What is Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome is a movement-related problem of the hip, often leading to pain in the hip or groin region. It is caused by abnormal or premature contact between the top of the thigh bone and the hip socket during movement, or in certain positions.
For the syndrome to be properly diagnosed, three main criteria are required:
- A patient must report symptoms, such as hip or groin region pain, clicking, catching, or giving way
- Certain clinical signs must be present, for instance, reduced range of motion of the hip
- Certain ‘features’ must be seen on x-ray of the hip: usually a ‘cam’ or ‘pincer’ lesion
Anatomy of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome:
The hip is a ball and socket joint. The socket is called the acetabulum and is part of the pelvis. The ball is at the very top of the femur (thigh bone) and is called the ‘head of the femur.’
In FAI syndrome, one or two features are seen on x-ray:
- A ‘cam’ shape: a ‘bump’ of bone may be seen at the junction of the ‘head’ and the ‘neck’ of the femur bone, causing an area of convexity
- A ‘pincer’ shape: the acetabulum (socket) has too much coverage or overhang over the top of femur
- A mix of the two features above
These bone features can be responsible for reducing the amount of ‘clearance’ within the hip joint, causing abnormal contact to occur between femur and the socket. Over time, this contact may lead to inflammation within the hip (synovitis), as well as potential damage to the cartilage within the joint, particularly the labrum, which is a ring of fibrocartilage that lines the rim of the socket.
What are the symptoms of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?
The primary symptom of FAI syndrome is movement related, or positional related pain in the hip or groin region. However, pain may also be felt in the lower back, buttock or thigh. In addition to pain, patients may also describe stiffness, clicking, catching, locking or giving way.
These symptoms are often felt either during or after vigorous physical activity, such as sports including AFL and soccer, or sports that require a lot of range of movement of the hip, such as dance, gymnastics and calisthenics. However, since symptoms can be related to certain positions of the hip, those who live more sedentary lifestyles can also experience symptoms, for example, when sitting for too long.
Do I have femoroacetabular impingement syndrome?
Just having the features of FAI on x-ray, such as a ‘cam’ or ‘pincer’ lesion does not mean that you have FAI syndrome.
For the syndrome to be present, you must also be experiencing the symptoms of FAI as mentioned above, as well as the ‘clinical signs’ present when your hip is examined by a doctor or physiotherapist, such as reduced range of motion, or pain that is provoked with certain clinical tests.
Other tests such as MRI or CT scan may be required, especially if any surgery is planned. Sometimes, a local anaesthetic injection may be used in the hip may be used to help determine whether your symptoms are arising from within the hip, or from many of the other structures around the hip.
Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome:
FAI syndrome can be treated by conservative care, rehabilitation or surgery.
Conservative care involves education, monitoring of symptoms over time and lifestyle and activity modification.
Physiotherapy based rehabilitation aims to improve hip stability, hip muscle strength, range of motion and movement patterns.
Surgery, which is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole), aims to improve the hip joint shape (morphology) and repair any damaged tissue in the hip, such as the labrum (cartilage).
A recently published, large clinical trial in the UK (The ‘FASHIoN Study’), showed positive outcomes from both physiotherapy-led and surgical treatment options for FAI syndrome.
Without treatment, symptoms of FAI syndrome will probably worsen over time. The long-term outlook for patients with FAI syndrome is unknown. However, it is likely that having a cam shape is associated with the development of hip osteoarthritis
Differential diagnosis:
It is important a proper diagnosis is performed, as FAI syndrome must be differentiated from other conditions that may cause hip and groin pain, such as:
- Hip joint instability or hip joint dysplasia (eg. a ‘shallow’ hip socket)
- Gluteal (buttock muscle) tendon problems
- Adductor (groin muscle) tendon problems
- Iliopsoas (hip flexor muscle) tendon problems
- Inguinal hernia
5 tips for self-managing FAI syndrome:
- Avoid sitting in cross-legged positions (especially where one knee is crossed over the other)
- Avoid sitting in positions where the hips are positioned ‘lower’ than the knees, for example, sitting on a low couch. Always try to have your hips higher than the knees.
