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Lecture

Demystifying Physiotherapy for Adults with Cerebral Palsy

HYBRID - FACE TO FACE EVENT

7:00pm-8:30pm AWST– presentations

This event is also available as an online event

Physiotherapists working with adults with cerebral palsy (CP) often navigate a complex intersection of lifelong disability, ageing, and neurological change—yet many report feeling underprepared for this area of practice or realise the skills they have, place them well to provide support. This session, led by a Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, aims to demystify physiotherapy for adults with CP by bridging the gap between paediatric foundations and contemporary adult neurological practice.

This presentation will explore how CP presents across the lifespan, including the impact of secondary conditions, functional decline, fatigue, pain, and participation challenges. It will challenge common assumptions and highlight how clinical reasoning, goal setting, and intervention approaches can be adapted to better meet the needs of adults living with CP.

A key focus will be on building the confidence of physiotherapists—whether new to CP or experienced in other areas of neurological practice—to deliver effective, person-centred care. Practical strategies, clinical insights, and real-world examples will support therapists to translate knowledge into action, integrate evidence-informed approaches, and feel more assured in managing complexity.

The session will also clarify the physiotherapist's role within the multidisciplinary team, highlighting how physiotherapy contributes to holistic, coordinated care alongside medical, allied health, and support teams. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, shared goal setting, and advocating for the needs of adults with CP.


Please note: This face to face event is being held at APA WA Office, Suite 1, 4 Sarich Way Bentley.


Presenters

Luke Brennan


Luke is a Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Ability WA, one of Western Australia's largest disability service providers, supporting people with cerebral palsy, autism, acquired brain injury and similar conditions across the lifespan.In his role, Luke leads a range of specialised clinics focused on lower limb, spinal and gait assessment, as well as equipment prescription including standers and walkers. He is passionate about improving mobility and function through contemporary, evidence-informed practice, working across both land- and water-based therapy environments.Luke's career spans both clinical and research roles in Perth and London, and in the past year he has achieved his long-term goal of working across the interface of tertiary health and community disability services. Luke also coordinates the Rehab in the Community (RiC) team at Perth Children's Hospital. This multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists supports children following interventions such as Botulinum Toxin injections and orthopaedic surgery.At the core of Luke's practice is a strong commitment to participation and independence. He defines success not by ongoing reliance on therapy, but by empowering people and their support networks to the point that his input is no longer needed. He is a strong advocate for legacy planning—building skills, confidence and capacity in both the people he supports and those around them.Luke is equally known for encouraging therapists to slow down and invest in deep, high-quality assessment. He champions the idea that thorough assessment is the foundation of confident clinical reasoning and truly effective intervention.Before his physiotherapy career, Luke was a gymnast into his late teens—skills he still draws on today in his hands-on therapy sessions wherever possible.

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Home address:
Lecture
09
Wednesday
09 September
07:00PM - 08:30PM AWST
Suite 1 4 Sarich Way
Bentley WA 6102 View map
Price:
Non-member: $50.00
APA member: $30.00
Neurology Group: $0.00
Disability Group: $0.00
Registration closing date:
08 Sep 2026
Event status:
Closed
CPD hours:
2.00
Your registration status:
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At a glance
Price:
50.00: $Non-member
30.00: $APA member
0.00: $Neurology Group
0.00: $Disability Group
Registration closing date:
08 Sep 2026
Event status:
Closed
CPD hours:
2.00
Your registration status:
Presenters

Luke Brennan


Luke is a Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at Ability WA, one of Western Australia's largest disability service providers, supporting people with cerebral palsy, autism, acquired brain injury and similar conditions across the lifespan.In his role, Luke leads a range of specialised clinics focused on lower limb, spinal and gait assessment, as well as equipment prescription including standers and walkers. He is passionate about improving mobility and function through contemporary, evidence-informed practice, working across both land- and water-based therapy environments.Luke's career spans both clinical and research roles in Perth and London, and in the past year he has achieved his long-term goal of working across the interface of tertiary health and community disability services. Luke also coordinates the Rehab in the Community (RiC) team at Perth Children's Hospital. This multidisciplinary team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists supports children following interventions such as Botulinum Toxin injections and orthopaedic surgery.At the core of Luke's practice is a strong commitment to participation and independence. He defines success not by ongoing reliance on therapy, but by empowering people and their support networks to the point that his input is no longer needed. He is a strong advocate for legacy planning—building skills, confidence and capacity in both the people he supports and those around them.Luke is equally known for encouraging therapists to slow down and invest in deep, high-quality assessment. He champions the idea that thorough assessment is the foundation of confident clinical reasoning and truly effective intervention.Before his physiotherapy career, Luke was a gymnast into his late teens—skills he still draws on today in his hands-on therapy sessions wherever possible.


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