Meet the Team

Physiotherapist & Director

B.AppSc (phyty) (Hons 1)

After commencing a degree in Exercise Physiology, Daniel’s interest in human biomechanics and anatomy soon led him to Physiotherapy where he graduated from the University of Sydney with honours in facial nerve paralysis and TMJ assessment and treatment. Director at Phytness Healthcare since 2011, Dan is passionate about delivering excellence in physiotherapy to our community.

Dan’s high standards in care extend throughout the company policy of long appointment times, staff educational training and allowances and interpersonal development.

With continued research and constant upskilling, he has his finger on the pulse across diverse areas of Physiotherapy that is evidenced based, up to date and pushes the boundaries of old school thinking.

Long term management through strength and conditioning utilising Pilates and body dynamics is something Dan is focused on and his treatments are concise, specific and considered to every individual client.

Dan is available for expedition consulting and trips where medical and physiotherapy treatments are required for athletes and staff to the most remote places.

Dan has worked with professional track athletes and football teams and is particularly interested in musculoskeletal and sports specific injuries. Daniel has travelled internationally to provide physiotherapy for the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) as part of World Cup and World Championship Mountain Bike Races. His interest in rock climbing, running, surfing, mountain bike riding and skiing have provided him with first-hand experience in sports specific prevention, performance and injury management.​

Daniel provides the following treatments:

Clinical Pilates

Dry needling

Professional bike set-ups

Muscle energy techniques

Rock climbing specific injuries

Orthotic prescription

Facial nerve conditions

Temporomandibular disorders

Vertigo management

Concussion management

Accredited NDIS provider

Real-time film biomechanical feedback - vimove software accredited

Available for expedition and remote consulting.

Physiotherapist & Director

B.Phty (Physio)

Having completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2011, Bart has worked to develop a diverse skill set as a Physiotherapist. Currently a keen surfer and water skier, it was a background of AFL, swimming and tennis which lead Bart to pursue Physiotherapy.

Bart's role as a Physiotherapist has seen him travel overseas, working with athletes competing at an international level in mountain biking, road cycling and cross country skiing.

Bart brings a professional and fun approach to the Phytness team and is uncompromising in his desire to bring out the best in all his patients.

Physiotherapist

DB.AppSc (phyty) | F.I.S.T Cert. Professional Bike Fit. | N.S.W.I.S Accred Physio

Alex has treated thousands of clients from a broad cross-section of population over the past 18 years as an experienced Physiotherapist and rehabilitation coach. His interest in understanding the human body and its’ capacity has been driven by a curiosity and passion to find the source of injury and uncover the cause that will not only improve function but prevent a reoccurrence.

Alex is innately committed to helping clients that are challenged with day to day injuries across all facets of the community, using an evidence-based method in providing individualised treatment plans and exercise intervention strategies. Facilitating healthy lifestyle choices and a holistic approach to his client’s wellbeing, Alex provides a complete solution to help his clients achieve their best results.

Alex facilitates long term wellbeing through education and being a positive and supportive influence during the rehab process. This has proven to be a valuable attribute for his clients who face physical limitations caused by injury and emotional distress during periods of disappointment. Alex has a particular focus on working with NDIS clients, for which he is a provider, as well as athletes, adolescents, and achieving day to day functionality for all his clients.

Alex has an optimistic outlook but is a realist when it comes to setbacks. He personally knows the sense of satisfaction after enduring some tough times and empowers others to follow through with treatment.

Having lived and worked internationally, Alex has taken up opportunities to work with elite triathlon programs as both a physiotherapist, and a strength and conditioning coach. Having travelled extensively with the Australian Triathlon team for eight years, Alex has gained unique insight into functional injury prevention and the performance of athletes at all levels. Further to this, Alex has accompanied and support teams to two Olympic Games and a Commonwealth games. During the Rio Olympics, Alex worked with the USA Triathlon team, in particular Gwen Jorgensen who won the Gold medal.

Alex has used his experiences working with elite athletes, to apply to his clients, with particular expertise in movement analysis, bike fitting, run and swim technique. He uses real time filming and analysis which has proven invaluable in the prevention of injury and enhancing performance.

