MGS Physiotherapy

Cam has always been interested in healthcare from an early age, with a family working in the industry and from an innate interest of helping others. This interest was directed specifically towards physiotherapy in his teens, having suffered numerous personal sporting injuries which required a hefty amount of time spent at the local physiotherapy clinic. It was there he learnt to appreciate how much influence his Physiotherapist could have on keeping him on the Rugby field and more importantly helping him prevent injuries from re-occurring.

Cam is another of our MGS Physiotherapists hailing from the Land of the Long White Cloud, (AKA New Zealand). He completed his Physiotherapy degree in the deep south through Otago University in 2007. After fine-tuning his trade for a few years in Wellington, he arrived on the Northern Beaches of Sydney in 2013. This was all going to be tied in with his other world travels, with plans to stay a couple of years, but like so many others, he has come to love this area and has never left.

His initial attraction to become a Physiotherapist was Sports Physiotherapy and this remains his passion to this day. Cam has done and continues to play a lot of sports himself. Over the years he has worked for a number of teams, mostly Rugby Union and Rugby League, netball and basketball. His Physiotherapy background is varied, with vast experience treating everything from long-term chronic injuries to acute sprains/strains or conditions created by sedentary work conditions or simply postural imbalances. He is a firm believer in the MGS philosophy of not only treating the problem to relieve the pain, but preventing it from coming back again usually by way of progressive exercise therapy. His preferred treatment areas are necks (including headaches), shoulders, knees and ankles/feet. He treats very biomechanically and holistically, looking at the body as a whole.

In his spare time he finds it difficult to stay still, so if he’s not exercising or playing rugby, he will be out exploring NSW, at the beach or at a cafe with friends. The main love of his life (unfortunately for his wallet) is traveling the world, but while we can keep him coming back, we love having him hang out in the MGS Crew. With that A-Grade Moustache, he gives all the MGS boys a run for their money in the fashion stakes.

The Quiz
Most inspirational person?
Billy Connolly and David Attenborough

Favourite movie?
One from each genre: Remember the Titans and The Shawshank Redemption

Favourite book?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Country would most like to visit?
I’d love to go back to Egypt

Ba.App.Sc (Physiotherapy)
M.App.Sc (Manipulative Physiotherapy)
Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Dave has been working as a Physiotherapist since the late 1980’s. During that time he has worked with a variety of sporting and community groups in addition to his clinical duties. A Masters degree in musculoskeletal physiotherapy supports his specific interest in the treatment of back and neck conditions. Dave has also had a lot of experience assessing and treating biomechanical conditions such as those suffered by runners and most sports people. Treating the underlying condition is always Dave’s primary concern when someone comes in for assessment. While rest and recovery is often necessary in the healing process of an injury Dave like’s to find ways to keep a person working, training and living their lives while they recover. “An active recovery is often the best and fastest recovery”. Dave enjoys working with people of all ages.

Away from MGS Dave spends most of his time with his young family. Despite advice from his friends he continues to play soccer and not very well at that. He is a keen runner, road and mountain bike rider so if you see him with cuts and scrapes on his face it means he got out for a ride over the weekend. I’m wondering if that’s why he tends to stick to the black surface more often nowadays. Dave will never knock back the chance to do something physical or the offer of competition. For someone who juggles a business, busy family, busy sports life, he always appears so calm and relaxed

The Quiz
Most inspiring historical or public person
Galileo

What is your favourite movie?
Blade Runner

Name your favourite book
The world according to Garp

Which country would you most like to visit
Cuba

Doctor (Physiotherapy)
Ba (Sports Science)
Clinical Pilates Instructor

Chrissie Eves is almost a Manly local. She grew up in Mosman and went to School at Monte. She then went north and completed her first degree in Sports Science at the Bond University on the Gold Coast. After that Chrissie undertook and attained the Bond University Doctor of Physiotherapy programme. A fair bit of study later Chrissie was plying her trade in a variety of different physiotherapy areas.

By the time she had joined MGS in Manly Chrissie had worked with many high profile rugby and rugby league teams. She has worked and gained experience over a few years in busy private practices similar to MGS. Chrissie is a highly qualified and experienced physiotherapist who has a great deal to offer her patients.

Like all of our physiotherapists Chrissie has specific training in a variety of treatment techniques. She is trained in Active Release Technique (ART) which she finds to be a very useful treatment for certain conditions. ART is a movement based massage which changes interactions between muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Chrissie also utilises dry needling along with many other manual therapy techniques. Knowing when to use various treatment tools is the most important component of quality physiotherapy treatment. Chrissie uses her extensive knowledge and diagnostic skills in order to assess and design the best treatment along with accurate exercise prescription. On top of all of her clinical skills Chrissie is also a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor.

We are all fairly active at MGS and Chrissie is no different. She played high level netball through her school years and it was actually an injury to her knee that introduced her to physio in the first place. She must have been looked after well because it was from this point that she decided to pursue physiotherapy as her career. Chrissie seems to be into everything active, she surfs, runs, goes to Yoga and practices Pilates as well. Over the past couple of years she has become a large part of our wider Cross Fit community and loves training with her fellow cross fitters. We can always tell which patient’s in the waiting room are Chrissie’s, their muscles and superfit demeanors just give them away.

Although her appointment cards name her formally as “Dr Christina Eves” we just call her Chrissie. There is never a dull moment having Chrissie around at work, she is full of life and super enthusiastic in getting her patients better, and manages to push us all to squeeze that extra training or exercise session in our lunch break. We love having her around at MGS.

The Quiz
Most inspiring historical or public person
Princess Diana and Layne Beachley

What is your favourite movie?
The Body Guard

Name your favourite book
Buddha’s Brain by Dr Rick Hanson

Which place would you most like to visit
Tulum Caves Mexico

Brooke has been with us at MGS Physiotherapy since December 2016, bringing a wealth of experience working previously with youth and open age netball, rugby union, athletics, and rowing programs.

