Sports and Exercise

Sports and exercise physiotherapists are passionate about keeping people active, performing at their best and recovering well from injury.

Members of the Sports and Exercise group work across the full spectrum of physical activity—from community sport and rehabilitation clinics, to elite teams and Olympic programs.

Whether you're supporting everyday exercisers or high-performance athletes, this group connects you to a national network of peers committed to excellence in injury prevention, rehabilitation and performance optimisation.

The group offers a comprehensive professional development calendar featuring workshops, lectures and collaborative courses with other APA national groups. 

Programs cater for all career stages—from recent graduates to advanced practitioners—and focus on current clinical evidence, innovation and leadership in sports and exercise physiotherapy.

Members also gain access to the Sports and Exercise community on PhysioHub, a dedicated online space to exchange insights, share clinical experiences and connect with colleagues around Australia. 

This APA national group aligns with the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy.

About the group

Members of the Sports and Exercise group work across sports medicine clinics, community health, professional teams and major sporting organisations.

Many also work with sporting teams or travel internationally with high-performance teams and Olympic athletes.

Physiotherapists in this group are leaders in movement, recovery and performance.

They design and deliver preventive exercise programs, manage acute and chronic sporting injuries and support athletes of all levels to return to play safely and effectively.

The group's professional development program is among the most respected in the APA, offering Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses along the titling and specialisation pathway.

Physiotherapists working with Australian Olympic teams are required to hold the 'APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist' title, which can be achieved through the APA titling pathway.

Members are encouraged to take on leadership roles at state and national levels and to contribute to professional development, advocacy and research.

Active discussions and resource-sharing continue through PhysioHub, creating an engaged, collaborative community that supports the growth of the profession.

Every two years, the APA conference scientific committee curates a dedicated sports and exercise program, providing another opportunity for members to shape the future of physiotherapy in this field.

Not yet a member?

Join the APA today to access the Sports and Exercise community on PhysioHub, exclusive professional development opportunities and a network of physiotherapists working to keep Australians moving.