As an elite level triathlete who has competed nationally and internationally, Alex has inside knowledge to the demands high level sport can place on the human body. Alex also understands everyday life can have similar limiting impacts and advocates the benefits of incorporating preventive treatments as a way to de-stress or manage long hours spent at a desk or in sedentary working environments.

As managing director and head coach of AP10 – Triathlon and Performance Coaching, Alex combines his love of biomechanics, coaching and getting the most out of each athlete, while continuously studying and applying new treatment techniques and options.

Alex’s peer recognition in his experience is evidenced in invitations to speak at APA and SPA events, as well as multiple contributions to industry and sports specific media.

Physiotherapist

BExSci | MPT

Merek graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Truman State University, USA, in 1996. Her athletic background and a desire to have a positive influence in people’s lives led her to pursue a Master in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 1998. Her career began in pediatrics, shifted to aged care and rehabilitation, and then on to treating musculoskeletal injuries in a private practice setting in Wyoming for 10 years. The rugged lifestyle in Wyoming, including ranching and rodeo, led her to gain experience in the rehabilitation of shoulder injuries, back pain, and joint replacements.

Merek and her family relocated to Australia in 2014 to escape the long cold winters. The beautiful weather has allowed her to renew her interest in swimming and golf. Her and her husband have 2 children and a golden retriever. They enjoy spending their time outdoors, especially at the dog beach, and have enjoyed learning about new sports such as netball and Oztag. Merek strongly believes in empowering patients to manage their own health needs and achieve their goals.

Physiotherapist

B.AppSc (phyty)

After attaining her physiotherapy qualification from the University of Sydney, in 1992, Shari worked in the public hospital system for 4 years gaining broad experience in acute medical and surgical, orthopedics, head injury, stroke and amputees. Since 1997, Shari has worked in private practice assessing and managing musculoskeletal injuries.

Shari has a particular interest in sports injuries, and injuries of children and adolescents. Over the last 20 years, Shari has worked with the Illawarra Steelers Rugby League teams (U/15-U/19), Australian men's Fast Pitch (softball), Australian U/19 men's Fast Pitch, physiotherapist at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, State Masters Hockey and Touch Football championships and more recently (last 6 years), team physiotherapist for the Illawarra District State Age netball (U/12-U/15's).

Shari prides herself on keeping up to date with the latest in injury management and values the importance of accurate diagnosis.

She has 2 children who she loves keeping active with, enjoying running, surfing, netball, cycling and oztag.

Physiotherapist

BHlthSc MPhyty

Andrew has attained both a Master of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Sydney.

Since becoming a registered physiotherapist, he has worked primarily in musculoskeletal physiotherapy in the private sector. Andrew has also pursued further training in the Mulligan Concept of Manual Therapy and Clinical Pilates, increasing the skills he can apply in helping his patients relieve their pain and achieve their goals.

Andrew’s main interests are cricket, rugby league, tennis and snowboarding. He has played cricket for several years in the Illawarra. During this time, Andrew was thankful for his physiotherapist who allowed him to continue playing, leading to Andrew’s pursuit of a physiotherapy career.

Physiotherapist

B.App.Sc. Physiotherapy

Born and bred in the Illawarra, Damien have been involved in our local sports community from a young age. He is passionate about connecting with people and empowering them to achieve their health and fitness goals. Damien possess over 25 years of extensive physiotherapy experience in both private practice and in public hospitals within Australia and internationally in the areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy, rehabilitation and orthopaedics.

Damien has honed his skillset specifically in occupational physiotherapy, delivering high quality care within the workplace across a multitude heavy and light industries.

Areas of interest:

-Assisting people recover from sports, leisure and work-related injuries

-Physiotherapy rehabilitation following shoulder, knee, foot and spinal surgery

-Gym strengthening programs, work conditioning, clinical Pilates, hydrotherapy,

pre employment functional testing

-Musculoskeletal dry needling

-Occupational Physiotherapy

Hobbies:

Swimming, gym, mountain/road cycling, golf and travel

Spending time with his wonderful family in the great outdoors.