- When performing stretching exercises for the back and leg muscles, always ensure that you are feeling a good stretch in the desired muscle. If you experience deep hip or groin region pain when stretching, rather than a muscle stretch, this may be counter-productive.
- Avoid excessively deep squats and lunging-type movements.
- If you are a side sleeper, try sleeping with a pillow between your knees to ensure your thigh does not cross over the other during the night
Return to activity:
In patients who are treated for FAI syndrome, symptoms frequently improve, and they return to full activity, including sports.
References:
The Warwick Agreement on femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI syndrome): an international consensus statement. Griffin DR, et al. Br J Sports Med 2016;50:1169–1176.
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Clinical interests
- Back and neck pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Sports and running injuries
Milly is a physiotherapist who works with back and neck pain, hip and knee pain, and sports and running injuries. She’s focused on helping people move well and get back to the sport and activities they enjoy.
Milly has plenty of hands-on experience in sport. She has worked as a sports trainer in the EFNL and VFL and has coached swimming at a range of levels, which gives her a practical understanding of what athletes need to return to training and competition safely.
She completed her Master of Physiotherapy at Victoria University in [year], building on a Bachelor of Applied Movement Science.
Outside the clinic, Milly plays local football and keeps active with strength training and running.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy, Victoria University
- Bachelor of Applied Movement Science
Consults at: Physica Knoxfield
Clinical interests
- Persistent neck and low back pain, including nerve-related pain
- Pre- and post-spinal surgery rehabilitation
- Hip, groin and pelvic girdle pain
- Gluteal tendinopathy and hip bursitis
- Headache-associated disorders
- Kneecap (patellofemoral) pain
- Hand therapy
Chris is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with more than 25 years of experience in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. He works with persistent neck and back pain, including nerve-related pain, as well as hip, groin and pelvic pain, headaches, kneecap pain and hand problems.
Chris works closely with a local neurosurgeon, delivering targeted physiotherapy programs for patients before and after spinal surgery, and for people with nerve-related neck and back pain.
He also has a strong interest in hip pain. He was a treating physiotherapist in the GLOBE trial, a major study investigating the effectiveness of exercise for gluteal tendinopathy, a common cause of pain on the outside of the hip.
Chris completed his Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2010.
Qualifications
- Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy, La Trobe University (2010)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Consults at: Physica Ringwood and Physica Yarra Valley
Clinical interests
- Hip and pelvic pain, including impingement, labral tears, dysplasia and instability
- Hip and knee osteoarthritis
- Hip tendon problems
- Rehabilitation after hip surgery, including joint replacement and arthroscopy
- Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff disorders
- Neck and low back pain
Daniel is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Physica Ringwood with a particular interest in the hip and pelvis. He works with hip impingement, labral tears, dysplasia and instability, osteoarthritis and tendon problems. He also guides patients through rehabilitation after hip surgery, working closely with a number of Melbourne hip surgeons.
Daniel has been a treating physiotherapist on several University of Melbourne clinical trials, gaining extensive experience in current treatment for hip impingement and hip and knee osteoarthritis. He also enjoys treating shoulder problems, especially rotator cuff disorders, as well as neck and back pain.
Daniel is a regular presenter on the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Spinal A and B postgraduate courses, teaching the assessment and treatment of neck and back pain. He holds a Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne.
Qualifications & roles
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Treating physiotherapist, University of Melbourne hip and knee clinical trials
- Presenter, APA Spinal A and B courses
- Past committee member, APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Group, Victorian Chapter
Consults at: Physica Ringwood, Physica Knoxfield
- Nevine is an experienced Physiotherapist with over 28 years of clinical experience. She has a special interest in vestibular rehabilitation for 18 years and continence and pelvic floor physiotherapy for 22 years.
- She is bilingual in Egyptian and speaks some Italian.
- Her experience includes spinal and musculoskeletal issues, shoulder injuries, Cervical whiplash, pelvic girdle and hip pain, sports injuries, vestibular/neurological conditions, bladder and bowel health, gerontology, OA, balance or mobility problems, and vertigo/dizziness, gaze stabilisation training & blurred vision.
