PHYSIOSPORTS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Alison Low is a SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST who attained this through fellowship exams in 2016. She has extensive experience working with sporting teams and has travelled with Australian Athletics to multiple World Championships and Commonwealth Games including travelling to Birmingham in 2022.
Alison moved to Melbourne in 2016 prior to which she owned her own practice in Perth. She has lectured extensively at University and professional level primarily on shoulders, as well as being a clinical tutor. She is currently facilitating a cohort of physiotherapists through the specialisation program.
Alison has a special interest and extensive experience in the management of all shoulder injuries from post operative to traumatic and everything in between.
Alison is an APA SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST who completed her Masters in Sports Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2012.
Anthony is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST who holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy and prior to this a Bachelor of Science from University of Melbourne majoring in Anatomy and Physiology. He was awarded the Executive Dean's List award for academic excellence from Bond University, where he undertook research into strength training and injury prevention with the NSW police.
Anthony has a distinct interest in cricket and lumbar stress injuries which took him to undertake research with Cricket Australia. In both 2020 and 2021 he presented at the Cricket Australia Sports Medicine and Sports Medicine Australia conferences ‘Risk factors of lumbar bone stress injuries' and has an upcoming publication in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Science.
He has worked with the Gold Coast Suns AFL, ARU Wallabies U20s, Mckinnon Cougars (Big V), Collegians FC (VAFA), Caulfield Grammarians (VAFA), Brighton Grammar Rowing. He was previously Head Physiotherapist for the Cricket Victoria Elite Pathway System travelling to multiple National championships. Anthony works with Cricket Victoria and works amongst the 2 nd XI and Pathways.
Anthony is currently Head Physiotherapist for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash T20 league.
Job Titles:
- Remedial Massage Therapist
Caterina is a REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST who is passionate about her work and believes that the body is a delicate machine, and the ability to work on it, involves strength, patience and ability to transmit positive energy.
Caterina has worked as a sports massage therapist with a variety of sporting teams including soccer and football. She is currently the sports massage therapist with AFL Victoria - VFL umpiring department.
Caterina enjoys working with athletes from all sporting backgrounds and is a keen swimmer herself. She studied at Melbourne Institute of Massage therapy where she completed her diploma in remedial massage and her certificate in sports and relaxation massage. Caterina is a current member of ANTA and is a recognised health care provider with all of the health insurance providers.
Job Titles:
- Physiotherapist
- PHYSIOTHERAPIST and CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR
Catya Josephides is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR having graduated from the Doctor of Physiotherapy course at the University of Melbourne and having previously completed a B. Science majoring in Human Structure and Function.
Catya has been involved in numerous sporting settings including Soccer (Football Victoria), Basketball (NBL1) and particularly with the Senior Women's team of St. Kevin's Old Boys Football Club in the VAFA.
Catya has a passion for rehabilitation in particular for the management of overuse injuries and tendinopathy. She has expertise in clinical pilates, muscle motor retraining, and strength based athletic development.
Catya has competed at a high level in cross country and athletics, and has been heavily involved in her own high performance strength training.
Away from work life Catya enjoys travel, cooking and trying all the best restaurants in Melbourne.
Catya runs Physic Exercise Classes at Physiosports, however treats at Pursue Health. To book an appointment to see Catya call Pursue Health on 9131 4977 or book online by clicking here.
John is a SPORTS DOCTOR, originally from the UK and the current Sports Doctor for the AFL St Kilda Football Club.
He has extensive experience in numerous professional sports and active populations, including rugby, soccer, AFL, ballet, tennis, sailing, the military and basketball. This has included as Team Doctor for the England's Women's Rugby Team and medical support for AFL Pathway, NBL Basketball and NRL Rugby League teams in Australia.
As a former professional rugby player, John understands the needs of people wanting to be healthy and active, as well as the frustration of medical issues and injuries.
He has a PhD in Sports Injuries, degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sports Science and has co-authored more than 40 peer reviewed Sports Medicine publications. He has presented his work internationally at conferences and continues to teach Sport and Exercise Medicine to current and future Doctors and clinicians.
Job Titles:
- Physiotherapist
- SPORTS TITLED PHYSIOTHERAPIST
- Team Physiotherapist
Ellie is an APA SPORTS TITLED PHYSIOTHERAPIST who completed her masters in Sports Physiotherapy in 2019 at La Trobe University. Ellie finished her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland in 2011.
Before joining our team in 2017, Ellie worked at a knee specialist clinic in Queensland and an elite sports medicine clinic in London.
Ellie has a special interest is in assessment and management of lower limb injuries (particularly acute knee injuries). She has also been working closely with Paula Baird Colt to help manage patients with dance related injuries and hypermobility.
