Physiotherapists working in aged care frequently have to manage people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders. This course will improve skills relevant to the assessment and treatment of these disorders. It will cover recent research findings, new medication and other changes in PD management (eg, surgery) and their implications for physiotherapy practice.

APA has partnered with ASCA to provide the Level 1 ASCA Strength and Conditioning Coaching Course, specifically adapted for sports physiotherapists. The ASCA coaching programs are registered with the National Coach Accreditation Scheme (NCAS), which is administered by the Australian Sports Commission and is recognised as an industry leader via international affiliates across the globe. The course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to understand, apply and design programs including basic training principles and variables to physically prepare beginner level athletes to improve their sports performance. This adapted course will be conducted over one full day and is only available to SPA members. Participants must attend the full 1 day course, and required further practical supervision post-course (30 hours) with an ASCA coach, to gain accreditation.

Register online www.strengthandconditioning.org or email info@strengthandconditioning.org

With the purpose of enhancing personal lives and professional skill, this workshop will introduce participants to mindfulness and self compassion through both didactic and experiential exercises. Gemma Bettens (MPsych Clin) is a psychologist working in the Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Specialist Physiotherapy Clinic, and the Musculoskeletal Management Clinic and Pelvic Health Clinic at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and the QEII Hospital in Brisbane. She regularly uses mindfulness based treatment in her practice, and teaches a monthly mindfulness-based workshop to patients experiencing chronic pain at the QEII Hospital.

Prostate Cancer is the most common form of male cancer. Treatment can include prostate removal which although has a very high cure rate can leave the patient suffering with severe impacts in quality of life (incontinence and erectile dysfunction). This lecture will assist therapists by giving them structure and theory to enable optimal management of this commonly overlooked, but highly prevalent, section of the community .

This lecture on physiotherapy in disability and gerontology will focus on the NDIS and case studies of patients you will see on placement in each of these areas.

There will be two speakers to kick off the evening, finishing off with a panel discussion lead by members of the APA gerontology committee on the career pathways into gerontology physiotherapy.