Endometriosis affects more than 1 in 10 Australian women and is a highly individualised disease. The Australian Government first released a National Action Plan for endometriosis in 2018, which means most of the funded research in this area is quite recent. There are still many studies to be done to truly understand the causes, management and long-term implications. What we know to date is that a multi-disciplinary approach is paramount for optimal outcomes in treating pelvic pain and other symptoms associated with endometriosis.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with 1 in 7 women being diagnosed in their lifetime.

Physiotherapy is a part of standard care in many Australian breast cancer treatment centres. Physiotherapists are ready to support and help you manage your health, regardless of the stage of your breast cancer journey.

After a diagnosis of prostate cancer, men often have to navigate a 180-degree change in their lifestyle. Juggling ongoing treatments and experiencing treatment-related side effects such as fatigue, loss of muscle strength, fitness, erectile dysfunction and bladder/bowel dysfunction can impact on a person’s quality of life and be overwhelming.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Australia. It is a disease in which the dopamine-producing cells of the basal ganglia fail, resulting in distinct changes in movement quality. The average age at diagnosis is 65 years, but adults of any age can be affected. In Australia there are approximately 80,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease and about 20% are people of working age. The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown and there are currently no disease-modifying therapies.

Lymphoedema is swelling that is caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Along with the network of arteries and veins in our bodies, there is a network of lymphatic vessels shifting lymph fluid (white blood cells, cellular waste products) from the peripheries (muscles, organs) back into the central circulatory system. If the vessels aren't working properly, this lymph fluid backs up in the soft tissues and looks like swelling. Lymphoedema most frequently affects the arms and legs, but can also be present in the groin, trunk, neck, and face. 

Cancer is a disease of abnormal, unregulated cellular growth that can lead to the formation of solid tumours in bone or soft tissue, or abnormal cells in the bloodstream (haematological cancers like leukaemia). One in two Australians will be diagnosed with a form of cancer before their 85th birthday. Medical treatment for cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy. An increasing number of people live with the side effects of cancer and its treatment for many years.