Ellie has worked as a team Physiotherapist for various sporting teams including; the Junior Matilda's Australian Soccer, Old Caulfield Grammarians Football Club, Southern Saints Netball, Sandringham Athletics Club, Queensland U15 women's hockey, Queensland gymnastics and Sunshine Coast Stingrays Rugby.
Georgia is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR who graduated from Latrobe University in 2008 beginning her career working within orthopaedics at the Monash Medical Centre. She has a keen interest in playing soccer and has featured in multiple Victorian State Teams, VIS programs, played four years for Westfield W-League Melbourne Victory Women's Soccer team (2010-2014), and continuous to play and Captain Womens National Premier League team Box Hill United.
Georgia has worked with Old Haileybury Amateur Football Club (2006-2009), was head physiotherapist with the Box Hill United Soccer Club Senior Men Team (Men's National Premier League 20012-2014) and continues to operate as a consultant physiotherapist for the team. Georgia was managing Brighton Women's Soccer Club Physiotherapist in 2015. She also worked as a Physiotherapist for Melbourne City over the winter and summer leagues (2014-2015), having the pleasure of managing Matildas and other elite players under City's Youth-League, NPL and the record-breaking premiers W-League Team.
Georgia is currently completing her postgraduate study in Sports Physiotherapy through La Trobe University.
Her passion lies in soccer related injuries, particularly those involving complex mechanical issues of the pelvis and lower limbs. She also thoroughly enjoys the rehabilitation aspect of all lower limb injuries and assessing how certain biomechanics can contribute to injury.
Job Titles:
- Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist
John is an APA SPORTS & EXERCISE PHYSIOTHERAPIST, STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH and PILATES EDUCATOR with over 18 years of experience. In addition to his Physiotherapy qualifications from The University of Melbourne (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) and La Trobe University (Master of Sports Physiotherapy), John also holds a Master of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning) from Edith Cowan University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Level 1 ASCA Strength & Conditioning Coach.
With an emphasis on the use of various exercise interventions to assist his patient's return to fitness and health following injury, John also develops return to sport and exercise programs for patients ranging from young and adolescents, active adults looking to stay healthy, through to older adults and elite athletes. He has a special interest in shoulder, spinal, knee and runner's injuries as well as paediatric sporting injuries.
John is available both in the clinic and via online consultations to help patients build their fitness using a range of exercise types including gym-based training, home programs, Pilates, running and cycling.
As a senior Physiotherapist at Physiosports Brighton, John delivers the Strength Training for Young and Teen Athletes program, our Pilates based rehabilitation service and teaches classes as part of our Online Exercise Classes.In addition, John lectures to health and fitness professionals across Australis as part of Resistance Training Rehabilitation (www.resistancetrainingrehab.com) which he established in 2012. He has previously worked with several sporting organisations including the Football Victoria, Brentford Football Club (UK), Victoria Bushrangers and Collegians Football Club.
John is an experienced SPORTS PODIATRIST and the first Podiatrist in Australia to successfully earn the Certified Sports Podiatrist credential awarded by the Australian Podiatry Association. He is currently completing his PhD at La Trobe University about the role of muscle strength in plantar heel pain (plantar fasciitis).
He is particularly interested in injuries such as heel pain, shin splints, sesamoiditis, patellofemoral pain, and tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. John also has experience managing patients with rheumatological conditions (e.g., arthritis), blisters, ingrown toenails, general foot care, and chronic disease management such as diabetes.
With a background in strength and conditioning, John always considers a holistic view of the foot and ankle, focusing not only on foot orthoses but individualized rehabilitation and strengthening programs for each of his patients. John has also managed both amateur and elite sportsmen and sportswomen from AFL (Australian Rules), gymnastics, basketball, soccer, triathlon, and cricket.
Job Titles:
- SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Leanne is a SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST (FACP). She is one of only seven physiotherapists in Victoria with this clinical specialty attained through Fellowship exams conducted by the Australian College of Physiotherapy. Since graduating from LaTrobe University in 1990, Leanne has gained extensive work experience with The Australian Ballet (2006-2008), The Australian Institute of Sport (1998 - 2005), the Olympic Games (with The Australian Gymnastics Team, Sydney 2000), the Commonwealth Games (Manchester 2002) and in private practice.
Leanne's areas of special clinical interest are related to the hip, pelvis and groin; foot and ankle; chronic pain management; dance injury management/prevention; gymnastics injury management/prevention; athletic and running injuries; and any recalcitrant sports injury presentation. She also lectures extensively on these topics.
Her diverse team involvements have developed broad experience and perspective. Leanne is also interested in alternative paradigms of injury management, including tensegrity and dynamical systems approaches.