- Well-versed in a broad range of Physiotherapy programs: Spine Care rehabilitation programs: Core stability, Pilates & functional restoration programs for Chronic Low Back Pain, Cervical headaches & vertigo, Continence rehab for bladder & bowel conditions, falls prevention, vestibular & balance rehabilitation, BPPV, Vestibular neuritis, & strength training.
- Nevine has excellent interpersonal skills and is proficient in source- oriented patient assessments, time management and therapy-program design/execution.
Nevine’s experience in Vestibular rehab (having attained 4 vestibular certificates and an intensive competency based Vestibular course at Monash Uni ) spans over 18 years. Nevine can diagnose and treat:
- Dizziness, head spinning, light-headedness, balance disorders and associated double vision, mal de barque, vertigo and vestibular migraines
- BPPV – posterior, or horizontal- she uses FRENZEL goggles which record eye movements during the Dix Hallpike testing.
- Vestibular neuritis and hypofunction
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Cervical instability, headaches, and associated vertigo and vestibular migraines
- Persistent perceptual postural Vertigo.
With a Post Grad. Certificate in Continence and Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation attained at Melbourne Uni and many conferences run by the Continence Foundation of Australia Nevine helps women and men manage:
- Bladder conditions: Urinary urgency, Urge and Stress Incontinence, voiding dysfunction: incomplete bladder emptying, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Bladder pain syndrome, and overactive bladder, and for men obstructed voiding associated with prostate enlargement or post Radical Prostatectomy.
- Bowel conditions: Constipation, IBS, Dyssynergic defaecation, Anismus, Incomplete bowel emptying and faecal/anal incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, post Obstetric Anal Sphincter injuries
- Vaginal conditions: vaginismus, dyspareunia which may or not be associated with gynaecological surgery.
- Musculoskeletal pain associated with ante/postnatal clients: Pelvic Girdle pain, symphysis pubis and SIJ dysfunction and Lumbosacral instability, DRAM, Perineal tears Grade 2-4, Tx dysfunction.
Nevine uses best practices and outcome measures to find the root causes of clients’ issues. She educates them on relieving pain, stiffness, weakness, leakage, and vertigo, aiming to improve strength, mobility, continence, balance, and reduce their dizziness.
For more information, please call PHYSICA – Chirnside Park on 9726 9977, or RINGWOOD on 9870 8193
Clinical interests
- Sports injuries
- Neck, mid-back and low back pain
- Shoulder conditions
- Hip, knee and ankle injuries
- Tendon pain
- Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation
He also enjoys guiding people through rehabilitation before and after surgery.
Alexander has worked with a wide range of football, soccer and basketball teams.
These include clubs in the EFL, AFL NAB League, VAFA, NPL, A-League and NBL1. He was head physiotherapist at the Beaumaris Sharks in the VAFA. This has equipped him with plenty of experience managing injuries on game day and getting players back to competition.
He combines hands-on treatment, exercise and clear education to build a plan around each person’s goals. Alexander believes in giving people the confidence to take control of their own healthcare and empower them to better manage their body.
Alexander completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University.
Outside work, he plays basketball, goes to the gym, watches footy and catches up with friends.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy Practice, La Trobe University
- Bachelor of Applied Science, La Trobe University
Clinical interests
- Sports injuries, including strains and sprains
- Hip and knee pain
- GLA:D program for hip and knee osteoarthritis
- Shoulder conditions
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Neck and back pain, including neck-related headaches
- Tendon injuries
- Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation
- Dry needling
Josh is a physiotherapist at Physica Yarra Valley with more than seven years of experience. He works with sports injuries, hip and knee pain, shoulder and foot and ankle problems, and neck and back pain. He also runs the GLA:D program for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
He combines hands-on treatment and dry needling with exercise, and has a keen interest in tendon injuries and in rehabilitation before and after surgery.
