Bio
With more than 30 years of experience, Dr Phillip Hughes is a highly regarded musculoskeletal physiotherapist who brings exceptional depth of knowledge and clinical expertise to his practice. He holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, a Master’s in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, and a Professional Doctorate focused on the management of shoulder rotator cuff conditions.
Phillip is dedicated to uncovering and addressing the true source of each patient’s pain and dysfunction, rather than simply managing symptoms. He takes the time to understand every patient’s story, providing clear explanations and tailored treatment strategies designed to empower individuals in their recovery. His treatment philosophy integrates detailed assessment with evidence-based manual therapy, targeted exercise programs, and practical postural and lifestyle modifications — all within a holistic, biopsychosocial framework.
Phillip believes that education is key to successful outcomes. By helping patients understand their condition, he enables them to take an active role in their rehabilitation and long-term wellbeing.
Areas of Expertise
Phillip has developed a particular interest and internationally recognised expertise in the treatment of shoulder and upper limb conditions. Over the course of his career, he has worked extensively in private practice and held academic positions for more than a decade, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students. He continues to mentor and teach physiotherapists in the fields of manual therapy and shoulder rehabilitation.
Phillip’s research and clinical insights have been published in international journals, and he has presented at both national and international conferences. His work places him at the forefront of global advancements in the understanding and management of shoulder conditions.
A respected leader in his field, Phillip has made significant contributions to the profession in Australia. He is the immediate past National Chair of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia, the largest special interest group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), and previously served as President of the APA’s Victorian Branch. His leadership and ongoing professional involvement continue to shape and inspire the physiotherapy community across Australia.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Applied Science (Physiotherapy), Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Melbourne 1985
- Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy, Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, Melbourne 1987
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne 2003
- Doctor of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Melbourne 2015
- Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, La Trobe University, Melbourne 2018
Presentations / Publications
- Hughes, P. (2020). Mask Ed™ – A scoping review. Focus on Health Professional Education, March 2020.
- Hughes, P. (2015). Identifying shoulder testing positions and movements that isolate infraspinatus from supraspinatus. Therapy Reviews, 20(2), 73–85.
- Hughes, P. (2014). Isolation of infraspinatus in clinical test positions. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17, 256–260.
- Hughes, P. (2012). Measurement of subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15, 2–7.
- Hughes, P. (2011). The Neer sign and Hawkins-Kennedy test for shoulder impingement. Journal of Physiotherapy, 57, 260.
- Hughes, P. (2008). Most clinical tests cannot accurately diagnose rotator cuff pathology. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 54, 159–170.
Conference Presentations
- Australian Physiotherapy Association National Conference, Brisbane, 2023
Physiotherapy: The hands-on profession. - Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators Conference, Melbourne, 2020
Mask-Ed™: Fad or innovation?
Seeing through the fog: A needs analysis for a learning and teaching community of practice. - Shoulder and Elbow Physiotherapists Australia National Conference, 2013
Measuring subacromial pressure and infraspinatus activity: implications for diagnosing rotator cuff pathology. - International Congress of Shoulder and Elbow Physiotherapists, Nagoya, Japan, 2013
Clinical aspects of EMG activation patterns around the shoulder. - Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomy Annual Conference, Sydney, 2012
Differentiation of the two heads of infraspinatus during functional testing. - Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia 19th Biennial National Conference, Brisbane, 2011
Measuring subacromial pressures: implications for clinical testing of shoulder impingement. - Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomy Annual Conference, Hobart, 2010
Measurement of subacromial impingement of the rotator cuff. - Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia 13th Biennial National Conference, Sydney, 2003
Is it safe to teach ‘safe’ lifting techniques to workers?
