Our Physio Team Is Here To Help You

Chris Hickey
Physiotherapist

Chris is an officially accredited NSWIS Physiotherapist and a Physiotherapy Provider for AIS. He has toured with the Australian Olympic Snowboard Team as the team physio. He has a special interest in football, snow sports and surfing injuries, and extensive experience with sports injuries in children.

Chris has been a practising physiotherapist since 1995. He has been the Head physiotherapist to the AIS/ARL Rugby League Development Squad since 2002. He was the Head Physio for the Cronulla Sharks NRL Squad in 2003. Chris opened Physio Focus in 2008.

Harrison Dale
Physiotherapist

Harry prides himself on the quality of his rehabilitation whether it be for an acute injury, post-operatively or a long-standing biomechanical imbalance. Harry is constantly trying to implement the latest techniques and methods used in the physiotherapy and sports medicine world to better his treatments for the best possible outcomes for his patients.
He is a strong believer in stability training for the management of all musculoskeletal ailments. Harry is at the forefront of the latest research and data. He is technically minded and aims for the highest level of achievement in the outcomes of his patients.

Qualifications
Masters In Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy - La Trobe University 2020
Masters Of Physiotherapy - University of Sydney 2011
Bachelor Of Exercise Science Degree - University of Sydney 2009

Harry has been professionally involved as the head physio of Southern District R.U, St. George/Illawarra R.L, State Oztag, and the Sutherland Shire Netball Association. Harry is always keen to answer questions on the latest research in the sports medicine world.

Karl Jorgensen
Physiotherapist

Karl graduated from Sydney University with a Masters of Physiotherapy in 2016 and has also completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science at the University of Wollongong. During his studies he has developed a special interest in musculoskeletal injuries, sports medicine and strength & conditioning rehabilitation.

He has been invested in sport his whole life and enjoys the use of manual therapy combined with exercise rehabilitation to improve pain and function. Karl is professionally involved with the Sutherland Stingrays premier league netball team as the head physiotherapist and was involved in their 2016 championship winning season, he has also provided physio coverage with the Sutherland Shire Netball Association since 2015.

Karl is actively involved with our unique graded return to sport rehabilitation program following lower limb injuries such as ACL ruptures, patella dislocations and post-operative rehabilitation. Karl enjoys working with patients during the transition from regular strength rehabilitation to sport specific rehabilitation through agility, speed, balance and optimal landing mechanics to reduce the risk or re-injury.

Luke Annesley
Physiotherapist

Luke has a keen interest for all things sport. Currently he is the NRL Rehabilitation Physiotherapist for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, as well as having previous experience as the physiotherapist for the NYC under 20’s Cronulla Sharks Rugby league side, Cronulla Sharks NSW cup side and Newtown Jets NSW Cup rugby league side.

Qualifications
Masters In Sports Physiotherapy - La Trobe University 2017
Masters Of Physiotherapy - University of Sydney 2010
Bachelor Of Exercise Science Degree - University of Wollongong 2008

Apart from sport, Luke has a passion for management of headache and migraine pain and has achieved some very promising results. Using the Watson Headache technique, Luke has developed the ability to target the source of the headache pain which for almost 90% of sufferers is the cervical spine. Using simple sustained mobilising techniques with no manipulation necessary, the once debilitating migraine/headache pain can finally be resolved..

Lauren Heneghan Exercise physiologist
Physiotherapist

Lauren graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology in 2017 and Masters of Physiotherapy in 2019.

Lauren has a special interest in managing sport-related injuries and preventing reoccurrences. Growing up, Lauren competed in high-level women’s artistic gymnastics for over 10 years and is still actively involved in judging competitions. This both allows her to understand the physical demands and requirements of the sport, as well as the importance of optimal management and ensuring individuals are safe to return and participate in their sports. Lauren has also been involved in providing physiotherapy sports coverage for the Sutherland Shire Netball Association since 2018.

Working as an accredited Exercise Physiologist since 2017, Lauren has become skilled in developing both short and long-term management plans to help minimise and prevent reoccurring and debilitating injuries, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Lauren Bouffler
Physiotherapist

Lauren completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science degree in 2010 at the University of Wollongong and following this graduated from a Masters in Physiotherapy in 2012 from the University of Sydney. She started her career working in various hospitals including Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Coledale hospitals in the surgical, post-op, rehabilitation and acute care settings. After this she decided to move on, working in private practice since, realizing this was her real passion.

Lauren has an interest in all things sport and exercise, playing netball for over 10 years and being involved in a surf club, both patrolling down the beach and competing in surf boat rowing. With this base comes the passion for identifying an injury and formulating a management plan, but also looking further to prevent recurrence or further injury from developing.