Leanne has further experience in sports injury management including international appointments with the Australian World University Games Track and Field Team (1998), The Australian Swimming Team (1997), The Australian Women's Volleyball Team (1998-2003), The Australian Netball Team (1993-1996) and the Australian Masters Hockey Team (1991/1992). Her national work experience has covered most Olympic sports including AIS men's soccer, AIS track and field and AIS women's volleyball program. She was also assistant physiotherapist to North Melbourne Giants Men's NBL Basketball team (1996-1997) and provided general servicing to both residential AIS programs and camp based sports passing through the AIS (1998-2005).
Leanne's professional experience in dance includes working as physiotherapist to The Australian Ballet (2007 - 2009) and consultant physiotherapist to Bangarra Dance Company, Sydney Dance Company and The Royal New Zealand Ballet Company. She also accepts direct referrals related to dance injury management in her private practice work. Leanne has lectured on the Level 1 and Level 2 Dance Courses (APA) educating physiotherapists on the management of the lower back and pelvis for dance. She has co-presented (with Paula Baird-Colt) as a podium presentation at International Association for Dance, Medicine & Science Conference (Canberra 2007) and is a current member of IADMS.
Leanne has also completed Level 1 and Level 2 Clinical Pilates instructor courses (DMA).
Lynne Thompson is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST who completed a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy from Curtin University (WA) in 2000. With more than 20 years experience, Lynne has worked with a wide variety of people, from the general public to elite sports people both in England and New Zealand.
Lynne has worked with the N.Z. Under 19 Women's Softball Team in the 1999 World Tournament, Rugby, Rugby League, and Representative Netball teams in Wellington. Lynne is currently providing physiotherapy services to the Old Brighton Grammarians Football Club in the VAFA.
Lynne has a special interest in rehabilitation, and the correction of abnormal movement patterns to facilitate a return to full activity.
Job Titles:
- Remedial Massage Therapist
Marion had been working as a REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST for over 10 years. This includes experience with the AFL, Gymnastics Victoria as well as in spa and clinic settings.
Her treatment is tailored to your specific needs. Sessions involve a thorough assessment, treatment, and client education. Manual therapy, cupping, muscle energy techniques, dry needling, and stretching are but a few of the tools she likes to use. Marion also enjoys working closely with other professionals in our team to ensure that a holistic and well-rounded approach is taken, ultimately maximizing outcomes and ensuring client confidence.
Marion is also interested in sailing, pilates, tennis, great food, and amazing wine.
Michael is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and CLINICAL PILATES PRACTITIONER and a director of Physiosports Brighton. Michael graduated from Latrobe University in 2002. He has extensive experience in private practice, working both in Australia and the United Kingdom, with a special interest in sporting injuries.
Michael was employed by and travelled with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in the elite English Premier League, as well as being a Physiotherapist for the Australian Masters Games Hockey. He has been a player and Physiotherapist with the Old Mentonians Football Club and is currently a team physiotherapist for Old Brighton Grammarians in the VAFA.
Michael has a special interest in the prevention of sporting injury, as well as the management of lower back and pelvic dysfunction.
Nicola is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST having graduated from Monash University in 2022 with first-class honours in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course.
Nicola's previous experience includes an internship with Collingwood Football Club, where she provided manual therapy for both the VFL and AFL teams. Additionally, Nicola has served as a trainer at Old Brighton Football Club (VAFA) for the past three seasons.
With over 15 years of experience in athletics, Nicola possesses a keen interest in addressing running-related injuries. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds enjoyment in traveling, attending live music events, and cherishing moments spent with friends.
Job Titles:
- SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Paul Visentini is a SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST (FACP), with his awarded sub-speciality in the area of lower limb tendinopathy. He completed post graduate studies in Manipulative Physiotherapy in 1994, and designed the VISA Score, a widely used functional outcome measure for Patellar Tendinopathy. He works as a clinician at Physiosports Brighton in Melbourne, Australia.
Paul is an International Bike Fitting Institute Level 4 Bikefitter. He has been involved in Cycling Injury Management at both elite and recreational level, having consulted to the Australian Institute of Sport in Varese, Italy, as well as working with leading NRS teams in Australia: Inform Cycling and Drapac EF.
He is completing his Doctorate in Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University, investigating Overuse injuries in cycling. He recently published Factors associated with overuse injury in cyclists: A systematic review and previously has published Overuse Injuries in Cycling in the Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal.
Paul has a passion for bikefit and cycling injury management, the evidence base involved, and the clinical reasoning process required to achieve the best results.
The ‘Physiosports PhysioBikefit' course is a platform for the education of Cycling Injury Practitioners and Physio Bikefitters. Presented by Paul and other leaders in the cycling biomechanics and bikefit industry, ‘Physiosports PhysioBikefit' has now been presented by Paul in both within Australia and internationally since 2013, and is now available on-line.