Brooke has post graduate training in specific exercise rehabilitation and Clinical Pilates (APPI). She works across both the North Curl Curl and Manly clinics bridging the gap between sports / orthopaedic physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates group rehab. She is available for one to one appointments at NCC and group sessions at Manly, giving patients the opportunity to seamlessly experience the best service possible across the two sites.

Brooke has a particular interest in treating paediatric patients and developing young athletes, with a focus on pre-screening and injury prevention programs, whilst being able to understand the demands of return to sports, both at elite and recreational levels. She has developed a dedicated Pilates class just for kids to help them not only recover from injuries, but also move and feel better through fun and engaging exercise programmes.

With further post-graduate qualifications including APA Sports Level Two and dry needling, Brooke is a valued part of the team at MGS. She is confidently able to treat complex injuries with a variety of hands on treatment, structured rehabilitation programming and high level of exercise prescription.

BHSc (Physiotherapy)
Clinical Pilates Instructor

Although Claudia is one of our Kiwi members of Staff she is also our most local. Claudia lives so close to the practice that she can hear her kettle boiling. When Claudia joined us early in 2013 she had just moved up from Melbourne where she had a senior role in a large musculoskeletal and sports injury clinic. When we first met Claudia we were amazed at how well she fitted into the MGS practice personally and professionally. Her post graduate experience and training are completely in line with our services in terms of both assessment and treatment skills. Like the rest of the Physios here, Claudia likes to get to the core elements of her patient’s problems. She looks at why problems have presented and what is the best and most practical way to go about making improvements for people.
She is a great communicator which helps her to understand how a condition is affecting a person as well as why.

Claudia uses a combination of hands on treatment techniques together with exercise prescription to get her patients back to full function. Although highly trained in the treatment of spinal conditions Claudia has a particular interest in hip and shoulder conditions. On top of this Claudia also runs some of our clinical Pilates classes. When she is not in the rooms Claudia is probably out enjoying the active lifestyle that Manly offers. She loves spending time with husband and together they have a long list of things to do like triathlons, marathons, standup paddling, kayaking, surfing, ocean swimming and mountain biking. You would think that after welcoming two beautiful girls into their lives would have slowed her and husband Marty up, but they seem to be finding the time to keep up all the other fun things too. It’s tiring just writing all that stuff down, however, Claudia is full of energy and could knock half of it over before lunch.

We all love having Claudia with us at MGS. Claudia is very popular amongst the patients and since returning from Maternity leave has just stepped right back into MGS life as if she had never been away.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
Nelson Mandela

Favourite movie?
Remember the titans

Favourite book?
Jessica

Country would most like to visit?
Colombia

Alex brings with him to MGS a wealth of knowledge and experience in the health and fitness industry. He began his career up around Newcastle initially as a personal trainer and then as a strength and conditioning coach. He attained his Bachelor Degree in Exercise and Sport Science at Southern Cross University located in the sunny far north coast near Ballina. It was through this time he experienced the amazing adaptive features of the Human Body and that it is capable of far more than most of us use it.

He felt like he needed more depth to completely understand and experience how to achieve best results in physical fitness and well being for his clients. Alex feels that he found his true passion in Physiotherapy. Studying a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy at Sydney University took him to that next level. He believes that in order to achieve his patient’s goals you must have excellent diagnostic skills to be able to determine the source of their symptoms. Addressing their movement patterns, postural and lifestyle factors is paramount in understanding the cause, and educating the patient to self manage these factors will ensure long term health and well being.

He has developed an arsenal of Manual Therapy techniques to assist in treating muscle imbalance syndromes and joint dysfunction . He has been fortunate enough to work closely with multiple sporting teams and treated a broad spectrum of patient presentations and age groups, from school kids with postural and growth related pains, to aging patients with reduced mobility, diminishing bone and muscle strength and function.

Although he does a lot of the manual treatments, he is also a well qualified Clinical Pilates Instructor and his classes are getting very popular and producing some excellent results for patients needing this kind of rehab.

As modern Physiotherapy is such an ever progressing and developing field, Alex follows MGS Physiotherapy’s ethos on the value of constant ongoing further education and personal re-evaluation and learning. We have caught him out several times listening to Podcasts of experts in their respective fields of Physiotherapy, or working out which Professional Education course he will enrol in next.

After hanging out in Maroubra whilst Studying Physiotherapy, he was introduced to the Northern Beaches and decided it was the place he wanted to call home. He loves the atmosphere and the people both inside and outside of the Clinic. Working in Manly he comments on so many people looking happy, smiling, staying fit and loving life. Rarely does a day go by where he is not doing some form of exercise, whether it’s sweating it out in the gym, sparring on the mats at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or performing a recovery Yoga session. His enthusiasm and spirit is contagious, we enjoy having him around. But be careful, you may just leave his treatment sessions feeling that same high.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
Leonardo DaVinci

Favourite movie?
Fight Club

Favourite book?
A Song of Fire and Ice

Country would most like to visit?
Spain

Lisa was born and raised in Switzerland and traveled to Australia as an exchange student from the University of Zurich. After completing her BA at the University of Sydney, she worked at the anthropology department for a while and later qualified as a personal trainer.

She loved her work in the fitness industry but found it frustrating that she wasn’t qualified to train and rehabilitate injured clients appropriately. After a few years away from studying she decided to return to university to become a physiotherapist. Lisa also holds a Masters in International Public Health and a Masters in Translation and Interpreting.

After graduating Lisa worked at the Royal North Shore Hospital and in a few private practices on the Northern Beaches before traveling overseas and interstate with a group of elite Olympic distance triathletes looking after their strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, injury prevention and soft tissue treatment programs.

Lisa is herself a keen runner and cyclist, having competed in a number of long distance triathlons. She is passionate about leading an extremely active lifestyle, not surprising given her other half, Cam, is a professional triathlete. She spends her free time training outdoors or at the gym, walking the dog or doing Pilates. Her and Cam have welcomed baby Finley into their lives and are embracing the joys and challenges that come with growing a young family, yet somehow she just manages to find the time to stay so fit and well.

