Improving and Integrating Urban Indigenous Health Services

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Celebrating movement: Physiotherapy and exercise physiology

Two people in a gym setting, one using an exercise machine while the other offers support. Abstract artwork decorates the background. Text on the image reads: 'Healthy ageing means doing what you love.'

Let’s move into springtime! September is a time to celebrate movement and wellbeing across our Community. With World Physiotherapy Day on 8 September and World Clinical Exercise Physiology Day on 23 September, we’re highlighting how staying active supports healthy ageing, especially for our Elders.

This year’s theme for World Physiotherapy Day is “Physiotherapy and Physical Activity for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on preventing frailty and falls. Exercise & Sports Science Australia also highlights the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists in helping people live longer, stronger and more independently.

Staying strong as we age

Elders hold deep knowledge and play vital roles in family and community life. Supporting their health and mobility helps keep connections strong – to Mob, to Country and to culture.

Here are some gentle exercises recommended by physiotherapists and exercise physiologists that support healthy ageing:

Strength and stability

  • Sit-to-stand: Builds leg strength for everyday movement.
  • Heel raises: Strengthens calves and improves balance.
  • Seated leg lifts: Supports hip and thigh strength.

Flexibility and mobility

  • Shoulder blade squeezes: Improves posture and upper body mobility.
  • Toe taps and ankle rotations: Boosts circulation and joint flexibility.
  • Side leg raises: Strengthens hips and helps with balance.

Balance and coordination

  • One-leg balance (with support): Helps prevent falls.
  • Marching in place: Improves coordination and leg strength.

Why it matters

Regular movement helps older people:

  • stay independent and safe
  • reduce the risk of chronic illness
  • improve mental wellbeing
  • stay connected to family, culture and Country.

Whether it’s walking on Country, gardening, having a cuppa with mates, or playing with grandkids, staying active helps you keep doing what matters most.

Yarn with a physio or EP

At IUIH, our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists work with you to create personalised plans that suit your lifestyle and health needs. We’re here to support you to stay strong, mobile and connected.

Let’s celebrate World Physiotherapy Day and World Exercise Physiology Day by moving together toward healthy ageing.

Interested in movement and exercise? Follow us on social media – every month we post stretches and exercises from out Work it Out team.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to find the stretch of the month, every month!

Want to know more?

Check out our page on what our physios offer.

Check out our page on what our exercise physiologists offer.

Our Work it Out program.

Our Deadly Fit Mums program with BiOC.

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Stronger together: celebrating our Community physios

A client wearing a Deadly Choices shirt and black cap sits on an examination table while our deadly physiotherapist Joshua Weier, dressed in black with blue accents, examines the client’s knee. They are in a physiotherapy room with various medical supplies and equipment visible in the background.

It’s World Physiotherapy Day! A day to recognise the vital role that our physiotherapists play in supporting the health, strength and independence of our community.

At IUIH, physiotherapy is more than just treatment – it’s part of a holistic, culturally safe approach to health and wellbeing. Our deadly physios work across community-controlled clinics, outreach services and home-based programs to support:

  • recovery from injury and surgery
  • management of chronic conditions like back pain and arthritis
  • healthy ageing and mobility
  • Women’s Business – including pelvic health, pregnancy support and postnatal care
  • culturally safe movement programs for Mob of all ages.

Our physios walk alongside clients, families and Elders – building trust, promoting independence, and restoring movement through care grounded in culture, community and connection.

Today, we say thank you to all our IUIH physiotherapists – your work is helping to strengthen the wellbeing of our people, every day.

For Joshua Weier, IUIH Physiotherapy Clinic Lead, a typical day as a physio is about more than movement – it’s about connection.

“A big focus is on yarning; taking the time to listen, build trust, and understand each person’s story and needs.”

Whether he’s in the clinic seeing clients or out on home visits, Joshua centres his work on providing care that’s person-focussed and culturally safe. Each session includes tailored exercises, but the foundation is always respect and relationship.

“We also work closely with other clinicians like GPs, nurses, OTs, podiatrists and exercise physiologists to provide a wraparound service that supports the whole person.”

Home visits, he says, are a special part of the role.

“It’s a real privilege. Visiting Mob at home gives us the chance to see how they move and function in their own space, and how we can help make them stronger and safer in daily life.”

Joshua’s journey into physiotherapy was driven by a desire to make a real impact – and a commitment to community.

“I’ve always wanted to make a real difference in people’s lives. Working at IUIH gives me the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and be part of something that supports community in a meaningful way.”

For other physios thinking about a role at IUIH, Joshua’s message is clear:

“If you’re looking for a change and want to work somewhere you can genuinely connect with clients, learn from Community and be part of a strong, supportive team, then IUIH is the place for you. It’s a role where you can grow both personally and professionally, while making a real impact.”

Find out more about our deadly physiotherapy services.