Advanced Practice Physiotherapy: Bridging Evidence, Experiences, and the Future of MSK Care in Canada

Overview

Advanced Practice Physiotherapy (APP) roles are increasingly recognized as a high-value approach to improving access, quality, and efficiency in musculoskeletal (MSK) care across Canada. With growing interest in APP-led clinical models and evolving educational pathways, clinicians need a clear understanding of both emerging evidence and current practice to guide implementation and professional development.

This course brings together clinical insights, Canadian research findings, and national developments to explore the current landscape and future direction of APP roles in MSK care. Participants will gain perspective on how APP models are evolving, what evidence supports their impact, and how physiotherapists can prepare for and advocate for these roles within their clinical environments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the current landscape of Advanced Practice Physiotherapy (APP) roles in Canada and internationally.

2. Summarize Canadian evidence on patient and clinician perspectives of APP-led MSK care.

3. Explain post-registration educational pathways and the evidence supporting their role in developing APP competencies.

4. Identify next steps for implementing APP models in MSK practice settings.

5. Reflect on ways physiotherapists can prepare for and advocate for APP roles in their clinical environments.

About the Presenter

Kaitlyn Maddigan, PT, MClSc (Advanced Health Care Practice)

Kaitlyn works in an Advanced Practice Physiotherapy (APP) role at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic, providing front-line MSK assessment within a progressive APP care model. She holds degrees in Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, and a Master of Clinical Science in Advanced Health Care Practice from Western University. She is also a Registered International Sport Physical Therapist and teaches in Western’s Sport and Exercise Medicine MClSc program.

As a doctoral candidate under the supervision of Dr. Alison Rushton, Kaitlyn’s research focuses on optimizing educational pathways to APP practice. Her work includes a published systematic review identifying Master’s-level education as a consistent route to developing core APP competencies. She contributes to national and international APP initiatives, including research on patient satisfaction and professional training models.