Areas

Specialist physiotherapists have attained formal recognition of their expertise via Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. This is the highest level of clinical qualification available in Australia.

Specialist physiotherapists are often involved in providing second opinions or specialist care for people with these more complex health conditions. This can work in a variety of different ways. They may provide:

• Shared-care (collaboration with the doctor and local/treating physiotherapist or other health professional). 
• Specialist care (a course of treatment delivered by the specialist physiotherapist, potentially as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Common for more complex cases).
• Provide broader recommendations for management (eg. around diagnosis, recovery expectations and referral to other medical or healthcare specialists).

Currently the Australian College of Physiotherapists offers specialisation in nine areas of clinical practice.