SCOTT BURRELL
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Scott Completed his Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney in 2020 after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Wollongong University. 

Scott has a keen interest in musculoskeletal injuries and helping others achieve the most out of their rehabilitation and recovery. With a background in health and fitness Scott values exercise prescription and strength and conditioning rehabilitation to restore function and get you back to what you enjoy.

Jake Sinclair
Physiotherapist

Jake completed a Masters of Physiotherapy in 2016 at Sydney University having completed an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences. He joined the Physio Focus team in 2017 and has been developing his musculoskeletal management skills ever since. Jake prides himself in giving you a clear understanding of your injury and then formulate a step by step plan for your recovery.

Jake has a passion for rugby league and a keen interest in the management of acute injuries. Moreover, Jake has a strong interest in helping individuals with disabilities, recently being fortunate enough to volunteer his time and knowledge to the Save Our Sons charity. Here Jake formed part of a physio team who aided participants in completing their 300km charity walk around Melbourne which raised awareness and funds for children diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Sean Payne
Physiotherapist

Sean graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from University of Sydney in 1991.

He is an officially accredited NSWIS physiotherapy provider. He has extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment of sports and musculoskeletal injuries for all ages, post trauma and overuse training.

Sean has previous experience as a team physiotherapist for the AIS Youth league soccer team, Netball NSW U17-19’s state teams, Bondi Roosters Metropolitan Cup Rugby League, Waverley College Schoolboy Rugby. He also currently covers the Sutherland Shire Netball at Bellingara.

Sean joined the Physio Focus team in 2019, after 11 years in his own private practice Cronulla Physio Active and has been a physio for over 32 years! He has played local over 45’s soccer for the last six years, has three children playing a wide variety of sports, and enjoys rehabilitating people so that they can stay active, and do the things that are important to them.

Adam Comerford
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Adam is one of our Physiotherapists at the Rehab & Performance Centre and Gymea Physio Focus.

Adam graduated from Sydney University with a Master of Physiotherapy in 2016 and has also completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science at the University of Wollongong.

During his studies, he has developed a special interest in musculoskeletal injuries, strength & conditioning rehabilitation and dry needling.

Adam is professionally involved with the Giants AFL junior development program as the head physiotherapist and has also provided physio coverage for the Southern Power premier league AFL sides. Personally he has long history of playing for the Sutherland Shire Football association while also competing as a high level tennis player around Sydney. He feels creating awareness and educating patients on their injury management is the key to successful rehabilitation in combination with targeted and effective exercise prescription.

Ben Carroll
Physiotherapist

Ben graduated from Sydney University with a Masters of Physiotherapy in 2019 after completing an undergraduate degree in Health and Sports Science in 2017. During this time he was actively involved in sports coverage for the NPL and NPL Youth, where his passion for sports and rehab developed.

Ben has been playing sports for as long as he has been able to walk and so understands the pain of having to sit on the sideline with an injury. He is passionate about helping facilitate a safe and timely return to performance and back to sport after an injury. For the past few years, Ben has been involved with the Cronulla Sharks SG Ball and Jersey Flegg Academy squads, working on rehabilitating all injuries back to performance.

Ben enjoys working with patients across all stages of their rehab, with a special interest in sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, headaches and neck pain.

MADI ETHELL physiotherapist

Madi completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney in 2022 after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Wollongong University in 2020. During her studies, Madi developed a passion for the management and rehabilitation of all musculoskeletal conditions, including the treatment of post-operative conditions and sport-related injuries with the aim to motivate patients to achieve their goals, minimise pain and enhance recovery.

Madi has a keen interest in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and sport related injuries. This stems from her own participation in a variety of sports growing up including water polo and netball for over 10 years. She takes pride in developing and implementing tailored rehabilitation programs for all conditions, with the objective to alleviate pain, enhance performance and allow others to reach their physical potential.

 Madi has recently been dedicating her time outside of work, completing an internship with the Sydney Kings over the 22/23 NBL season. She has also been involved with providing physio coverage with the SSNA and Southern Districts Rugby Union, whilst covering the Sutherland Stingrays U23 and Opens netball teams during their 2023 season. This has allowed Madi to understand the requirements and physical demands of participating in high levels of sport, and how to optimally manage injuries to allow for a safe return to play.  

brandon Jones
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Brandon graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport) in 2020, followed by a Masters of Physiotherapy in 2022. During his studies Brandon developed a keen passion for exercise, rehabilitation, and the management of musculoskeletal related injuries. Brandon is enthusiastic about treating patients with a variety of conditions, including post-operative, sport related and youth injuries. 