Lisa likes a mix of hands-on treatment and exercise prescription, as she believes clients need to be able to be given and learn the tools to self-manage their conditions. She has a particular interest (and skill) in Clinical Pilates and treating sporting injuries.

The Quiz
Most inspirational person?
Nelson Mandela

Favourite book?
“Drei Frauen (Three Women)” by Robert Musil

Country would most like to visit?
Switzerland (to see family and friends) and The Pacific Crest Trail (from Mexico to Canada)

Leanne has worked in private practice since 1983 and became a partner in the practice in 1985. Her main area of professional interest is sports physiotherapy and the treatment of ankles, knees and adolescent ‘growing pains’.

A netball fan, Leanne first worked as a physio in her favourite sport at ‘grass-roots’ level, gaining valuable experience before being offered the opportunity to work with the NSW and Under 21 national teams. She completed her Masters in Sports Physiotherapy in 1996 and was appointed physiotherapist for the Australian Netball Team in 1998, a position she retained for five years.

Leanne’s experience gives her real empathy with anyone who has sustained a sports injury. No matter the sport, or whether you participate at an elite or recreational level, Leanne will help you get back to doing what you love as quickly as possible.

In her leisure time, Leanne enjoys a good book, a dig in the garden, long walks, fine red wine and the meditative aspects of yoga.

Ba. App. Sc (Physiotherapy)
Post Grad Dip (Manipulative Physiotherapy)
Acupuncturist
Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Matt has been enjoying his work as a Physiotherapist in private practice for more than 30 years. If you have met Matt you would agree that none of his enthusiasm has diminished. He is passionate about health and fitness. His background in Martial arts and acupuncture shows through with his approach to helping our clients. Matt uses a variety of different manual therapy techniques to help people with pain, joint dysfunction and postural conditions. In addition to this type of treatment Matt believes that it is essential to follow up with appropriate home and self help exercises thus empowering the patient to self manage into the future. He ensures that everyone walks away from their first treatment session knowing what is wrong with them and understanding their injury management plan.

Matt has been involved with a number of sporting organizations over the years working with all types of athletes and the injuries they suffer. Matt is quick to point out however that although he has gained valuable skills from this experience he primarily enjoys the work he does in the clinic with people of all ages and walks of life. From stress related back pain through to helping children with the effects of “growing pains” a day in the MGS clinic for Matt is very diverse and that’s just the way he likes it.

Away from work Matt enjoys an active life with his Wife and two children. They love anything outdoors from boating, camping and waterskiing and surfing. Matt enjoys a soft sand run and golf and over the past couple of years he has found a new love of Stand Up Paddleboarding. Many a weekend you may find Matt and his entire family out on their SUP’s on any of Sydney’s pristine waterways or just out in the surf. Matt is indeed an energetic guy and the rest of us wonder if he ever stops and sleeps.

The Quiz
Name the most inspiring person
Nelson Mandela

What is your favourite movie?
The Magnificent Seven

Name your favourite book
Inside the Cage

Which country would you most like to visit?
Antarctica

Ros has been a partner in the practice since 1988. Her areas of special interest are spinal problems, cervical headache, whiplash, shoulder and hip problems.
She is passionate about Clinical Pilates, having witnessed the enormous changes it has made in the lives of countless clients, even those with long-standing problems. Ros has used Pilates to successfully overcome a recurrent disc problem in her lower back. She has developed innovative ways of using Pilates equipment to fast track the re-training of affected muscles to correct faulty movement patterns that keep us in pain.

Along with Clinical Pilates she uses a variety of manual therapy treatments to help her clients. Acupuncture and cupping therapy were also introduced as treatments to the practice after Ros completed an Acupuncture course and exchange program in Hangzhou, China in 1987.

Outside of work, Ros enjoys travel, the ballet, long walks and weekends away. She continues to develop body and mind through Iyengar yoga.

Titled APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Masters Applied Science (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy)
Bachelor Applied Science (Physiotherapy)

Bachelor of Science (Anatomy)
APAM

Scot is a highly qualified and recognised Physiotherapist. Completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy in the late 90’s at Macquarie University, he then went on to complete his Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy at Sydney University in 2003.

He began his early career working at Royal North Shore Hospital and other rehabilitation facilities as well as working for various sporting teams and codes experiencing all facets of physiotherapeutic care. In 2005, he joined MGS Physiotherapy and proved himself to be an outstanding member of the group. With an ongoing thirst for knowledge, Scot went on to further his studies again and completed his postgraduate Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2008 which qualified him as a Titled APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. In 2013, Scot then became a partner of the MGS Physiotherapy Group and continues to enjoy providing physiotherapy care to the community.

All of us like to work hard and play hard, and it is our desire to ensure all patients can get back to what they love doing as quickly as possible and with minimal fuss. As well as
providing supportive educational advice to promote healthy living and healthy exercise choices, Scot truly enjoys talking shop with his clients and will provide them with as little or as much information about their condition as they would like.

At MGS we always strive to stay up-to-date with the most recent and relevant evidence-based research within the various fields of physiotherapy and the health care setting. This is a common interest shared amongst all of our practitioners, and it is one of the many ‘hats’ Scot wears to facilitate and maintain relevant ongoing professional education across the MGS group.

We all joke that on the weekends Scot likes to spend his time reading anatomy text books. There is a cliché amongst our Physio’s, if you need to know the latest research on anything, “ask Scotie”. Although this may be true, he has a love of water sports particularly surfing, swimming and offshore SUP boarding. However, snow skiing and mountain biking are not far behind either. Scot is a family man now and thoroughly enjoys helping his kids learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy and explore all the amazing outdoor activities we have on offer here on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

The Quiz
Name the most inspiring person
Lance Armstrong

What is your favourite movie?
Star Wars – the originals

Name your favourite book
Anything Wilbur Smith

Which country would you most like to visit
Africa and explore more of our own

Another of our local Northern Beaches Physiotherapists has joined the ranks of MGS. Peter lives in Dee Why with his young family, and loves the fact it only takes him less than ten minutes to get to work and home nowadays.