Josh enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds. He focuses on helping patients become active participants in their own care, giving them the skills and strategies to manage their condition, stay active and get back to what matters to them.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, Bendigo (2018)
- Bachelor of Applied Science
- Bachelor of Exercise Science (Human Movement)
Consults at: Physica Yarra Valley
Andy graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), and has spent the past six years working in private practice.
Before moving into private practice, he gained broad experience across community physiotherapy in regional NSW and the hospital system in Singapore. These settings gave him a strong foundation in treating a wide range of conditions and an understanding of how injury and pain affect people’s everyday lives.
Andy is passionate about helping people move better, recover from injury and prevent problems from coming back. He values building strong, ongoing relationships with his patients and tailoring treatment to help them return to the activities they love.
Clinical interests
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Hip conditions
- Knee conditions
- Ankle conditions
- Injury prevention
Clinical interests
- Neck, mid-back and low back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Sports injuries
- Hip and knee pain
- Ankle and foot injuries
- Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation
Edward is a physiotherapist who works with neck and back pain, sports injuries, and shoulder, hip, knee, ankle and foot problems. He also enjoys guiding people through rehabilitation before and after surgery. He’s passionate about movement, exercise and injury prevention, and about helping people get back to doing what they love.
Before physiotherapy, Edward spent several years as a sports trainer for local and sub-elite clubs across AFL, rugby, cricket and soccer. That gave him plenty of experience with on-field injuries and the realities of getting players back on the park.
Edward completed his Master of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2025, after a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in human anatomy and physiology. During his studies, he was selected as a peer mentor in La Trobe’s anatomy program, helping teach first-year students.
Outside the clinic, Edward plays AFL for the Old Yarra Cobras, trains at the gym, and spends time with friends, family and his golden retriever, Rosie.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University (2025)
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (Human Anatomy & Physiology)
Clinical interests
- Sports injuries
- Shoulder and scapular injuries
- Hip, knee and ankle injuries
- Neck, thoracic and low back pain
- Strength and conditioning and injury prevention
Ben is a physiotherapist at Physica Knoxfield who works with sports injuries, shoulder problems, hip, knee and ankle injuries, and neck and back pain. With a strong background in strength and conditioning, he’s focused on getting people back to sport and daily life stronger than before, and on reducing their risk of the injury coming back.
Before physiotherapy, Ben studied Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University, majoring in exercise physiology and strength and conditioning. He has worked with athletes from grassroots to sub-elite level in AFL and basketball, designing programs to build strength, improve performance and prevent injury.
Ben completed his Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University in 2024.
Outside the clinic, he plays AFL, basketball and cricket, and enjoys time with friends and family. He’s also a keen home cook, always trying out new recipes.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy, Swinburne University of Technology (2024)
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Deakin University (2020)
Consults at: Physica Knoxfield
Clinical interests
- Neck, mid-back and low back pain
- Sports injuries, including concussion, shoulder and knee injuries, and return to sport
- Falls and balance
- Hydrotherapy
- GLA:D program for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Bio
Andrew is a physiotherapist who works with neck and back pain, sports injuries, and falls and balance. He also runs hydrotherapy and GLA:D sessions for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis. He’s driven by a passion for coaching and human movement, and by helping people move well, feel well and keep progressing.
Ice hockey has shaped much of his outlook. Andrew has 26 years as a player and 11 years coaching, most recently as Director of Player Development for Ice Hockey Australia. Across that time he has worked with athletes from grassroots through to national team pathways. It has also given him extensive exposure to the injuries common in winter and collision sports, including concussion, shoulder and knee trauma, and impact injuries, as well as the demands of getting athletes back to sport safely.
Before physiotherapy, Andrew worked as an electrician. Trade work taught him the physical realities of manual jobs, and he draws on that every day when treating people whose bodies are their livelihood. Together, his background as an athlete, coach and tradesman gives him a resilient, evidence-based approach and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Andrew is also a casual lecturer in RMIT University’s Master of Physiotherapy program. Outside work, he unwinds with yoga and hiking.
