That’s a wrap! Sold out Musculoskeletal Professional Development Series brings podiatrists together at Ikon Park
7 Oct 2026
Podiatrists from across Australia gathered at Ikon Park in Melbourne on 11–12 September for the Australian Podiatry Association's Musculoskeletal (MSK) podiatry in focus Professional Development Series, a sold-out event dedicated to turning evidence into everyday clinical practice.
The two-day program focused on the musculoskeletal presentations podiatrists see most often. Sessions paired theory with hands-on practice, so delegates could take what they learned straight back to their clinics.
Day one: from pain science to return to sport
Brendan Mouatt, CEO of Noi Group, opened the program with a keynote on how what clinicians say and do shapes patient recovery. Dr Chris Hasenkam, Sport and Exercise Physician, followed with approaches to diagnostic imaging of the foot and ankle.
Michael Nitschke, Certified Sports Podiatrist, delivered a keynote on programming the return to running, sport and life, and later led a running assessment masterclass on what to change and why.
Sports podiatrist and rehabilitation coach Alex Murray tackled exercise prescription for older people, while surgical podiatrist Dr Dean Samaras, explored assessing the painful forefoot in real time. Blake Withers took delegates through the modern foot scan and its role in better orthosis outcomes.
Delegates then rotated through interactive workshops, including foot and ankle taping led by Sam Turner and Alex Murray's framework for prescribing exercise with confidence, from the elderly through to athletes. The day wrapped up with networking drinks and canapés.
Day two: orthoses, tendons and everyday footwear
Day two began with an optional Run Club, followed by a breakfast session with Mary Romanos on everyday footwear that actually works. The main program focused on orthoses and tendon care.
Polly Lim covered midfoot osteoarthritis, Justin Smith addressed plantar heel pain, and Dr Muhammad (Mo) Maarj (Mo) shared his approach to prescribing foot orthoses for flat and cavus feet.
Specialist (Tendinopathy) Physiotherapist, Prof. Peter Malliaras, closed the loop on tendon rehabilitation with sessions on assessing a tendon to start and progress rehab, and on the principles and progressions of rehabilitating lower limb tendons. Workshops on managing the non-acute ankle, implementing plantar heel pain strategies and evaluating orthosis features rounded out the program.
A community of MSK practice
Beyond the sessions, the event gave delegates the chance to connect with peers and with partners in the trade exhibition. Thank you to our sponsors, Briggate Medical, Brooks and Ascent Footwear, and to our exhibitors, K-Laser, DOLA Orthotics, Podcad, JD Healthcare and Revitive.
"It's always energising to learn from some of the Australia's leading minds in the field, soaking up modern, evidence-based approaches I can bring straight back to my patients here in Perth. Committed to staying at the forefront of the profession so our clinic keeps delivering the best possible care." – Lewis, Doubleview Podiatry
To check out the official photos from the event, click here to view the album over on our Facebook page. Be sure to tag your colleagues!
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Keep the learning going
Join the MSK SIG to continue the conversation through future Member Connect sessions and ongoing musculoskeletal education.
Our final 2026 PDS event on 6-7 November is focused on paediatric podiatry. Learn more about our Professional Development Series here >>
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