He graduated with a Masters in Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney in 2016, after completing a degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the Australian Catholic University in 2013 all on top of a business Degree which he first pursued.

Peter feels that he has found his true passion in Physiotherapy. A massive passion for sport, strength training and his own share of sporting injuries was what drove him towards becoming a physiotherapist. Peter believes that in order to achieve a patient’s goals he must have excellent problem solving skills, so he has honed his own skills to be able to quickly determine the source of a patient’s symptoms and dysfunction. He enjoys treating all kinds of muscle imbalance syndromes and joint dysfunction.

Like many of our MGS Physiotherapists, Pete has been fortunate enough to work closely with multiple sporting teams and has treated a broad spectrum of injuries and age groups. He believes that identifying and rectifying any functional strength imbalances is the key to fully recovering from any injury

When he is not at work, you may well find Peter down at his local Gym. Strength training has been a very large part of his fitness regime, and this passion can be seen by the expert guidance he gives his patients and also his peers on strength and conditioning anywhere from the beginnings of Clinical Pilates style training, to a progressive and functional loading, helping individuals back to their desired sports and activities with less pain and less risk of further injury.
When he is not physically training himself, he may be following American Football intently and knows all ins and outs of this game. He loves nothing more than hanging out with his wife and their 7 mth old daughter on weekends, and we don’t know how he pulled this one off, but he has recently purchased a Motorbike and finds this another exciting way to get about the Beaches. We love having Pete on board at MGS, his cruisy, calm nature blends in well with the rest of the team.

As we sadly bade farewell to our popular Hand Therapist Nicola who has started a new life up on the sunny mid North Coast, we were grateful that Nic helped us secure the services of Vanessa, a long established and esteemed Colleague of Nicola with over 28 years of experience in the Hand Therapy Industry.

Vanessa is an Occupational Therapist and Specialist Hand Therapist, having worked in Australia, Canada and the USA. She graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in OT in 1988 and completed her Masters of Science in Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation in 2000. She holds an internationally recognised qualification of Certified Hand Therapist, membership of Australian Hand Therapists Association and also of the NSW Hand Surgeons Association. Her high profile in the industry has seen her Lecture at Universities and present Research papers both in Australia and Internationally.

Vanessa brings to MGS a vast array of experience in assessment, treatment of all upper limb injuries and conditions. This includes fractures, ligament injuries, overuse injuries, tendinitis and tennis elbow. She can treat people pre and post surgery and injury as well as those with ongoing pain in their hand and arm. She uses custom made splinting, casting, oedema and scar management, pain management, stretches and strengthening exercises to return a patient back to home, work and leisure activities.

Over the many years working in Sydney, Vanessa has established a strong network with some of the best Hand Surgeons and Doctors. She is passionate about Hand Therapy and loves contributing to her profession with continuing education for students, other Hand Therapists and her own professional development.

Outside of the clinic Vanessa loves spending time with her two kids, and as you can see from her quiz below, she loves playing and watching anything tennis related and keeping fit indoors. At MGS we value having someone of her calibre to offer such a specialised service, she’s truly handy to have around.

The Quiz
What is your Favourite Book:
Open by Andre Agassi

Invitation to a dinner party:
Rafael Nadal !!

What is your Favourite Movie:
Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart

Which country would you most like to visit?
Spain

Before gaining his Doctorate in Physiotherapy, Andrew first worked with North Curl Curl Physio through sports coverage with Manly-Warringah AFL. In 2016 he joined our team while also continuing his work at The Cube Gym (as a Strength and Conditioning coach) and providing Physiotherapy for the Manly Sea Eagles development squad...who successfully won the competition in 2017!

Andrew has further training in advanced surface anatomy, combined with soft tissue mobilisation (including myosfascial release and trigger point techniques) and also in the use of dry needling (acupuncture) in his treatment plans.

In addition to Andrew’s hands on treatment, he has extensive experience in the prescription of exercise across a wide variety of populations, having worked in the health and fitness industry during his university studies. He can be seen working across both the clinic and gym, creating a link between exercise physiology and our Lower Limb / ACL Rehabilitation programme.

Andrew enjoys piecing together the puzzle from acute injury management, through rehabilitation and ultimately helping people return to performing as best as they possibly can.

Outside of work Andrew prefers to spend as much time as possible in the water, either surfing or getting behind the lens taking photos. He’s always been a keen sportsmen playing in local soccer, basketball and Oztag weekly.

Brooke has been with us at MGS Physiotherapy since December 2016, bringing a wealth of experience working previously with youth and open age netball, rugby union, athletics, and rowing programs.

Brooke has post graduate training in specific exercise rehabilitation and Clinical Pilates (APPI). She works across both the North Curl Curl and Manly clinics bridging the gap between sports / orthopaedic physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates group rehab. She is available for one to one appointments at NCC and group sessions at Manly, giving patients the opportunity to seamlessly experience the best service possible across the two sites.

Brooke has a particular interest in treating paediatric patients and developing young athletes, with a focus on pre-screening and injury prevention programs, whilst being able to understand the demands of return to sports, both at elite and recreational levels. She has developed a dedicated Pilates class just for kids to help them not only recover from injuries, but also move and feel better through fun and engaging exercise programmes.

With further post-graduate qualifications including APA Sports Level Two and dry needling, Brooke is a valued part of the team at MGS. She is confidently able to treat complex injuries with a variety of hands on treatment, structured rehabilitation programming and high level of exercise prescription.

A familiar face on the Northern Beaches, Blake has been working at North Curl Curl Physiotherapy since 2015 and has been involved with local sport since 2014 working with Manly-Warringah AFL prior to completing his Masters of Physiotherapy. He now heads up the physiotherapy service for another local club working with Curl Curl Youth Soccer.

Blake has been heavily involved in the Freshie Surf Life Saving Club since he was seven - as a Nipper, and right through the ranks to today where he has over ten years of surfboat rowing and NSW & Australian SLSA competition. He continues to advise the Club on their physiotherapy needs throughout the competitive season, and in 2018 he also became the Surf Boat Captain at Freshwater.

