As the COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, the CQUniversity Brisbane Health Clinic has swung into action to assist the local sporting community.
A CQUniversity Physiotherapy team, including Clinical Supervisor Nikki Rathbone and fourth-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) students Kaysie Florance and Breanna Keleher, attended a golf competition on Saturday, the 6th of June to provide massage to the members of the Gailes Golf Club.
“It was great to be able to get out into the community and provide a service to the public,” said Ms Florance.
Ms Keleher said she was grateful that the clinic was open and she was able to complete her clinical placement.
“It was also a great opportunity to get exposure to a sporting event during this time, as most organised sport has been cancelled due to the restrictions,” Ms Keleher said.
Ms Rathbone believes physiotherapists will be in high demand as restrictions on sport begin to be lifted.
“As we gradually return to our normal activities post COVID-19 restrictions, we expect there to be a spike of people suffering exercise or sporting-related injury concerns.
“Our hope is to build some relationships with the local community, especially sporting clubs,” Ms Rathbone said.
The Physiotherapy service is a new addition to the CQUniversity Brisbane Health Clinic at Indooroopilly.
“It is a very exciting opportunity to be involved in the new CQUniversity Brisbane Physiotherapy clinic, as it will be able to accommodate an extra 20 to 30 placement opportunities for our third and fourth-year physiotherapy students each year,” explained Ms Rathbone.
“The clinic also operates alongside our very successful student-led chiropractic clinic, which is a rare opportunity to have both disciplines working together out of the same location.”
According to the Australian Government Job Outlook, employment prospects for future physiotherapists is bright with a very strong future growth forecasted.
It is anticipated there will be around 13,000 job openings over the next five years.
Both Ms Keleher and Ms Florance chose physiotherapy as a career because of the opportunity to help people.
“I wanted to do something that helps people, and physiotherapy can help people with a hands-on approach. It gives people independence to help themselves, to improve their health and wellbeing long term,” explained Ms Florance.
Ms Keleher said, “I always wanted to work in healthcare, and I admire what physios do, especially with those patients who have longstanding or chronic issues.”
The CQUniversity physiotherapy students are available for appointments Monday to Friday to assist with back and neck pain, sporting injuries, as well as post-operative rehabilitation and exercise programs.
Appointments are just $30 for a thorough physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
To book call the clinic on (07) 3023 1498 or email BrisbaneHealthClinic@cqu.edu.au