’

The Inquiry found widespread and long-term suffering with 90 per cent of respondents experienced pain lasting over a year, often daily or constant. Importantly, 61 per cent reported using physiotherapy as part of their pain management strategy.

The report calls for expanded access to physiotherapy in public hospitals, Women’s Health Clinics, pain services and maternity services—recommendations that strongly aligned with the APA’s submission, which emphasises physiotherapy’s role in:

• first-line treatment for pelvic pain and musculoskeletal disorders
• early detection, prevention and rehabilitation
• reducing opioid reliance and avoiding unnecessary surgeries
• improving functional wellbeing and mental health impacts of chronic pain.

Dr James said the recommendations offer a clear pathway to reform.

‘We are pleased to see recommendations that directly reflect APA advocacy, especially in improving affordability and expanding the physiotherapy workforce across pelvic health, chronic pain and maternity care,’ she said.  

‘This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Embedding physiotherapists in multidisciplinary women’s health services will improve outcomes and reduce the enormous economic and social burden of untreated pain.’

The APA welcomes and looks forward to working with the Victorian Government on its commitment to developing a Women’s Pain Action Plan and a new pain standard.

The APA’s submission outlined 19 priority recommendations spanning care models, rural access, multidisciplinary coordination, education, and research investment. Many of these are reflected in the final report’s 27 recommendations. 

*As awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association in 2022.