Blake has post graduate training in both Spinal and Sports Physiotherapy through the APA. With a hands on approach to treatment and incorporating dry needling techniques, he is able to help you get out of pain after an acute injury or flare up of a chronic problem.

Blake also has a keen interest in treating patients following recovery from orthopaedic injuries, particularly ACL reconstructions.

Having grown up in the local area, Blake has been actively involved in various sports and there isn't much he has not seen happen on the sporting field.

When he has free time, Blake enjoys the local free-diving and snorkeling spoils on offer around Freshie and North Curly and is happy to provide tips and locations to his patients to ensure they have every opportunity to get on board and get active in the local area!

Since arriving in Australia from the UK in 2014, Mike has quickly established himself on the Northern Beaches, now working as the Principal Physiotherapist at MGS North Curl Curl clinic.

Previously working in the UK and New Zealand in both private and public settings, he brings a wide variety of clinical skills that allow him to treat complex conditions safely and effectively. Throughout his career he has always been involved in sports physio having had successful seasons with Cheshire County (Twickenham Plate winners 2006/08), Hawkes Bay Rugby (Championship Winners 2011) and Randwick Rugby (Colts Premiership 2014). He has also worked with England Paralympic football teams, elite powerlifting and most recently experienced Australian sport with season with Manly-Warringah AFL team.

Now Mike’s full time focus is developing the service at North Curl Curl Physiotherapy and across the Northern Beaches to ensure that you are receiving the best possible care. With a hands on approach to treating acute injuries and a diverse experience in exercise rehabilitation he can deliver comprehensive rehabilitation from injury, to getting you out of pain quickly, through to full recovery and injury prevention programmes.

Mike has a variety of post-graduate training including certification in spinal manual therapy and manipulation, myofascial release, acupuncture and dry needling and sports physiotherapy. He also has training to treat vestibular (balance / BPPV) and temporomandibular (jaw) problems plus extensive experience in neurological physiotherapy, a rare combination.

Mike has qualified as a Level 1 Australian Strength and Conditioning Coach with skills in end stage rehabilitation, implementing new services in orthopaedic rehabilitation and gait analysis. He works closely with exercise physiologists and S&C coaches. This to ensure athletes are not only recovering from their injuries, but aiming making them stronger than have been before!

Zach has fitted straight into the team at MGS physiotherapy as he brings a wealth of past experience in both musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy to the North Curl Curl clinic. Previously featured in the local COVERED magazine he is fast becoming a well known face on the Northern Beaches. Further consolidated by his appointment as the Sea Eagles development physiotherapist for the 2018 season! Go Manly!

In addition to this Zach periodically looks after Grid Iron Australia athletes...looking after two sports with such a heavy contact focus he is well used to dealing with challenging sporting injuries. While he’s not busy patching up these athletes at the weekends, he will be joining us three days a week initially (Mon / Thu / Fri) and hopefully he might be able to give us some more of his valuable time in the future! He is also available for Group Exercise rehabilitation programmes at selected times at our Manly clinic.

A keen swimmer and outdoor athlete, Zach knows how important an active lifestyle is for our patients to maintain their health. Always having had an interest in medicine and the human body this developed into a passion for physiotherapy. Accurate diagnosis...hands on treatment...an effective treatment plan...and getting you back to your best are always his priorities!

In addition to this Zach will be working towards completing a double Masters degree in both Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy, helping to continue the drive for using the latest in evidenced based practice at MGS Physiotherapy.

Clinical Pilates Instructor

We have been following Reece’s movements for quite some years now. As an undergraduate student, Reece has been involved in Sports coverage and voluntary physio related work both with our North Curl Curl Physio practice and other local sporting organizations. He has assisted the physios and performed strapping for the Manly Marlins Rugby.

At MGS we always knew that Reece had the makings of an excellent physio, yet our advice was always to go out and get valuable experience in many different areas of Physiotherapy practice and hospital experience before coming and working at MGS. Reece graduated in 2013 completing his Exercise and Sports Science Degree at ACU, and in 2015 completed his Sydney University Masters in Physiotherapy.

He spent a couple of years undertaking Physio Sports Coverage, and was fortunate to get accepted into Royal North Shore Hospital’s Physiotherapy staff program. There he gained invaluable experience and has forged some strong professional relationships with many of Sydney’s leading surgeons and doctors, as well as within the Physiotherapy profession.

Reece is a true Northern Beaches local, having grown up in Mona Vale and continues to live there. MGS Mona Vale has turned out to be a very convenient workplace for him to call home and we are excited to have him on board.

During his Teenage years, Reece spent a lot of time at the Physiotherapist. At the wrath of Rugby and touch football, he had to undergo two ACL knee reconstructions and also hand surgery. His initial interest in Physiotherapy stemmed from how he observed that the Physio’s had so much knowledge of Anatomy and Exercise. He was further intrigued after experiencing the interpersonal nature of their work, and the amount of interaction the physios had with influencing their patients’ well-being and lifestyles. Since having become a Physiotherapist himself, nothing pleases him more than to see the satisfaction a patient gets after being educated about their injury, and the sense of achievement they can get by attending Physio treatment.

Most likely through his own experiences, his areas of special interest seem to be Hands, in particular, shoulder issues and knee issues. Hands are a very specialized area of Physiotherapy, and during his last 6 months and RNSH , he was able to gain lots of valuable experience in their Hand Therapy Clinic and have close associations with the Hand Specialists.

After going through two ACL reconstruction’s in his youth, and not doing the hard work at the physio, he now sees how this can result in re-injury and increase the risk of having to go through the same process again. Working in the hospital system at RNSH has allowed him to see post operative patients day 1, and experience what a patient goes through before they end up in our clinic. He has been able to work closely with Surgeons and understand how they assess musculoskeletal injuries, assess x-rays and treat a variety of conditions. Overall this has allowed him to become a better physio in assessing and treating injuries.