Job Titles:
- Exercise Movement Specialist
Paula Baird-Colt graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and began her professional dance career with the West Australian Ballet before joining The Australian Ballet.
After 17 years as a professional dancer, Paula retrained in the Pilates Method and commenced teaching at the Australian Ballet School a dance specific conditioning program (2001 - 2007). A member of The Australian Ballet's multidisciplinary medical team (2006 - 2019) as body conditioning specialist, Paula innovated and delivered injury prevention, rehabilitation and repertoire specific conditioning programs. Paula extended her role at The Australian Ballet to work in the Education Unit (2008 - 2015) under Education Consultant Helen Cameron on the company's education partnerships and outreach program ‘Out There, The Australian Ballet in schools'.
Paula's special interest areas are hips, lower legs, pointe work, dance footwear and the use of real time ultra sound as a biofeedback movement education tool.
Her teaching practice combines visual, auditory, and tactile cues naturally and a capacity to individualise a range of exercises from various movement methods.
In addition to her work with professional dancers Paula's expertise is sought by elite athletes. A member of the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science she has presented internationally and here in Australia.
Phoebe is a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR who graduated with Honours from Monash University. Phoebe is no stranger to the Physiosports community having been involved with Old Brighton Football club as a trainer and physiotherapist over the last 6 seasons. She now works with the Caulfield Grammarian Football Club as team Physiotherapist. She has also been part of the physiotherapy team at numerous community events including Connor's Run and the Breast Cancer Network Carman's Women's Fun Run.
Phoebe has a special interest in reproductive health having worked in a Specialist Women's Health physiotherapy practise for over 3 years. She has a Postgraduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy from Melbourne University. She has expertise in managing women through all stages of development, pregnancy and post-partum recovery. She is passionate about helping people get the most out of their bodies and to manage pain productively.
Phoebe also has an interest in dance physiotherapy, having spent 18 years as a competitive Irish Dancer.
Phoebe is available for physiotherapy consultations on Tuesday, Wed, Friday afternoons and alternate Saturday mornings.
Scott is a driven PODIATRIST motivated by his desire to help people, with an in-depth knowledge of sports injuries and musculoskeletal pathologies of the lower leg. Scott utilises his background in Science and Research to read up to date evidence-based treatment modalities.
Scott's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science with Majors in Physiology and Immunology at Monash and a Bachelor of Applied Science/Masters of Podiatric Practice at La Trobe University. He is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association (APodA), Sports Exercise Podiatry Australia (SEPA) and Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), regularly attending events to advance his knowledge.
Scott enjoys an active lifestyle of running, swimming, cycling, weightlifting and basketball on a regular basis. This passion for exercise and sport drives Scott in the clinic, having experience in managing complex injuries at an amateur and professional sporting level (SSN, NCAA, NBL1, VGL etc.).
Sonia Osborne has been a NUTRITION CONSULTANT for the last 15 years and is qualified in Holistic Nutrition through the Nature Care College and is also a certified Food and Health Coach with the International Association of Health and Nutrition Coaching (IAHNC).
Sonia is also a certified Understanding Pain Practitioner, Personal Trainer, Stress Management Coach and Qi Gong Teacher, in addition to having a Business Degree.
Sonia has recently repatriated from Singapore after 10 years, and offers a holistic functional medicine approach that can support you to lose weight, extend your health span or support any complex or chronic health issue. She is compassionate, warm and passionate about helping.
Sonia's expertise is broad, with specialisations in:
Hormonal-based issues (thyroid, peri/menopause, amenorrhoea, insulin resistance)
Nutritional Deficiencies
Weight loss
Healthy aging
Auto-immunity
Digestive Issues
Chronic conditions/inflammation
Sonia lives in Black Rock and spends her free time cooking, teaching Qi Gong for charity, resistance training, and travelling. You might also see her joining you in our pilates studio on a regular basis.
Sonia consults twice a week at Brighton on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Job Titles:
- SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Steve is a SPECIALIST SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapy) and a director of Physiosports Brighton. He graduated with honors from Melbourne University in 1999 and was awarded fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapy after completing his Specialisation exams in 2015.
Steve has worked extensively with elite athletes both in Australia and the United Kingdom predominately in soccer, tennis and athletics. He currently oversees the sports medicine programs for Old Brighton Grammarians and Caulfield Grammarians Football Club (VAFA).
Steve is passionate about advancing physiotherapy practice and is committed to providing the profession with access to the world's leading clinicians and researchers. He has lectured widely to post-graduate physiotherapists and health professionals and has co-developed the Physiosports Mastering Load series and Science of Cycling courses, as well as, regularly facilitating symposia including Tendinopathy and management of the Adolescent athlete.
A keen golfer and cyclist, Steve has a special interest in the biomechanics of these sports and provides specialised bike set-up and golf assessments at Physiosports.