Damien offers:

Soft tissue treatment, specific to sports injuries

Muscle energy techniques

Dry Needling

Clinical Pilates

Taping techniques for sports persons

TMJ (Jaw) treatment

Vertigo/Headaches

Onsite occupation physiotherapy

Physiotherapist

B. Physiotherapy

Michael provides client-centered physiotherapy, with a strong focus on building rapport and offering personalized treatment to his clientele. Having a background in strength and conditioning, Michael utilises an evidence-based approach, which is complimented by highly effective manual therapy techniques. Michael has a strong interest in; sports specific injuries, acute Paediatric conditions, overuse and work-related pathologies as well as post-surgical intervention.

Physiotherapist

B.PreMedScHlth (Ex Sci)

MPhty

Matt has always had a passion for empowering people to optimise their health outcomes.

Following his Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Health and Science at the University of Wollongong, Matt completed his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney.

Since becoming a registered physiotherapist, Matt works primarily in the musculoskeletal

sector of private practice. He has an interest in sports injury rehabilitation; having spent

enough time as a patient from his time playing representative soccer and futsal.

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Matt's area of expertise include

5 years aged care experience

NDIS passion

Post surgical intervention

Helping patients achieve their functional goals.

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Physiotherapist

Alexia was drawn to a career in Physiotherapy by her love of the way in which exercise and movement can improve an individual’s quality of life. This led Alexia to complete her undergraduate Bachelor of Physiotherapy, achieving First Class Honours, at Western Sydney University.

Alexia primarily works in the musculoskeletal sector of private practice, in combination with aged care at the Multicultural Aged Care Facility in Illawarra. Prior to working as a physiotherapist, she worked as a pilates instructor, and now brings her experience to teaching as part of the Phytness HealthCare Clinical Pilates team.

When Alexia isn’t working, you will find her cooking with her husband, practicing pilates, visiting farmers markets, or spending time with friends and family. Alexia is passionate about providing care that is tailored to each individual, striving to reach their goals while incorporating evidence based practice.

Physiotherapist

BAppSc (Ex Sc) M Physio

Tony is a highly energetic, thorough and enthusiastic physiotherapist. He is always looking for treatment and rehabilitation solutions to create a positive change for his clients. Following his Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Wollongong, Tony completed his Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Technology, Sydney. Since graduating and becoming a registered physiotherapist, Tony has had experience working in a hospital setting primarily focused on rehabilitation, as well as a private clinical setting.

Tony enjoys the ever-growing nature of physiotherapy, keeping up to date with the most relevant and accurate interventions, and adapting treatment to provide the best care for each individual patient.

Areas of interest include:

Post surgical intervention and rehabilitation

Management of acute/overuse injuries

Sports/Work related injuries and rehabilitation

NDIS

Physiotherapist

B.ExSc M.Phyt

Clinical interests:

• Lower limb rehabilitation of the knee, hip and ankle - particularly ACL injuries

• Post surgical rehabilitation

• Tendinopathy

• Muscle and Joint pain

• Return to Run/Return to Sport rehabilitation and Testing

• NDIS

Additional skills/titles:

• Dry needling

• Level 1 Sports Trainer

• Sports taping

• Drug and Alcohol testing

• Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Sports Physiotherapy Australia

Tom attained a Bachelor of Exercise Science at the University of Wollongong before completing a Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney. Tom has long been involved in the local community, playing numerous sports including AFL, cricket and basketball.

Tom has a keen interest in treating musculoskeletal pain due to his own extensive injury history. Tom has sustained two ACL ruptures, undergoing an ACL reconstruction as well as being one of the first patients to undertake the Cross Bracing Protocol. Due to these experiences, Tom strives to empower his patients to reach their goals whether that be to return to the sporting field or to have no pain in their daily life.

Tom has previous experience in a range of disciplines including working as a Strength and Conditioning coach for the Sydney Swans Academy, working as a Sports Trainer for local sporting teams in the community, and neurological rehabilitation with NDIS participants.