Reece is an extremely motivated individual, always striving to provide his patients with the best service and advice there is to offer. He brings to MGS a specific Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Program designed for knees injuries, especially those Osteoarthritic knees hoping to avoid or prolong a Total Knee Replacement. Reece has regular contact with Orthopaedic Surgeons who value his program and are grateful to be able to offer their patient’s another option before suggesting a surgical approach.

Despite still playing Touch Football with Sydney University, and maintaining an obvious high level of fitness, Reece has hung up his boots for Rugby and nowadays enjoys following the game as a spectator. But his running, swimming, gym work and surfing keep him plenty busy.

Any locals in Mona Vale may spot him having breakie in the Cinque Café in Mona Vale. If he’s not heading up the coast, he may spend his weekends getting along to an AFL or Rugby game, or catching up with friends in the area. Like the rest of us at MGS, any outdoor activity which keeps us fit and ready to partake in the fun stuff is always an option.

Somewhere over the next couple of years, Reece looks forward to exploring some of what Africa has to offer, but in the meantime, MGS Mona Vale is where you’ll find him.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
Muhammad Ali

Favourite movie?
Remember the Titans and The Lion King

Favourite book?
The Confession – John Grisham

Country would most like to visit?
Rwanda and Zimbabwe

A massive passion for healthy living and his own share of sporting injuries was what drove Cam towards becoming a physio many years ago. After gaining his Masters degree in Physiotherapy from Sydney Uni (with a previous graduate degree in Exercise & Sport Science), Cam has had the opportunity to live abroad, working alongside London’s top Orthopaedic specialists and Sports Doctors in a busy private Outpatient clinic. This gave him the chance to experience first-hand, a number of the latest surgical procedures and evidence-based rehab programs. Despite their complex nature, Cam particularly enjoys working with shoulders and knees, and their post-operative rehabilitation

Cam’s interest in Sports physiotherapy has given him the opportunity to work with elite and sub-elite athletes including members of Team GB’s track and field team, Gordon Rugby Club, St. Aloysius First XI football and in other sports such as Tennis, Golf, Cycling, MMA, Crossfit, Running, Free-diving and Swimming.

Outside of Physiotherapy, Cameron is a huge Soccer, Ice Hockey and Rugby union fan. However, his first love is Tennis, having spent two years travelling Europe playing tournaments as well as playing in the US College system on a Tennis scholarship. With his relaxed and friendly approach, you can rest assured that your rehabilitation will not feel like a chore!

Any physio who takes a keen interest in shoulders is brave and highly regarded by all, as we all know shoulder injuries have a notorious reputation for being more complex and involved than many of our other joints. He has recently taken on the Role of Rehab Physiotherapist for our local shoulder surgeon Dr Graeme MacDougall. Cameron helps guide the patients both before and after surgery through a well structured and supervised Rehabilitation Program, helping Dr MacDougal achieve optimal Surgical outcomes.

We love having Cam as part of our MGS Team. His love for travel see’s him flitting off overseas on last-minute exciting getaways. Now that he and his lovely wife have settled on the Northern Beaches, we wonder how they manage to still achieve these visits to exotic places, we can only watch on in envy and attempt to be inspired to do the same.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
David Pocock

Favourite movie?
Predator – hands down the greatest movie of all time

Favourite book?
The Guiness Book of Records – theres almost always something you can be the best in the world at

Country would most like to visit?
After visiting my favourite country Norway in 2014, my next goal is Alaska

Lauren is another of our Mona Vale locals. Born and raised in this special part of the Northern Beaches she was determined to find work close by. After school at Pittwater High, Lauren completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the Australian Catholic University in North Sydney.

Her love of our profession stemmed from her keen interest in sports and the human body. She spends her weekends battling it out on the Netball courts, both at Club and Representative levels. She has been playing since the age of 8yrs, has been snow skiing since age 4 and was always involved in touch football and swimming. Even her brother has been competing at National and International Gymnastics for years. Ironically he too has completed a Physiotherapy Degree. Hanging around these echelons she has had firsthand experience of what the Physiotherapy profession offered.

After sustaining an episode of back pain bad enough to have to stop sport and work for some time, Lauren went through the educational experience of what really helped her get back on track. She feels that this has been instrumental in the treatment approach she now adopts. That approach fits in perfectly with our MGS ethos and values. Fortunately she has overcome all of her issues and is now fighting fit. Not only do the patients say that she has strong yet gentle hands, Lauren is one of our very popular Clinical Pilates Instructors with a strong following of patients wanting to get stronger and fitter and remain painfree.

Travel is something she loves to do, if she’s not conquering the infamous Kokoda Track in PNG, she is travelling around Europe experiencing the beautiful sights of the world. Give her any chance of adventure or travel and she’s in. Locally, any water sports will do whether its swimming, snorkelling or diving . She likes to call herself a surfer but thinks a knee boarder may be a more accurate reflection of her ability.

Keep an eye out in town for Lauren, as where there is good coffee, a nice glass of red or some gourmet meals, she won’t be far away.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
Malala Yousafzai

Favourite movie?
Blood Diamond

Favourite book?
Harry Potter

Country would most like to visit?
Spain

Liz has been with us since 2011 after moving her own practice in Newport to join MGS in Mona Vale. Liz gained her physio degree in South Africa before moving to Australia in the late nineties. She ran her practice for 10 years on her own and comes to MGS as a very experienced and knowledgeable physiotherapist.

Liz has been involved in a lot of sports treatment. She has worked a lot with rugby union teams as well as triathletes. While no longer competing as a triathlete Liz remains a keen cyclist and can be seen climbing the hills around Akuna bay before work every Saturday.

Liz is very aware of the biomechanical contributions to most sports injuries. Her interest in running and cycling has seen her develop extra skills when dealing with the injuries suffered by endurance performance. She is very interested in bike fit (or bike set up) for cyclists and finds that it is essential to understand the specifics of a person or their injury in order to correctly advise bike set up changes.

