Samantha Shirley - Physiotherapist
Samantha is a highly skilled physiotherapist with a special interest in injury rehabilitation, concussion, headaches, and vestibular assessment.
Her high attention to detail, combined with her friendly demeanour, makes her a real favourite among clients and colleagues.
Sam's educational background—a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy Practice—gives her a unique perspective throughout the treatment journey. She utilises both hands-on and movement-based techniques to help her clients reach goals they never thought possible.
Having worked with a variety of individuals and conditions, her philosophy centres around a longer-term outlook on health. She looks to combine incredible diagnostic skills with functional and sustainable rehabilitation plans.
Jamie Broadbent - Physiotherapist
Jamie is a dual qualified physiotherapist and exercise physiologist with extensive experience with musculoskeletal injuries and vestibular conditions. He works predominantly with those recovering from orthopedic surgery and sporting injuries as well as with athletes for sports specific pre screening and injury prevention. He has a particular interest in lower limb assessment and rehabilitation, regularly providing education to physio colleagues about running injuries.
Jamie comes from a strong sporting background and practices at an elite level as an AFL umpire. He also regularly appears on radio discussing the importance of physical activity and keeping active.
Beginning with a thorough assessment, his care approach integrates hands-on treatment and corrective exercises. Recognised for his warm and charismatic nature, he effortlessly connects with everyone, making each interaction memorable and enjoyable.
Peter Vitale - Senior Physiotherapist | Clinical Director
Peter leads our Essendon Physio team as the clinical director and is a well-known practitioner with Melbourne’s leading surgeons and medical specialists.
Known for his accurate diagnosis and hands on treatment, Peter's areas of specialty include sports injuries, post-operative rehabilitation, jaw physiotherapy and vestibular physiotherapy.
He has worked with many professional athletes in both soccer and tennis.
Peter delivers many professional courses in post-operative and Vestibular physiotherapy across Australia and brings over a decade's worth of experience to his treatment.
Hamish Neo - Physiotherapist
Hamish is an experienced physiotherapist with specific areas of interest in sports physiotherapy, injury rehabilitation and pre/post operative care.
Drawing from his extensive clinical experience, Hamish understands the importance of injury prevention and rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions and has particular interest areas in knee pain, back injuries, respiratory conditions as well as dizziness/balance disorders. As our resident inpatient physio at Sunshine Private Hospital, Hamish regularly works with orthopaedic surgeons supporting individuals just before and after surgery.
Hamish's caring and personalised approach ensures that each person receives tailored treatment plans to address their unique needs and goals. Whether you're dealing with a chronic condition, recovering from an injury or preparing for surgery, Hamish is well positioned to help.
Keenan Ong - Physiotherapist
Keenan is a dynamic physiotherapist with an unwavering commitment to client care. With a strong background in sports training, he is well placed to manage all types of musculoskeletal injuries focusing on a comprehensive assessment, hands on treatment and and precise exercise programming, that will support you in the longer term.
Over his career, Keenan has developed a special interest in knee osteoarthritis, as well as the assessment and management of dizziness, falls and balance. He really enjoys collaborating with the onsite exercise physiology team to ensure that you are getting the very best of all aspects of your care to best set you up for success.
His meticulous attention to detail, combined with his warmth and positivity will have you feeling assured that you are in the best hands from the outset, and motivated for the journey ahead.
Nicole French - Founder | Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Nicole is the driving force behind the practice and one of Australia’s leading authorities in the use of exercise to manage chronic disease and Diabetes. A passionate advocate for better access to healthcare, Nicole is an expert contributor to Diabetes Victoria, Director of the Primary Care Diabetes Society of Australia, ambassador for the Girls Uniform Agenda and former committee member of Parents Voice Australia.
Nicole is a leader in her field winning the 2020 Exercise and Sports Science Australia Female Leaders in Exercise & Sports Science award, the 2023 Australian Women's Small Business Champion award, and the 2023 Australian Health Practice of the Year by Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
Nicole is a finalist in the 2024 Australian Allied Health Awards in the categories of Exercise Physiologist of the year and Health Innovation and Impact.
Nicole has a strong academic background with postgraduate teaching appointments across Australia and is a regular guest on radio and TV.
Craig Harrison - Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Craig is a highly experienced and sought after exercise physiologist, known for his attention to detail and positive approach.
One of Melbourne's leading practitioners in treating persistent pain including lower back pain, Craig’s specialties are helping people return to an active life after surgery or sporting injury and managing persistent pain conditions such as tendinopathies and bursitis. He has helped thousands of people return to an active life after an injury.
With experience in occupational rehabilitation, manual handling retraining and work hardening programs, Craig is well positioned to help those recovering from injuries achieve their return to work goals.
Claudia Cosoleto - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Claudia is a well-established exercise physiologist with an extensive background in working with those with vestibular and balance conditions, type 2 diabetes, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She is also experinced in supporting women with preconceptive health.
Claudia leads our women's and girls’ clinic, an innovative service designed to support female health throughout all stages of life, focusing on exercise, activity, and behavioural modification support. She has completed additional training in women's health and has a strong desire to collaborate with a range of health professionals help inviduals best navigate health complexities and be the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves.
Having studied in both Australia and the United Kingdom, Claudia's broad experience brings with it an expert, confident and supportive approach to her care.
Zachary Hines - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Zac is a passionate and caring member of the Essendon Physio Group team with special interests in the management of musculoskeletal issues, Type 1 Diabetes, building and sustaining a healthy lifestyle as well as falls and balance retraining.
With experience in working in acute hospital as well as gym settings, Zac is truly passionate about providing comprehensive care and support for the long term.
Zac is friendly and patient and takes the time you need to tell your story and outline what the journey to recovery will look like for you as an individual.
Under Zac's care you can expect a thorough and personalised approach to your care, with positive support every step of the way.
Kirsty Comley - Remedial Massage Therapist
Kirsty is dedicated to helping you alleviate pain, improve movement and promote overall wellness through massage. She works hand in hand with our Physio's and Exercise Experts and her experience in using a range of techniques ensures that whatever your presenting problem, she will be able to help.
In addition to managing injuries and reducing muscle tension, a session with Kirsty can also focus on relaxation - so spoil yourself and book in, you deserve for your body to feel amazing.