Additional Qualifications & roles
- Casual lecturer, Master of Physiotherapy, RMIT University
- Director of Player Development, Ice Hockey Australia
Clinical interests
- Women’s health and pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pelvic and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain
- Neck and back pain
- Football and sports injuries
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Clinical Pilates and functional training
- Falls prevention
Sarah is a physiotherapist with more than 13 years of experience. She works with women’s health and pelvic floor concerns, pelvic and SIJ pain, neck and back pain, and sports injuries. She enjoys helping people of all ages improve their physical health and wellbeing using evidence-based treatment, often including Clinical Pilates and functional training.
Sarah has completed the APA Women’s Pelvic Health Level 1 course and is continuing her training in this area. She has also worked as a sports trainer at VAFA and EFL football clubs, which gave her plenty of hands-on experience with sporting injuries.
Sarah speaks Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay, as well as the Hakka and Foochow dialects, so she can treat many patients in their first language.
Outside work, she loves travelling and keeps fit through Pilates and functional training.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne (2012)
- APA Women’s Pelvic Health Level 1 (update if Level 2 is now complete)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Malay, Hakka, Foochow
Consults at: Physica Knoxfield
SPECIAL INTERESTS
- Neck, mid-back and low back pain
- Pre and Post Concussion management
- Headache associated disorders
- Sports biomechanical assessments
- Complex back, hip pelvic & groin disorders
- Pre and post-surgery rehab
To read more about Anthony please click here
Clinical interests
- Sports injuries and return to sport
- Hip, knee and ankle injuries
- Neck, thoracic and low back pain
- Strength and conditioning
Hayley is a physiotherapist who works with sports injuries, hip, knee and ankle problems, and neck and back pain. With a strong strength and conditioning background, she has a particular interest in return to sport: building the strength and confidence people need to get back to training and competition.
Hayley has worked as a strength and conditioning coach and netball coach with athletes of all levels, from juniors as young as eight through to elite players. She loves helping people of all ages reach their health and fitness goals.
She completed her Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University in 2024, after a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University, where she majored in exercise physiology and strength and conditioning. She also holds ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning accreditation.
Outside work, Hayley plays competitive netball and loves an active lifestyle, including the gym, Pilates, surfing, snowboarding and water sports.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy, Swinburne University of Technology (2024)
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Deakin University
- ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning Coach
Consults at: Physica Knoxfield
Clinical interests
- TMJ and neck-related (cervicogenic) headaches
- Back and neck pain
- Sports injury rehabilitation
- Running injuries
- Netball, dance and cheerleading injuries
- Clinical Pilates
- Dry needling
Meg is a physiotherapist who works with headaches and jaw (TMJ) pain, back and neck pain, and sports and running injuries. With a background in netball, dancing and cheerleading, she understands the demands of these sports and enjoys helping athletes get back to them.
Since graduating in 2020, Meg has worked across private practice, neurological rehabilitation and NDIS exercise rehabilitation. She has also worked as a sports trainer for university and masters football clubs, managing acute injuries on game day. She combines hands-on treatment and dry needling with exercise rehabilitation, and teaches Clinical Pilates with APPI mat and reformer certifications.
Meg completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University.
Outside work, she enjoys running, water-skiing, Pilates classes and a good fiction novel.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy Practice, La Trobe University (2020)
- Bachelor of Applied Science, La Trobe University
- APPI Mat and Reformer Pilates certification
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
Laura graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences/ Master of Physiotherapy in 2015. She completed her post graduate Masters degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2022. Laura additionally has a Bachelor degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Deakin University.
Laura has a special interest in acute and chronic lower back pain presentations. She also enjoys treating hip and knee pain, particularly assessing the biomechanical relationship of these regions and correcting movement dysfunction of lower limb conditions. Following the birth of her son in 2023, Laura has further developed an appreciation for the demands of pregnancy and enjoys supporting women both pre and post-natally.
