Hear three physiotherapists perspectives of preparing and performing to work with a team of high-performance winter sport athletes as they work towards competing at the Milan/Cortina Winter Paralympic Games.
This lecture will explore the unique clinical, logistical, and collaborative demands of Para-winter sport, highlighting lessons learned from the recent Paralympic Games. They will provide insight into interdisciplinary teamwork, and the realities of delivering care in the challenging winter environment. Through real-world examples, this session will highlight the rewards, challenges, and professional growth that come with working in elite Para-sport environments.
Presenters
Melissa Perrine, APAM, is a sports physiotherapist with 8 years of experience in private practice and high-performance sport in Australia and the UK, currently working at Lifecare Prahran Sports Medicine in Melbourne. Mel has a special interest in concussion and working with Para and combat sport athletes. Her work currently involves the Australian Para-Alpine ski team and the Australian Women's goalball team the Belles. Mel is also visually impaired and was a member of the Australian Para-Alpine ski team. Representing Australia on the world cup circuit, at four World Para-Alpine Championships, and four Winter Paralympic Games from 2009-2022, winning two bronze medals at the Pyeong-Chang Winter Paralympics.
Nathan Sculthorpe, MACP, is a Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with over 15 years' experience across private practice and high-performance sport. His work includes Lead Physiotherapist roles within the NRC and Shute Shield rugby competitions, along with international experience at Paralympic Snowboard World Championships and Snowboard World Cup events. This presentation draws on his firsthand experience delivering physiotherapy in a Winter Paralympic Games environment, with a focus on the practical, clinical, and performance demands of working within a Games setting.
Nick Wilson is an APA Sports and Exercise physiotherapist who has been working with par-athletes for over 10 years. He was headquarters physiotherapist at the 2024 Paris Paralympics and is working with the Para Nordic skiing team at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympic games. He works with a variety of athletes in his role as physiotherapist for the Tasmanian Institute of Sports Para-unit and is a Director at BODYSYSTEM physiotherapy in Hobart.
Host
Sports & Exercise, Musculoskeletal, Disability, Neurology, Paediatric and Women's, Men's & Pelvic Health National Groups
Date of Live Event
24/03/2026
CPD Hours
1.0 hour
Please note: The content of this Lecture on Demand (LOD) was captured via a recording of a live lecture at the APA premises. Due to the nature of the event and the recording method, this LOD may not have captured some of the questions/comments from live audience. Your purchase of this module indicates your acceptance of this.
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