Advertise on podcast: Conference Conversations

In this episode, Cameron Edwards, chair of the APA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee talks to Samoan physiotherapist Oka Sanerivi about culturally safe practice. This can look different depending on the particular culture, but at its heart is based on recognising and understanding culture and factors that influence how people of a culture interact with health care services and providers. Cameron Edwards is the current Chair of the APA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee. A proud Kamilaroi man, he currently works at Westmead Children’s Hospital in NSW in Burns and Mental Health. He has enjoyed rotating through approximately fifteen clinical areas within NSW Health, working with both adult and paediatric populations. Cameron was awarded the inaugural NSW health Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year in 2021, as well as the APA NSW Branch Award—Contribution to the APA by a Recent Graduate in 2022. Cameron seeks opportunities to advocate for, and give a voice to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s, as demonstrated through his hosting of the Deadly Physios. Dr Oka Sanerivi is a Samoan, Tongan physiotherapy clinician, governor, researcher and expert in Pacific cultural safety in healthcare, with over 14 years of clinical experience including as a paediatric physiotherapist. Oka received his PhD in Physiotherapy from the University of Otago, becoming the first Pacific person to be awarded a PhD in Physiotherapy. His doctoral research titled ‘Le taualuga o tausiga (the epitome of care): In Search of Samoan Cultural Safety in Physiotherapy’, was inspired by his clinical work as part of an emergency medical response team during the Samoan Measles outbreak in 2019. The study explored how physiotherapists in New Zealand could best engage and uphold the dignity of Samoan and Pacific families in their care. Oka holds the positions as a Senior Research Fellow at the Va’a o Tautai: Centre for Pacific Health at the University of Otago, as well as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Mātai Medical Research Institute in Tairāwhiti. Oka has held several governance roles including as an Executive Committee Member for Physiotherapy New Zealand, the Chair of the Pasifika Physiotherapy Association and currently as Deputy Chairperson for the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. He is committed to integrating the best of Pacific indigenous knowledges with transformational scientific findings to benefit public health and wellbeing outcomes.

Guidelines for physical activity for people with childhood-onset disabilities are similar to those for the general population but the barriers to participation are far greater. A number of studies have been done in Australia in recent years, trialling different approaches to increasing physical activity, especially in children. In this episode, Prue Morgan, Carlee Holmes and Rachel Kennedy look at some of the barriers to children and adults living with disability engaging in physical activity and how physios can help to overcome these barriers. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

Low back pain is a common and debilitating condition affecting many people. In recent years, guidelines such as Australia’s Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard have been developed to provide a framework for best practice clinical care, covering components such as when to use imaging and medication. In this episode, Adnan Asger Ali and Chad Cook explore approaches to treating low back pain, including manual therapy, CFT and exercise-based therapies. They also examine how physiotherapists can balance patient expectations with best-practice, evidence-based care. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

New evidence is driving new approaches to pulmonary rehabilitation, which has become an important tool for managing both chronic pulmonary conditions (including bronchiectasis or COPD) and acute pulmonary care (for example, in patients on ventilation in ICU). In this episode, Mark Elkins, Jennifer Alison and Anne Holland discuss ways in which cardiopulmonary rehabilitation has changed over the years and how it might look in years to come, particularly in regards to care delivered in clinics, in the community or at home. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition associated with many musculoskeletal conditions, with numerous contributing factors that can be physiological or environmental. By understanding the different kinds of pain, and the factors affecting pain, clinicians can individually tailor their approach to treating it. In this episode, Zoë Harper, Jo Nijs and Mark Hancock discuss the different classifications of pain and how physios can treat them, including prescriptions of exercise and physical activity, education and psychological approaches. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

Understanding how and why women get injured in sport has come a long way, but what we know is still well behind our understanding of men’s sporting injuries. Many aspects of women’s health need to be considered in relation to sport, such as pelvic and breast health and menstruation. In this episode, Kay Crossley, Deirdre McGhee and Melissa Haberfield look at the factors influencing injury risk for females, women and girls in sport, from community to elite level. They also discuss gaps in research and clinical understanding, and what clinicians can do in their practices to improve injury outcomes. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

Physios play a front-line role in stroke recovery and a particularly important role in getting people up & moving after stroke. The recent World Stroke Organisation guideline synthesis recommends targeting physical activity across the stroke recovery spectrum. In this episode, Nat Fini, Amy Brodtmann and Jess Nolan discuss the World Stroke Organisation guidelines as well as some of the latest research into stroke rehab, particularly focusing on lateropulsion, a significant limitation seen early after stroke. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

Australia’s national guidelines for falls prevention have recently been updated and one of the key interventions aimed at preventing falls in residential aged care and in the community is exercise/physical activity. In this episode, Cathie Sherrington, Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Anne-Marie Hill discuss the benefits of exercise as we age and how staying active can help in falls prevention. They explore the primary role of physios with falls prevention, and the emerging part that technology can play. Recorded at APASC25 in Adelaide, October 23-25. This podcast is a Physiotherapy Research Foundation (PRF) initiative.