Clinical Interests
- Acute & chronic low back pain
- Hip & knee pain
- Pre/Post Natal Musculoskeletal Care
- Clinical Pilates
- Biomechanics & Corrective Exercise Therapy
Clinical interests
- Dance physiotherapy for all ages and levels
- Pre-pointe assessments
- Hip pain
- Pregnancy and postnatal musculoskeletal care
- Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation (hip and knee)
- Clinical Pilates and exercise
Miranda is a physiotherapist at Physica Ringwood who works with dancers of all ages and levels, especially ballet dancers. She runs pre-pointe assessments for young dancers getting ready to go up onto pointe, and also works with hip pain and rehabilitation before and after hip and knee surgery.
Miranda understands dance from the inside. She started her own ballet training as an adult, after 15 years of martial arts. She’s also passionate about supporting women through pregnancy and beyond, an interest that deepened after the birth of her first daughter.
Her approach combines education, hands-on treatment and exercise, often through Clinical Pilates, to help people understand their bodies and take an active role in their recovery.
Miranda completed a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2019. She is also APPI Pilates certified.
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (2019)
- Master of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University
- Bachelor of Health Science, La Trobe University
- APPI Pilates certification
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
Clinical interests
- Low back and neck pain, and headaches
- Shoulder and elbow conditions
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Tendon injuries
- CrossFit and sports injuries
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
Grant is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who has been with Physica since 2012. He works with back and neck pain, headaches, tendon injuries, and shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle problems. As a CrossFit athlete himself, he has a particular interest in helping active people and athletes recover and perform at their best. Honestly, he’ll happily help with anything that hurts.
Grant lectures and tutors postgraduate physiotherapists on the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Spinal A and B courses, and mentors junior physiotherapists at Physica. He graduated from La Trobe University with honours, where his research on hamstring injuries led to two published articles. He went on to complete a Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne in 2015.
Outside the clinic, his main hobby is lifting heavy things and putting them back down again.
Qualifications & roles
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne (2015)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), La Trobe University
- Lecturer, APA Spinal A and B courses
- Past committee member, APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Group, Victorian Chapter
Consults at: Physica Ringwood and Physica Knoxfield
Clinical interests
- Headaches and TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
- Spinal and hip conditions, including whiplash
- Rotator cuff and shoulder problems
- Children and adolescents
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Clinical Pilates
- Dry needling
Carolyn is a Senior Physiotherapist at Physica Yarra Valley with more than 35 years of clinical experience. She has a particular interest in headaches and jaw (TMJ) pain, and also works with spinal and hip conditions, whiplash, rotator cuff problems and rehabilitation after surgery. She enjoys working with children and teenagers as well as adults.
Throughout her career, Carolyn has kept building on her training. This includes the Dean Watson headache course, upper cervical and whiplash courses, TMJ assessment and treatment, advanced dry needling (including for the jaw and headaches), 3D assessment of the spine and hip, the McKenzie spinal course, Lyn Watson’s advanced shoulder course, and all levels of DMA Clinical Pilates.
She combines hands-on treatment, dry needling and targeted exercise, often through Clinical Pilates, to help each person manage their symptoms and get back to what they enjoy.
Qualifications
- Diploma of Technology (Physiotherapy), South Australian Institute of Technology
Consults at: Physica Yarra Valley
Clinical interests
- Neck pain and headaches
- Low back pain
- Shoulder and knee pain and injuries
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Dry needling
Marcus is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Physica Ringwood with more than 35 years of clinical experience. He works with neck pain and headaches, low back pain, shoulder and knee problems, and sports injuries. He also guides people through rehabilitation after surgery.
Marcus holds a Graduate Diploma of Manipulative Therapy and has attended a wide range of musculoskeletal and sports courses throughout his career. He combines hands-on treatment and dry needling with exercise to help each person recover and stay active.
Outside work, Marcus enjoys time with his family, the gym, golf, gardening, reading and travelling.
Qualifications
- Graduate Diploma of Manipulative Therapy
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
Clinical interests
- Neck pain and neck-related (cervicogenic) headaches
- Thoracic (upper back) pain
- Low back pain
- Scoliosis
- Complex spinal presentations
- Clinical Pilates
Maddie is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Physica Yarra Valley with a particular interest in spinal health. She works with neck pain, neck-related headaches, and upper and low back pain, and has completed Level 1 Rigo Concept training in scoliosis management. She also has experience with more complex presentations, including people with underlying health conditions.
