experts in the heart of essendon
Samantha Shirley - Physiotherapist
Samantha (or Sammy as she is affectionately known) is a highly skilled physiotherapist with a special interest in rehabilitation and acute injuries. Sammy has a high attention to detail nature and combined with her friendly demeanour, she is a real favourite amongst clients and colleagues.
Her background of a Bachelor of Exercise Science as well as a Master of Physiotherapy Practice gives her a unique perspective through the treatment journey utilising both hands on and movement-based techniques to reach her clients goals.
Having worked with a variety of individuals and conditions her philosophy centres around a longer term outlook on health and looks to combine incredible diagnostic skills with functional and sustainable rehabilitation plans.
Jamie Broadbent - Physiotherapist
Originally from Adelaide, Jamie is a dual qualified Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist with extensive experience in private practice. Jamie comes from a strong sporting background and practices at an elite level. Since moving across to Melbourne, he regularly appears on radio discussing the importance of physical activity and how to get started on an exercise plan.
Jamie works predominantly with those recovering from surgery and sporting injuries and is well respected in the community.
Jamie believes that a thorough assessment combined with hands on treatment in the early stages of injury is the ideal approach.
Peter Vitale - Physiotherapist
Peter leads our Essendon Physio team and is a well-known practitioner with Melbourne’s leading surgeons and medical specialists.
Known for his accurate diagnosis and manual treatment skills, Peter's areas of specialty include post-operative rehabilitation, jaw physiotherapy and vestibular physiotherapy.
He has worked with many professional athletes, including A-league Soccer and elite tennis players.
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.
Craig Harrison - 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 lower back pain, Craig’s specialties are helping patients 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.
Hayley Owens - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
A dynamic driven member of our team, Hayley partners with her patients to manage chronic conditions and persistent pain.
Hayley is a leading expert in exercise plans for cancer patients; an emerging field which helps patients manage pain, regain function and recover following chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Hayley also helps patients with weight loss, diabetes and mental health.
Hayley thrives on researching the best evidence-based treatments and partnering with her patients with education and support.
Samantha Hood - Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Samantha comes from a strong sporting background as an experienced tennis coach and player and football sports trainer. She has worked with a number of elite tennis and VFL players in both injury prevention and management and has a strong desire to help people achieve their health goals.
Her area of special interest is the prevention and rehabilitation of lower limb injuries, specifically ACL injuries, having firsthand experience in post-operative rehabilitation of her own ACL.
Samantha also has a passion for conservative treatment as a first-line option to either improve outcomes following surgery or as an alternative to surgery.
Nicole French - Director | 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 and experienced Occupational Health Consultant. She is a Director of the Primary Care Diabetes Society of Australia, committee member of Parents Voice Australia and ambassador for the Girls Uniform Agenda.
Nicole has a strong academic background with postgraduate teaching appointments across Australia. She is a regular speaker at community health events and is a regular guest on North West FM.
Kirsty - Client Experience Team
Kirsty's experience as an administration team leader and visual merchandiser coupled with her remedial massage background positions her perfectly to understand the needs of our clients and create a positive and beautiful practice environment.
She has particular interest in helping clients with acute injuries, being able to identify the exact clinician and discipline that will be of most benefit in the early stage of diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Kirsty's caring and calm nature ensures that from your first point of contact with us you feel reassured and in the absolute best hands.
Kira - Client Experience Team
Kira's is one of the beautiful voices that you hear when you first make contact with our practice or when we call you after receiving a referral from your medical or allied health professional.
She has a genuine passion for helping people and over a decade's experience in customer service both in management and coordination roles.
Kira is committed to ensure that you have a happy and memorable experience with us on your road to better health.