Bio
Dr. Phillip Hughes has over 30 years’ experience as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist. He has a Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy and a Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, as well as a Professional Doctorate, where he researched shoulder rotator cuff conditions.
Phillip believes that it is important to address the root cause of peoples pain and disability, rather than taking a superficial approach. He wants to listen to your story and then take the time to explain his thoughts on the best way forward. Phillip’s approach is based on a comprehensive examination, followed by a treatment approach that uses manual therapy and exercise, together with postural and lifestyle modification. Phillip adopts a biopsychosocial approach to treatment. He feels that is is important to educate people about their issue, so they can be part of the solution.
Special Interests
Phillip’s has a special expertise in treating the shoulder and upper limb. He has spent many years in private practice and has also held teaching appointments for 10 years teaching physiotherapy at university, in both the undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Phillip continues to teach physiotherapists in manual therapy and shoulder treatment.
Phillip has published papers in international journals and has spoken at National and International conferences. He is at the forefront of international thought in the treatment of shoulder issues.
Phillip has also been a leader of the physiotherapy profession in Australia, being the immediate past National Chair of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia, the largest special interest group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. He was previously the president of the Australian Physiotherapy Association in Victoria. He has been a thought leader in the physiotherapy profession in Australia.
Qualifications
- Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, La Trobe University, Melbourne 2018
- Doctor of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne 2015
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne 2003
- Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy, Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Melbourne 1987
- Bachelor Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Melbourne 1985
Presentations / Publications
- Most clinical tests cannot accurately diagnose rotator cuff pathology.
Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2008 (54):159-170 - The Neer sign and Hawkins Kennedy test for shoulder impingement.
Journal of Physiotherapy 2011 (57):260 - Measurement of subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff . Journal of
Science and Medicine in Sport 2012 (15):2-7 - Isolation of infraspinatus in clinical test positions. 2014 Journal of Science
and Medicine in Sport (17):256-260 - Identifying shoulder testing positions and movements that isolate
infraspinatus from supraspinatus. 2015 Therapy Reviews 20(2):73-85 - Mask EdTM – A scoping review. Focus on Health Professional Education
March 2020
Conference Presentations
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia 13th Biennial National Conference, Sydney 2003
Is it safe to teach ‘safe’ lifting techniques to workers? - Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomy Annual Conference, Hobart 2010
Measurement of subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff. - Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia 19th Biennial NationalConference, Brisbane 2011
Measuring subacromial pressures: implications for clinical testing of shoulder impingement. - Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomy Annual Conference, Sydney 2012
Differentiation of the two heads of infraspinatus during functional testing. - International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Physiotherapists, Nagoya Japan 2013
Clinical aspects of EMG activation patterns around the shoulder. - Shoulder and Elbow Physiotherapists Australia, National Conference 2013
Measuring subacromial pressure and infraspinatus activity: implications for diagnosing rotator cuff pathology. - Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Conference, Melbourne 2020
Mask-EdTM: Fad or innovation? - Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Conference, Melbourne 2020
Seeing through the fog: a needs analysis for a learning and teaching community of practice - Australian Physiotherapy Association national Conference, Brisbane 2023
Physiotherapy: The hands-on profession