Maddie has worked in private practice throughout her career. She works closely with each person to understand their goals and build a plan to get there, combining hands-on treatment with movement-based exercise drawn from her APPI Pilates training.
She completed her physiotherapy degree at La Trobe University in 2018 and returned to complete a Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy there in 2023.
Outside the clinic, Maddie enjoys time with friends and family, camping, hiking and baking. She stays active at the gym and on long walks with her groodle, Otis.
Qualifications
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, La Trobe University (2023)
- Physiotherapy degree, La Trobe University (2018)
- Rigo Concept Level 1 (Scoliosis)
- APPI Pilates certification
Consults at: Physica Yarra Valley, Physica Ringwood
Clinical interests
- Neck, thoracic and low back pain
- Sports injuries
- Shoulder pain
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Hydrotherapy
- Clinical Pilates and exercise therapy
Feroz is a physiotherapist with more than six years of experience. He works with neck and back pain, shoulder pain, knee and ankle injuries, and rehabilitation after surgery. He has a particular passion for sports injuries and getting people back on the field, court or course. He also runs hydrotherapy sessions.
His approach combines hands-on treatment and targeted exercise, including Clinical Pilates, with clear education so patients understand what’s going on. Each plan is built around the person’s goals and lifestyle.
Feroz completed a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University, graduating in 2019.
Outside work, he plays footy, basketball and golf, hits the gym, and spends time with family and friends.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy Practice, La Trobe University (2019)
- Bachelor of Applied Science, La Trobe University
Consults at: Physica Yarra Valley
Clinical Interests
- assessment and management of head/neck disorders especially headache
- treatment of neck-related nerve pain
- thoracic spine
- knee pain
To read more about Greg Collis-Brown click here
Clinical interests
- Neck pain and headaches
- Jaw (TMJ) pain and injury
- Knee injuries and rehabilitation
- Acute and persistent foot and ankle injuries
- Low back pain
- Breathwork for musculoskeletal conditions
Andrew is a Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and Managing Partner of Physica, with more than 25 years of clinical experience. He works with neck pain and headaches, jaw (TMJ) problems, knee, foot and ankle injuries, and low back pain.
In recent years, Andrew has developed a strong interest in breathwork and how breathing affects the nervous system, stress and pain. He draws on current research to combine breathwork with hands-on treatment and exercise, giving patients practical tools to manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their recovery.
Andrew holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy.
Qualifications & roles
- Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Managing Partner, Physica
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
“As a Remedial Massage Therapist Carla is passionate about holistic healing and wellness, she brings experience in remedial massage therapy to help clients alleviate pain, restore mobility, and enhance overall well-being.
With a keen focus on personalised care, she will tailor each session to address individual needs, drawing from a blend of techniques to promote relaxation, release tension, and facilitate healing. Her goal is to empower clients to take an active role in their health.
Injury rehabilitation, postural correction, headaches, muscle or joint pain, sciatica pain and disc degeneration are just a few of the conditions Carla can help with by conducting a thorough postural assessment, hands on treatment and corrective exercises / postural advice.
Carla uses various massage therapy methods and techniques; these include but are not limited to:
- Sports Massage
- Remedial Massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Myofascial Release Techniques
- Muscle Energy Techniques
- Relaxation Massage
Clinical interests
- Low back pain
- Neck and thoracic (upper back) pain
- Hip and knee pain
- Shoulder conditions
- Dance and performing arts injuries
- Clinical Pilates
- Post-operative rehabilitation
Tonya is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with a particular interest in low back pain. She also works with neck and upper back pain, hip and knee pain, and shoulder conditions. She has worked in both private practice and public hospitals, treating everything from acute injuries through to rehabilitation after surgery.