 Brandon prides himself on applying high quality individualised physiotherapy, with a strong belief in the power of manual therapy and strengthening programs to enhance recovery. Having a keen interest in the gym and resistance training, Brandon is able to apply strength and conditioning knowledge to educate and motivate his patients to move and feel better.

 Brandon has played soccer at a high level in the Sutherland Shire (SSFA) for over 15 years, as well as previously being the Head Physiotherapist for the Youth NPL side ‘St George FC’ (u13’s-u18’s). This has allowed him to understand the mechanics and physiological demands that the game places on athletes to better prevent, manage and treat injuries. Brandon’s end goal is to work with his patients to achieve their short and long-term goals that keep them active and healthy.

JOSIE JULIAN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

B.AppSc (PHYT) Grad cert (health Leadership)

Josie has been a practising physiotherapist since 1995. She has worked extensively in the Sutherland Shire and had her own private practice in Woolooware for over 10 years.

Josie has extensive knowledge in all realms of sport and rehabilitation physiotherapy and is a truly holistic practitioner who is dedicated to getting the best outcome for each of her patients in terms of pain reduction and improved functionality for work, recreational and sporting endeavours.

Josie has a special interest in pain associated with posture, acute injury, post-operative lumbar, hip and knee surgery and pre and post-natal physiotherapy. Josie has prided herself on continual education completing many physiotherapy courses both in Australia and internationally.

CHRIS CHAHINE
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Chris Chahine is a physiotherapist & Rehab Coach at Physio Focus, and currently holds the position of Head Physio of Sydney FC Junior Academy.

After hearing about us on a podcast, Chris reached out to us to check out the space and the rest is history. Chris is a strong believer in empowering you to become the strongest version of yourself you can be. Chris further complements his private practice experience with his work in Rugby with Knox Grammar Rugby First XV as  the Assistant Physiotherapist. Chris has also previously worked with a number of other sporting teams and organisations including National Premier League Football clubs, St George City Men’s first grade, and NWS Spirit FC Women’s First grade.

Through Chris’ experience as a Physiotherapist in private practice and with various sporting clubs, he has developed a special interest in sports medicine and strength & conditioning based rehabilitation. 

Zachary DORE
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Zachary graduated from The University of Sydney with a Masters of Exercise Physiology in 2020 after completing a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at Western Sydney University. Obtaining a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Certificate in 2019 enhanced his interest in strength and conditioning based rehabilitation and resistance training. 

Zachary boasts experience working with a widespread caseload including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological conditions, metabolic disorders and other chronic diseases. He is a firm believer that exercise is the best form of medicine and has a strong desire to assist clients to achieve their goals through precise and functional exercise prescription.

Zachary also has a passion for musculoskeletal rehabilitation, injury prevention and sporting performance, which is reflected as he has participated in football and futsal for more than 15 years. He also has an interest and enjoys partaking in the following exercise modalities/sports: Resistance training, running, tennis, basketball. oztag, and touch football.

DAVID BURT
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

David has completed a Bachelor of Human Movement, Doctor of Physiotherapy, Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy and is currently completing his Masters in Sport & Exercise Physiotherapy. He has an extensive background in exercise, having worked as a personal trainer and strength coach, and competed for over ten years in powerlifting and strongman. 

 David has a history of sports coverage ranging from rugby union, rugby league, Aussie rules, and soccer. He also enjoys post-operative management. David’s recent interests include combat sports and mixed martial arts, both as a physiotherapist and as a participant in Brazilian Jiujitsu. He also thoroughly enjoys working with avid gym-goers, to keep them in the gym even while dealing with injuries.

NICOLE GUNZBURG
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Nicole graduated from a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2023 and has also completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage and a Bachelor of Science.

She has a strong background in massage techniques and injury assessment from working for 7 years as a Remedial Therapist and Sports Trainer in clinics, and an array of sporting teams, including the Sydney Swans and Cronulla Sharks. Her personal sporting passion is in baseball and AFL.

Due to her background in sport and having to rehabilitate her own injuries, she has developed a passion for managing musculoskeletal conditions for people at all ages and levels of function. However, with her love of baseball, she has formed a specific interest in throwing/overhead injuries, biomechanics and performance enhancement of rotational athletes. She has gained experience in this field by being a part of the physio team at the Sydney Blue Sox over the past couple of years.

Nicole's goal as a physiotherapist is to aid people to live to their full potential