Physiotherapy in Para Sport: Practical Insights from High Performance
Join the APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy WA Committee in partnership with the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) for an engaging professional development evening exploring the unique and rewarding field of para sport physiotherapy. Hosted at the WAIS high-performance training facility, this event will provide practical insights into supporting para athletes across training, travel, competition, and long-term performance development.
Designed for physiotherapists interested in entering the para sport environment, as well as those already working with para athletes, the evening will bring together experienced clinicians and athletes to share real-world experiences from grassroots participation through to international competition. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on assessment, communication, injury management, athlete support, and the unique considerations involved in delivering high-quality care within para sport.
Presentations will include insights from clinicians currently working in high-performance para sport environments, covering pathways into the field, lessons learnt from travelling with national para sport teams, and practical strategies for supporting athletes across a range of sporting contexts. A featured clinician-and-athlete presentation on para powerlifting will provide a unique perspective on the physical demands of the sport, performance optimisation, injury management, and the collaborative relationship between athlete and physiotherapist.
The evening will conclude with an interactive panel discussion and Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with speakers, explore career pathways in para sport, and discuss the future of physiotherapy in this growing area of practice. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour the WAIS facilities. Whether you are new to para sport or looking to expand your expertise, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from clinicians and athletes working at the highest levels of performance sport
This is a face to face lecture held in WA Institute of Sport in Mt Claremont.
Presenters
Belinda Mayger
Belinda is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with nearly two decades of experience across private practice and performance sport. Her career has spanned a variety of sporting environments, where she has developed extensive expertise in athlete management, injury prevention, and performance support. Belinda has worked with WA Football's female state programs as Medical Manager and Head Physiotherapist for Swan Districts WAFL League and Reserves teams. She currently works within the newly established WAIS Para Unit, where she plays an integral role in developing systems and services to support the next generation of high-performance para athletes.
Ryan Campbell
Ryan is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and Managing Director of Wanneroo Physiotherapy. He has extensive experience working with high-performance sporting organisations, including Boxing Australia, Basketball Australia, CombatAUS, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia, and the Western Australian Institute of Sport. Ryan has served as a physiotherapist with Australian national teams at the Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2019 World Judo Championships, and the 2025 World Boxing Championships.
Jessica Lai
Jess is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with a special interest in strength sports and para powerlifting. Based in Perth, she has experience supporting athletes from grassroots participation through to international competition and was the physiotherapist for the Australian Para Powerlifting Team at the 2025 World Championships in Egypt. Jess works closely with athletes to optimise performance, manage injuries, and navigate the unique physical and logistical demands of training and competing in para sport. She is passionate about creating pathways for physiotherapists to become involved in para sport and advocates for improved access to high-quality sports medicine services for para athletes across all levels of competition
Event location
We've noticed you're not a physiotherapist.
Please note, if a course or event is for registered physiotherapists only, this will be indicated in the event description.
Please make sure you are attending an event that is open to everyone.
Close
