QLD PHYSIOTHERAPY NEWS
QLD Branch manager report
Submitted by: Madi McKewin
QLD Branch Manager

Hello! My name is Madi McKewin and I’m the new Queensland Branch Manager.

Before I introduce myself further, I’d like to take a moment to thank Jody Hammel, who served exceptionally as Queensland Branch Manager from September 2022 to June 2025. Her thoughtfulness, diligence and deep commitment to the role have set a strong foundation—I feel incredibly fortunate to be stepping into a position shaped by her leadership.

Although educated as a lawyer and policy writer, my career pathway has followed the roads of community development and operational management in the healthcare peak body space. Having previously worked at Dementia Australia and the RACGP, I’m thrilled to apply my skills to supporting such a passionate and engaged profession.

You can contact me at the QLD Branch or directly at Madi McKewin.
QLD Orthopaedic group report
The annual World Physiotherapy Congress was held in Tokyo earlier this month and featured international speakers on a range of topics.

The conference featured strong representation from Australian physiotherapists, with our group particularly well represented through presentations by our chair, Dr Larissa Sattler, and new committee member Adrian Kan, who showcased their research on the international stage.

Their contributions included:

  • stratification of outpatient physiotherapy following total knee arthroplasty
  • functional outcomes following inpatient versus outpatient hip or knee arthroplasty
  • the addition of lifestyle modifications to exercise in the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis
  • outcomes associated with the addition of lateral extra-articular procedures in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Larissa Sattler APAM, Chair of QLD Orthopaedics
The three-day event offered a rich program of presentations covering the full breadth of orthopaedic physiotherapy, including:

  • factors affecting early mobilisation following hip fracture surgery
  • patient-centred outcome measures following hip or knee arthroplasty
  • no need for subacromial decompression in responders to exercise treatment
  • remodelling fracture clinic services to address increasing demand
  • factors associated with fear of falling in patients discharged after subacute orthopaedic rehabilitation
  • psychosocial impacts of hip fracture
  • graft-specific rehabilitation guidelines following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
  • advanced practice physiotherapists improve efficiencies in orthopaedic knee osteoarthritis clinics.
Abstracts for orthopaedic presentations can be viewed via the Congress Programme.
Call for nominations–join the QLD mental health committee
Passionate about physiotherapy and supporting mental health? Join the APA Queensland Mental Health Committee. We’re seeking enthusiastic members to help shape advocacy, education and professional support.

To express interest or learn more, contact QLD Branch Manager Madi McKewin.
Brisbane North Primary Health Network is seeking your input
Brisbane North Primary Health Network has announced its Your Voice in Allied Health survey. The survey aligns with the National Primary Health Network Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework and seeks to co-design with allied health professionals operating in the Brisbane North Primary Health Network region.

This is a unique opportunity to represent the physiotherapy perspective to Brisbane North Primary Health Network, which is embarking on a series of engagement activities in 2025–26 to support providers in facilitating patient-centred, integrated healthcare.

Volunteer at World Taekwondo G2 international events
It’s that time of year again, and we’d love to have your support for the World Taekwondo G2 International Events on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from 14–17 August 2025.

These events, including the WT G3 President’s Cup (Oceania) and the WT G2 Australian Open, are a valuable opportunity for physiotherapists and physiotherapy students to gain experience in combat sports.

This is a volunteer role, but you will be part of a highly skilled and supportive team, working alongside experienced sports physicians, emergency doctors, and a group of dedicated medics and first aiders.

It is a valuable opportunity to learn and contribute to a major international sporting event. While payment cannot be guaranteed, a travel allowance of up to $100 may be available.

Here's what you need to know:

  • when: 14–17 August 2025, from approximately 8.00 am to 7.00 pm each day
  • where: Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, 296 Nerang–Broadbeach Road, Carrara, Queensland
  • requirements: A current CPR and first aid certificate.

If you're interested, you can email Australian Taekwondo by 5.00pm 8 August 2025.  
Domestic and family violence resources for health professionals
Queensland Health has created micro learning videos to help healthcare professionals better understand and respond to domestic and family violence (DFV). Topics covered in the videos include:

  • non-fatal strangulation
  • elder abuse
  • understanding the patient journey
Visit the Queensland Health website to view the micro learning videos.
Pelvic health and neurological conditions–a collaborative approach
Pelvic health is a critical yet often under-addressed aspect of care for individuals living with neurological conditions. Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction are common across a range of diagnoses, including spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, stroke and spina bifida. These issues profoundly affect patients’ independence, dignity and quality of life.

Physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to identify and support clients with these concerns—but the sensitive nature of pelvic health often leaves important questions unasked.

Common conditions, complex presentations

‘In any neurogenic issue, there’s the potential for dysfunction,’ says Megan Bergman APAM. ‘It can be bladder, bowel, sexual function—or all three.’

Lesions above the sacrum often lead to storage issues such as urgency or incontinence due to bladder overactivity. Sacral or infrasacral lesions, on the other hand, typically cause underactivity, leading to voiding dysfunction. This complexity means symptoms vary widely: urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia, slow stream, recurrent UTIs and constipation are all common.

Louise Kelly, a clinical nurse consultant with over 25 years in spinal cord injury, sees these patterns play out daily. ‘For MS and Parkinson’s patients, constipation and functional incontinence are incredibly common,’ she says. ‘For stroke or brain injury, there may be loss of sphincter control and cognitive challenges around voiding and bowel programs and routines.’

Sexual dysfunction is another area often overlooked, especially among female clients. ‘It can include pain, decreased sensation, lubrication issues, or difficulty reaching orgasm,’ Megan explains. ‘Men may experience erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. And the physical, emotional and relational impacts of these issues are enormous.’

Asking the right questions

Despite the prevalence, pelvic health issues are frequently unreported unless clinicians actively enquire. ‘The key is consent and setting,’ says Catherine Hayden APAM. ‘Ask, “Do you mind if I ask a few questions about your bladder, bowel, or sexual health?”—in a private, secure space.’

Initial questionnaires such as the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire, Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) or Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19) can help initiate conversations sensitively. For bowel issues, tools like the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score (NBD) and Bristol Stool Chart are invaluable.

Louise adds that observation is also key. ‘Recurrent UTIs, bypassing around catheters, sweating or headaches during bowel care—these are all red flags. Asking whether a client feels like they’re fully emptying their bladder, or how often they use the toilet, can open the door to meaningful intervention.’

When to refer

Referral to a pelvic health physiotherapist or continence nurse should be considered when patients report pain, persistent incontinence, poor emptying, sexual dysfunction or recurrent infections. ‘We often work closely with GPs and neurologists to ensure coordinated care,’ says Catherine. ‘This collaborative approach delivers the best outcomes.’

Looking ahead

Emerging areas like anorectal manometry and biofeedback and psychosexual therapy are expanding the toolkit for clinicians supporting this population. Education around menstrual health, menopause, prostate cancer and fertility is also essential, particularly in younger individuals navigating life with long-term disability.

As our understanding grows, so does the opportunity to improve outcomes.

Pelvic health issues deeply impact identity, independence and wellbeing—they deserve just as much attention as mobility or strength training in neurological rehabilitation.

QLD based professional development
Don’t miss out on the exciting professional development opportunities being offered: 

Stay tuned for registration details and further course announcements. We look forward to supporting your continued development as a leader in physiotherapy.