Physiotherapy: Supporting Community to move, thrive and stay connected

Here At IUIH, physiotherapy is about much more than treating injuries. It is about building relationships, empowering people with knowledge about their bodies, and working alongside individuals and families to support lifelong health and wellbeing.

Every day, our physiotherapists provide culturally responsive, holistic care that helps community members move with confidence and live well.

For physiotherapist Lew Dale, the motivation to join the profession came from a lifelong passion for health and fitness and a desire to help others achieve their goals.

“I have always had a passion for health and fitness, and what drew me to physio was being able to help people feel better and get back to what they love doing,” Lew said.

Similarly, Bianca Graetz was inspired by her own experiences with physiotherapy while recovering from sports injuries as a young person.

“I was fortunate to have excellent physiotherapists supporting me while recovering from sports injuries. Their knowledge, encouragement, and the positive environment they created inspired me,” Bianca said. “Seeing how they used their skills to help people recover and regain confidence motivated me to pursue physiotherapy as a career.”

One of the things both clinicians value most about their work is the opportunity to build genuine connections with clients and support them throughout their health journey.

For Lew, no two days are the same. While treatment and exercise programs are an important part of the role, much of the work involves listening and building trust.

“A lot of my time is spent having a yarn and getting to know people,” Lew said.

“This helps build connections, understand each person’s goals, and walk alongside people in a way that feels authentic to them.”

Bianca agrees that education and empowerment are central to effective care.

“A typical day involves working closely with clients to help them better understand their bodies, the challenges they may be facing, and how we can empower them to move and feel their best,” she said.”

IUIH physiotherapists support clients across all stages of life, from children and families through to Elders. They assist with a broad range of health needs including musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, mobility challenges, neurological conditions, heart and lung conditions, balance difficulties, post-surgical rehabilitation and specialised pelvic health concerns. Through education, movement, exercise-based programs, assistive equipment and collaborative care, physiotherapists help clients improve function, remain active and maintain their independence.

A key part of delivering this support is working within multidisciplinary teams to provide holistic, coordinated care that addresses all aspects of a person’s health and wellbeing. Both Lew and Bianca emphasise the value of collaborating with colleagues and community to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

As IUIH continues to grow its allied health services, both physiotherapists encourage others who are passionate about community health to consider joining the team.

“If you’re passionate about making a meaningful difference in community health, IUIH is a great place to be,” Lew said. “Community remains at the heart of how care is delivered here, which allows the time and space to build genuine relationships and be part of care that is collaborative and meaningful.”

Bianca says the role offers a unique opportunity for clinicians looking to work across the full scope of physiotherapy practice.

“If you’re a values-driven clinician who enjoys working holistically, building meaningful relationships with clients and their families, and working closely within an interdisciplinary team, this is an incredibly rewarding place to work,” she said.

This World Physiotherapy Day, IUIH celebrates the skill, compassion and commitment of physiotherapists like Lew and Bianca, whose work helps community members build confidence, improve their health and continue living active, fulfilling lives.

We are recruiting for physiotherapists now:

Find out more about physiotherapy at IUIH.