In this episode, hosts Leanne Johnston, Nora Shields, and Georgina Clutterbuck explore strategies to enhance sports and recreation participation for individuals with disabilities. They discuss the Sports Participation Framework, transitioning from screening to international competition. The "Sport Stars" program, a practitioner-led initiative fostering confidence in sports, and "Fit Skills," a program matching young individuals with mentors for gym sessions, are also highlighted. The conversation delves into overcoming barriers at various levels and suggests avenues for further education. Connect with the experts for valuable insights into inclusive recreation and sports engagement. Tune in for an insightful discussion.

In this episode, Joshua Zadro, Yenfei Xie, and Travis Haber delve into the impact of language and labels on people's beliefs about musculoskeletal pain. They discuss recent studies exploring the effects of specific labels on patient management strategies. Joshua introduces the concept of labels in the musculoskeletal field, highlighting the potential influence on treatment decisions. Yenfei shares insights from a study on changing labels for neck pain after road traffic injuries, emphasizing the need for careful consideration in compensable environments. Travis discusses findings on hip pain labels and the importance of understanding and addressing patients' existing beliefs in clinical practice. The episode concludes with a reflection on the clinical implications of these studies and the role of language in shaping patient perceptions.

Explore the world of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in stroke rehab with Mark Elkins and Ashan Weerakkody. Gain insights into CIMT's unique components, challenges, and outcomes. This episode delves into qualitative and quantitative data, revealing disparities between perceptions and experiences. Join the conversation on the future of stroke rehabilitation in this episode of Conference Conversations.

In this episode, Tim Austin chairs a discussion on psychologically informed practice in physiotherapy with guests Dr. Anne Daly, Professor James McAuley, and inaugural Chair of National Pain Group; Dr. Lester Jones. They explore the definition of psychologically informed practice, its importance, and the challenges faced in research and clinical settings. The conversation covers various psychological constructs influencing pain experiences, trauma in clinical contexts, and the role of physiotherapists in delivering psychologically informed interventions. Anne Daly shares successful outcomes from a real-world intervention, emphasizing the need for research involving well-trained physiotherapists. The episode concludes with discussions on future research directions.

Step into the future of knee osteoarthritis care with Dr. Thorlene Edgerton, Ali Gibbs, and Adrian Kan. Uncover the challenges in current guidelines and how physiotherapists are leading the way. Ali Gibbs explores the need for evidence in exercise types, while Adrian Kan shares exciting pre-operative lifestyle modification research. Engaging clinical stories showcase the power of patient education and holistic approaches. Join these experts as they highlight the pivotal role of physiotherapists, bridging gaps in guidelines, and shaping the future of knee osteoarthritis care!

Join Mark Elkins, Carrie Taylor, and Megan Ross in a dynamic episode discussing the essentials of inclusive physiotherapy. Carrie illuminates the spectrum of neurodivergent conditions, emphasising unity and diversity within the neurodivergent community. Megan draws parallels with LGBTQIA+, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care. The hosts delve into historical context, increased recognition, and practical examples of creating welcoming physiotherapy environments. They stress the advantages of embracing affirming practices for patients, practitioners, and the broader community. The episode concludes with a call for further research into the intersectionality of neurodivergence with various health conditions.

In this episode, Caroline Bills, Craig Allingham, and Tahlia Alsop delve into the nuances of behavior change in physiotherapy. Craig shares experiences with older men resistant to change in the face of health issues, while Tahlia explores challenges in promoting activity in acute settings. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding patients' filters and draws parallels between clinician-patient interactions and sales strategies. Emphasizing the need for frequent, impactful patient contacts, the hosts challenge the notion that attitudes must change for behavior change. Listen in for valuable insights into enhancing communication and achieving personalized behavior change in physiotherapy. Gain practical tips and perspectives from seasoned practitioners in this insightful episode.