After work Liz loves spending time with her two young girls and her husband Todd. Being outdoors, going to the beach or simply being active is what Liz loves to do.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
Nelson Mandela

Favourite movie?
Forest Gump

Favourite book?
Iron War

Country would most like to visit?
Tanzania

Ba.App.Sc (Physiotherapy)
Clinical Pilates Instructor
Hydrotherapy Instructor
Lisa has been practicing as a Physio since the late 1990’s. She spent 12 years working at Royal North Shore Hospital in a variety of areas including the very intense and busy orthopaedic unit. Lisa was appointed as Senior Clinical Educator at North Shore a position she continued for 5 years. During this time she was not only responsible for her own workload but also that of many undergraduate students in the acute hospital setting. All the physios at MGS remember their clinical educators from their student days and we can assure you that none of them were like Lisa! We are sure she would have adopted a nice nurturing role from which her students would have benefited greatly.

Lisa has been with MGS Physio for many years now. In addition to her phyiotherapy work in the clinic Lisa now manages and runs our Clinical Pilates and Group Rehab Exercise classes. Lisa has a particular interest in post-operative orthopaedic management which means if you have had surgery Lisa would like you to see her. Like all the MGS physio’s Lisa is also passionate about hands on treatment for musculoskeletal and sports injuries. Lisa is an amazingly passionate and organised person, who has developed a real following at MGS. All of the patients love her and her beaming smile is infectious for us all as we come to work.

Outside of work Lisa is flat out with her 2 young children taking them to all the activities known to parents. She loves to swim and plays waterpolo. However, Lisa is adamant that she will not join the rest of the MGS physios and take up bike riding; it’s just not her thing! Lisa also loves to cook although she is yet to prove that to the rest of us. Child free dinners with her husband top her list of fun things to do.

The Quiz
Most inspirational person
Oprah Winfrey

What is your favourite movie?
The Sound of Music

Name your favourite book
My Sisters Keeper

Which country would you most like to visit
Tahiti

Ba.App.Sc (Physiotherapy)
Brian is one of our most experienced Physiotherapists. He has extensive knowledge of all injury types and mechanisms presenting to our rooms. From back strains and headaches through to ankle and knee injuries, Brian welcomes and enjoys the diverse challenges of them all. Brian’s background in teaching and private practice physiotherapy arms him with the ability to clearly explain and demonstrate what is behind a person’s particular condition. Like all of our Physiotherapists Brian likes to identify the underlying issues of anyone’s particular complaint. He believes that until the causes of symptoms are identified treatment cannot be directed towards improvement in the long term. “Short term treatment results are important however it is the long term results that most people are looking for”

Brian proudly boasts of his involvement with the St Augustines College in Brookvale whose 1st XV rugby team has been very successful over the past few years. Brian has put a lot of time and effort into their injury management however the rest of us at MGS have pointed out to Brian that he does not actually play for them and as such should not take quite as much credit for their victories.

After work Brian thoroughly enjoys being a father to his two young children taking them to as many play areas as possible in an attempt to get them to sleep. He has also recently retired from surf boat rowing which is arguably the world’s toughest sport. He is now pursuing the more gentile sport of surf ski paddling and pushes out some km’s on his road bike

Brian is one of the MGS Mona Vale business partners and heads up the Mona Vale Clinic

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person
Ghandi

Favourite movie
Big Wednesday

Favourite book
Lord of the rings

Country would most like to visit
Antarctica

Ba. App. Sc (Physiotherapy)
Post Grad Dip (Manipulative Physiotherapy)
Acupuncturist
Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Matt has been enjoying his work as a Physiotherapist in private practice for more than 30 years. If you have met Matt you would agree that none of his enthusiasm has diminished. He is passionate about health and fitness. His background in Martial arts and acupuncture shows through with his approach to helping our clients. Matt uses a variety of different manual therapy techniques to help people with pain, joint dysfunction and postural conditions. In addition to this type of treatment Matt believes that it is essential to follow up with appropriate home and self help exercises thus empowering the patient to self manage into the future. He ensures that everyone walks away from their first treatment session knowing what is wrong with them and understanding their injury management plan.

Matt has been involved with a number of sporting organizations over the years working with all types of athletes and the injuries they suffer. Matt is quick to point out however that although he has gained valuable skills from this experience he primarily enjoys the work he does in the clinic with people of all ages and walks of life. From stress related back pain through to helping children with the effects of “growing pains” a day in the MGS clinic for Matt is very diverse and that’s just the way he likes it.

Away from work Matt enjoys an active life with his Wife and two children. They love anything outdoors from boating, camping and waterskiing and surfing. Matt enjoys a soft sand run and golf and over the past couple of years he has found a new love of Stand Up Paddleboarding. Many a weekend you may find Matt and his entire family out on their SUP’s on any of Sydney’s pristine waterways or just out in the surf. Matt is indeed an energetic guy and the rest of us wonder if he ever stops and sleeps.

The Quiz
Name the most inspiring person
Nelson Mandela

What is your favourite movie?
The Magnificent Seven

Name your favourite book
Inside the Cage

Which country would you most like to visit?
Antarctica

Helping every child be the best they can is what drives Cathy in the area of paediatric physiotherapy. Creating an environment that optimises a child’s development and addresses their musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and neurological needs can be a challenge – and this is where Cathy’s expertise lies.

Cathy graduated from the University of Sydney in 1997 and has since had a variety of physiotherapy roles in public health including Clinical Educator and Team Leader at both Mona Vale and Manly Hospitals.

After having her own children Cathy began to focus on paediatrics – working in the private and NGO sectors, and most recently as the Paediatric Physiotherapist for the Northern Beaches Health Service. In this role she has provided both outpatient and inpatient physiotherapy care for babies and children, including working in the Children’s ward, Maternity ward and Special Care Nursery across both hospitals.

A holistic family centred approach is essential when treating children. For paediatric physio to be successful it needs to be playful and enjoyable while working on specific goals. Harder than it looks! As a mum herself Cathy is familiar with the demands of family life and so endeavours to find ways that kids can engage in specific exercises during the family’s usual daily routine.