Before physiotherapy, Tonya completed an honours degree in Contemporary Dance at London Contemporary Dance School and went on to perform professionally as a ballet dancer. She then ran her own Pilates studio in the UK for six years and taught Pilates to physiotherapists with APPI. That background gives her a deep understanding of movement, and a lasting affinity for dancers and performing artists. During her studies she also gained work experience with The Australian Ballet.
Tonya completed her undergraduate physiotherapy degree at Monash University and her Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2022.
Outside work, Tonya is a keen runner and has completed numerous half marathons and a full marathon.
Qualifications
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, La Trobe University (2022)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance, London Contemporary Dance School
- Former APPI Pilates instructor
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
Clinical interests
Hip, groin and buttock pain, including arthritis and FAI (hip impingement)
Hip instability, including dysplasia and microinstability
Gluteal tendinopathy and hip bursitis
Pre- and post-operative hip rehabilitation
Lumbar spine and pelvic pain
Knee arthritis
Leesa is a Senior Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist at Physica Yarra Valley, where she leads Physica’s hip physiotherapy program. She works with hip, groin and buttock pain in people of all ages, including hip instability, dysplasia, impingement, gluteal tendinopathy and arthritis. She also guides patients through rehabilitation before and after hip surgery, and treats lumbar spine and pelvic pain and knee arthritis.
Leesa has more than 35 years of clinical experience and has spent much of her career building her hip knowledge. Her training includes Alison Grimaldi’s anterior, lateral and posterior hip pain courses, Andrew Wallis’s Hip and Groin courses (Levels 1 and 2), Trish Wisbey-Roth’s hip course, and Henry Wajswelner’s gluteal tendinopathy course. She has also completed the La Trobe University Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Symposium, the ECHO hypermobility program and McKenzie Levels A–C.
Leesa graduated from La Trobe University in 1990 and completed a Graduate Diploma of Sports Physiotherapy in 1996.
Qualifications
Graduate Diploma of Physiotherapy (Sports) (1996)
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), La Trobe University (1990)
Consults at: Physica Yarra Valley
Clinical interests
- Acute and sports injuries
- Children and adolescents
- Knee and ankle injuries
- Low back pain
- Dry needling
Abbey is a physiotherapist who works with sports injuries, knee and ankle problems, and low back pain. She has a particular interest in treating children and teenagers.
Before physiotherapy, Abbey spent several years working in paediatric allied health. She has also worked as a sports trainer in the EFNL, which gave her hands-on experience managing injuries on game day. She combines hands-on treatment and dry needling with exercise to get people back to sport and everyday life.
Abbey completed her Master of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University in 2024, following a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at Deakin University and a Certificate IV in Physiotherapy Assistance.
Outside work, she keeps active through middle-distance running and strength training.
Qualifications
- Master of Physiotherapy, Swinburne University of Technology (2024)
- Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Deakin University
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy)
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
Clinical interests
- Low back and neck pain
- Sports injuries
- Tendon pain
- Knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle conditions
- Persistent musculoskeletal pain
Amalan is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at Physica Ringwood with more than 25 years of clinical experience. He works with back and neck pain, sports injuries, tendon problems, and knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle conditions. He has a particular interest in persistent pain that hasn’t settled with previous treatment.
His approach is built around each patient’s goals. He combines current research and clinical guidelines with hands-on care and a clear plan, so patients understand what’s going on and what it will take to get better.
Amalan is a sessional academic at La Trobe University’s School of Physiotherapy and regularly mentors students and physiotherapists. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2000 and holds a Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Qualifications & memberships
- Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, 2011
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne (2000)
- Member, Australian College of Physiotherapists
- Victorian State Committee member, APA National Orthopaedic Group
- Sessional academic, School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University
Consults at: Physica Ringwood
Clinical Interests
- sports injuries (basketball & athletics)
- NBL1 Physiotherapist for Ringwood Hawks
- Shoulder- rotator cuff injuries, shoulder replacements, shoulder dislocation management
- Tendon dysfunctions – Achilles, shoulder
- Low back pain
- Elbow injuries (Tennis and holders elbow)
- Lower limb injuries, including ankle & knees
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