The Physiotherapy Board of Australia recognises and celebrates all physiotherapists and the critical work they do supporting better health in the community on World Physiotherapy Day 2024. 

This year the focus is on low back pain and the role of physiotherapy in its management and prevention.

Board Chair Kim Gibson revealed that ‘the theme couldn’t be more relevant for the physiotherapy profession, with low back pain being the leading cause of disability in Australia and around the world'.

‘Low back pain is something most people will experience at some point in their life,’ Kim said. 

‘Consumers seeking care for low back pain need to know health professionals are delivering appropriate care that is safe, evidence-based and effective. 

It’s really important for patients to be confident that they will be informed and involved in decision-making around their care.’

To support World Physiotherapy Day on 8 September, World Physiotherapy has produced a range of resources and information sheets highlighting what consumers and physiotherapists alike should know and do about safely managing low back pain.

Another key related resource is the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard, published in September 2022.

The Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard describes the key components of care that consumers should receive when they have low back pain, with or without leg pain.

All physiotherapists should be familiar with national clinical care standards that relate to their practice to ensure patients are receiving care that is safe, high quality and evidence-based.

Clinical care standards aim to ensure people receive best practice care for specific clinical conditions, regardless of which health professional they see and where they are treated in Australia.

‘It is these clinical care standards that the Board benchmark clinical practice against when investigating complaints and notifications relating to concerns about clinical care provided by physiotherapists.’

The standard describes the general principles that form the foundation for achieving safe and high-quality care, including person-centred care and shared decision-making; informed consent; cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and equity of care for people from diverse backgrounds.

Physiotherapists treating patients presenting with low back pain should also align their care with the eight quality statements defined in the clinical care standard:

• initial clinical assessment—targeted history and physical examination, with a focused neurological examination when appropriate
• psychosocial assessment—understanding of, and concerns about, diagnosis and pain, and the impact of pain on their life
• reserving imaging for suspect serious pathology
• patient education and advice—a plan that addresses individual needs and preferences
• encourage self-management and physical activity
• physical and/or psychological interventions—targeted therapy aimed at overcoming identified barriers to recovery.
• judicious use of medicines
• review and referral.

To be registered, all physiotherapists must have completed an accredited university education program and annually complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing professional development to keep their skills up to date. 

This registration requirement helps ensure physiotherapists in Australia have the contemporary knowledge and skills to provide expert advice and guidance for treatment.

‘Whether you are experiencing back pain or you are a physiotherapist treating people with back pain, World Physiotherapy Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect and consider how well low back pain care aligns with recommended safe and best practice,’ Kim said.

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