Cathy is also a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and has experience conducting hydrotherapy classes for babies and toddlers.

As a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and the National Paediatric Group, Cathy is dedicated to professional development.

When she isn’t spending time with her three kids, 1 husband, brown lab and pygmy bearded dragon, you’ll find her running the soft sand at Palm Beach and surfing her longboard (badly) at North Avalon.

The Quiz

What is your Favourite Book:
The Descendants

Invitation to a dinner party:
Turia Pitt

What is your Favourite Movie:
Stand by Me

Which country would you most like to visit?
Croatia

Lorna brings a wealth of experience to our Mona Vale team, having qualified as a physio over 25 years ago in London. After working in one of London‘s top hospitals, she travelled around the world finally settling in Australia in the late 1990’s.

Lorna has worked in various private practices around Sydney since her arrival, gaining invaluable experience and treating a wide variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.

As a physio student, Lorna overcame a serious back injury and surgery with an exercise based rehabilitation program, so she knows the importance of exercise in the recovery process. She became passionate about exercise prescription and has specialized in rehabilitation of chronic pain and orthopaedic surgery, and now teaches our Clinical Pilates classes at Mona Vale.

Outside of the Pilates studio, she is a keen sailor, having won National and State Championships and competed in Sydney to Hobart yacht races, but prefers to race inshore these days in calmer waters.

We are grateful to be able to have Lorna bring so many years Physio experience to MGS. She is a pleasure to have on our team and the patients are all love benefiting from the little gems she brings out of the bag.

The Quiz
Most inspirational historical or public person?
Barack Obama

Favourite movie?
Pirates of the Carribean or Scent of a Woman

Favourite book?
The Monk who sold his Ferrari

Country would most like to visit?
Cuba

Our Belinda is born and bred in Sydney having spent 3 years of her teenage life living in Argentina with her family. While there she was able to travel and explore many parts of South America . Belinda recalls it being such a different travel experience to nowadays as it did not entail any Wifi, social media or Trip Adviser to help out, just some good ole fashioned exploring to be done.

Belinda has been a physio for nearly 15 years. She has spent most of her time at Royal North Shore Hospital working in the respiratory, cardiac surgery and intensive care wards where she continues to work today. She enjoys helping people get moving after major surgery and assisting them return to living at home as independently as possible. Belinda’s experience and status within the profession sees her act as an examiner for the Australian Physiotherapy Council, examining overseas physios who are seeking to gain registration in Australia.

For a long time Belinda has shared lots of connections to MGS at Mona Vale. She worked with our Lisa for many years at RNSH job sharing the clinical educator position for students. She also teaches pre-natal classes at RNSH with the lovely Margo. She finds great satisfaction empowering through education nervous prospective parents on the wonderful journey that is labor and birth and help them prepare for the new family they are starting. Some years ago she was introduced to Pilates through Margo and aspires to teach like her. She even goes as far back as attending university with Brian recalling the difference in the astute nature of the mature age students like Brian compared to those who had landed fresh out of school.

The benefits of Pilates as a continuation of treatment post injury and also after pregnancy and birth are what gives her inspiration to keep progressing her classes and to provide the ongoing progressive challenge for the novice towards more experienced Pilates patient. She can see the opportunity it creates to return the body to good patterns of movement and function and strives to get this message across to all who cross her Pilates path.

Married to Tim, an accountant, surfer, mountain bike rider and like some of our other crew, she observes him following many a northern beaches resident sporting the lycra on the road bike. She has 3 kids who are generally a joy to watch grow up, pick up after, feed and hang out with. On the weekends Belinda and her family can be seen at ballet, at the beach, riding bikes, drinking coffee, watching the Swans, going to church and having naps. Personally, Belinda enjoys netball, going out to dinner where she can get out of washing up dishes, walking near the beach and jogging around the block.

The Quiz
What is your Favourite Book:
Pride and Prejudice

Invitation to a dinner party:
Annabel Crabb, Jesus and Mr Darcy

What is your Favourite Movie:
Love Actually, obviously only at Christmas time

Which country would you most like to visit?
I would love to take the kids back to Argentina when they are older

As we sadly bade farewell to our popular Hand Therapist Nicola who has started a new life up on the sunny mid North Coast, we were grateful that Nic helped us secure the services of Vanessa, a long established and esteemed Colleague of Nicola with over 28 years of experience in the Hand Therapy Industry.

Vanessa is an Occupational Therapist and Specialist Hand Therapist, having worked in Australia, Canada and the USA. She graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in OT in 1988 and completed her Masters of Science in Hand and Upper Limb Rehabilitation in 2000. She holds an internationally recognised qualification of Certified Hand Therapist, membership of Australian Hand Therapists Association and also of the NSW Hand Surgeons Association. Her high profile in the industry has seen her Lecture at Universities and present Research papers both in Australia and Internationally.

Vanessa brings to MGS a vast array of experience in assessment, treatment of all upper limb injuries and conditions. This includes fractures, ligament injuries, overuse injuries, tendinitis and tennis elbow. She can treat people pre and post surgery and injury as well as those with ongoing pain in their hand and arm. She uses custom made splinting, casting, oedema and scar management, pain management, stretches and strengthening exercises to return a patient back to home, work and leisure activities.

Over the many years working in Sydney, Vanessa has established a strong network with some of the best Hand Surgeons and Doctors. She is passionate about Hand Therapy and loves contributing to her profession with continuing education for students, other Hand Therapists and her own professional development.

Outside of the clinic Vanessa loves spending time with her two kids, and as you can see from her quiz below, she loves playing and watching anything tennis related and keeping fit indoors. At MGS we value having someone of her calibre to offer such a specialised service, she’s truly handy to have around.

The Quiz
What is your Favourite Book:
Open by Andre Agassi

Invitation to a dinner party:
Rafael Nadal !!

What is your Favourite Movie:
Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart

Which country would you most like to visit?
Spain