Global medical product innovator

Located in Cornubia, Queensland, Physiotherapy Innovations is a proud female- and indigenous-founded-and-owned company.

The company provides innovative, affordable and effective medical products and services to 54 Queensland public hospitals and also has a national and global footprint.

Physiotherapy Innovations first commercialised its main product, Therabubble™ in 2014. The product, which helps clear phlegm from the lungs, has helped improve the respiratory function of more than 75,000 people globally.

'We worked very hard over the last 10 years to develop an affordable and effective product that could help people in Queensland and across the world improve their respiratory function,' Managing Director, Kathryn Porter, said.

'It is really satisfying to know that we are making a difference to so many people’s lives.'

In 2024, Physiotherapy Innovations entered into the CSIRO Innovate to Grow course to help us bring new products and services to the community.

Physiotherapy Innovations was the first Indigenous business to be granted Ignite Ideas funding, which enabled Therabubble™ to be exported to the USA.

The company manufactures in Logan and the product is printed in Narangba. Its supply chain includes 4 Queensland indigenous businesses, and 9 other Queensland businesses.

Valuing workforce diversity, Physiotherapy Innovations has supported long-term unemployed people through 4 return-to-work programs and offered 2 traineeships.  More than 50% of its staff are female.

The company, a strong advocate for indigenous healthcare and wellbeing, also introduced healthcare consultancy services to support Queenslanders.

Physiotherapy Innovations has worked with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, multiple universities (three in research and development), TAFE Queensland and Advance Queensland (One Business Training Program), a Southeast Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled service and the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

The company is currently working with QUT, local manufacturers and a Queensland based industrial design company on a Queensland Government funded research and development project to provide COVID adapted products.

Kathryn said the company was committed to supporting its local indigenous community, with Kathryn acting as volunteer coordinator for the Logan National Black Coffee Network in 2021.

Physiotherapy Innovations is a great example of the Queensland Government's procurement approach. It contributes to Queensland’s economic growth through innovation, by supporting jobs and training in Southeast Queensland and in regional and remote areas through its manufacturing, supply chain and service provider choices.

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