About PhysioWard

Get that

in your step

About PhysioWard

Welcome to PhysioWard Sports & Rehab! We are passionate about guiding our patients from injury to performance.

Whether you’re looking to improve your walking ability or achieve elite sports performance, our team of expert physios will work with you to create a personalised rehabilitation program that is tailored to your needs.

With clinics in Narrabeen, Newport and Brookvale, we have you covered for all your physiotherapy needs on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

We help you reach your goals

We understand that diagnosing and treating an injury can be a daunting process, so we strive to provide our patients with all the support they need throughout their rehabilitation. Our goal is to help prevent re-injury and ensure that you make a full and speedy recovery.

Thank you for choosing PhysioWard Sports & Rehab – we look forward to helping you reach your performance goals!

Our Team

At PhysioWard Sports & Rehab, we are a team of highly qualified and experienced physios.

We use the latest research and clinical knowledge to create individualised rehabilitation programs for our patients.

We want to make sure our patients are adequately supported throughout their rehabilitation, and we work hard to prevent re-injury. Our team is friendly and professional, and we aim to guide our patients from injury to performance.

Meet Our Team

B.Hlth.Sci, M.Phty, APAM

Clinic Director Sam graduated from the University of Sydney in Australia with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Physiotherapy.

Sam has extensive experience working in private practice setting on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore and has been heavily involved in rugby his entire life. Sam is the current Head of Physiotherapy at Warringah Rugby Club and played over 150 1st Grade games for the club over 10 years. Sam’s cliental have not solely been from a sporting background, as he has works daily with people of all ages and athletic abilities.

Sam’s experience has also involved working closely with people who have cerebral palsy providing manual therapy and supervised exercise programs at the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Sam places a big importance on exercise prescription as the key to long term self-management of your body.

Fun fact: Sam used to be a high-level downhill mountain biker winning multiple races at the State and National level. Sam’s is supported by his wife Ellen and his proudest achievement to date are their two daughters Sienna and Ruby.

Ba App Sci, MAPS

Gabriella has been a Physiotherapist for thirty years. She has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Physiotherapy with High Distinction. Gabriella has worked at a number of leading Sports Practices throughout Sydney and owned her own thriving practice on the Northern Beaches for 22 years.

Gabriella has gained a wide range of postgraduate qualifications including Pilates, Traditional Acupuncture, and headache/jaw (TMJ) therapies. Gabriella has a special interest for treating all lower limb injuries and conditions and continues to receive regular referrals from leading knee, foot/ankle surgeons throughout Sydney. Gabriella is also passionate and highly experienced in all spinal care; ranging from acute to chronic, neck and jaw (TMJ) pain and all surgical rehabilitation.

“My continual goal is that every patient feels as though we have really found the core of their problem and they feel they have had a personalised, thorough, effective treatment.

Fun Fact: Gabriella grew up on a large sheep property near Yass/Gunning, being the 5th generation of Whittaker’s to own the property called “Wingara”, before coming to Sydney at 18 years of age to study Physiotherapy. Gabriella loves horse riding, snow skiing each year, visits to the country, and the lifestyle of the beautiful Northern Beaches.

B.App.Sci (Physio), MSportPhys

Kendal is a titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist.

Since graduating from Sydney University in 2011, she has worked in sports injury clinics across Australia and the United Kingdom. Kendal continued her professional education and completed a Masters in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2019.

Kendal has extensive experience in Rugby, having been the head physiotherapist for a semi-professional Rugby team in the UK. She has worked with the NSW Schoolboys Rugby and NSW U19 Rugby teams. Kendal also has worked with elite Swimmers and Dancers.

Kendal understands the need to balance performance with injury prevention and enables people to get back to the sports or activities they enjoy. Whether that be an elite sport environment, returning to activities postnatally or someone just starting to exercise.

Kendal loves to try most sports- with her passions being Swimming, Netball and Snowboarding. Outside of Physiotherapy, she is a busy mum of 2 children under 2 years of age.

B.Phty, APAM

Lauren’s competitive nature and love of sports sparked her interest in physiotherapy, graduating from ACU in 2014 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and working in private practice ever since. She has a keen interest in Netball, having played both club and representative levels since age 8 as well as trying her hand at AFL,swimming and skiing.

Lauren loves working with anyone trying to improve their own health and wellbeing – no matter what the injury. She has a keen interest in lower limb injuries, especially sports injuries (especially prevention!), pre and post-surgical rehab, and is certified in hip/knee arthritis management with GLA:D (good life with arthritis). She is also trained in dry needling, cervicogenic headache treatment and Clinical Pilates.

“Growing up I played a lot of sport (netball, touch footy, AFL9s, swimming and surf club nippers) and was always really interested in how the body worked, how injuries occurred and how to get them better. My brother was also a national gymnast, so while travelling and watching national/international competitions high level athletes always sparked my interest. I enjoy working with people and seeing how quickly things can rehab when we address them quickly and effectively.”

Fun Fact: Lauren completed the Kokoda trail with her mum in 2015 and has not put those hiking boots on since. Outside of work she loves to spend time outdoors or in the water as well as cooking and any chance to travel and explore!

B.Phty., APAM

With a background in both private practice and hospital physiotherapy settings, Noah has experience in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions. He has a particular interest in working with adolescents, helping them to overcome injury and optimise performance. He also enjoys treating all lower limb presentations, as well as pre and post-op rehabilitation.

Through a personalised approach, using a blend of hands-on therapy, dry needling, targeted therapeutic exercises, and injury prevention strategies, Noah works collaboratively with clients to develop a tailored management plan that suits their goals.

Noah has immersed himself in high level sports for several years, working with the Sydney FC Men’s Academy, St Ives Rugby Club, and the International Rugby Academy of Australia. Currently, he serves as the Head Physiotherapist for the under 20s at Warringah Rugby Club.

If you’ve recently found yourself sidelined by an injury, seeking guidance following surgery, or just dealing with a stubborn pain that’s holding you back, book an appointment with Noah to begin your rehab journey.

Fun fact: While Noah’s not at work, he’ll either be writing music and playing gigs with his band, in the gym, or letting his two dogs take him for a run.

B.ExSc, M.Phty, APAM

Tim is a valuable member of our PhysioWard team, serving both our Narrabeen and Newport clinics.

Tim has extensive experience in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, sports clubs, and public facilities. He has worked with a diverse range of sporting teams, including SCEGGS basketball, UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs, Newport Rugby Club, and the International Rugby Association Australia. Tim currently serves as one of the Head Physiotherapists for Warringah Rugby Club.

Tim’s approach to physiotherapy emphasises mobility and strength, and he places a strong emphasis on educating patients about their bodies and helping them improve their movement patterns. He also employs Dry Needling, Manual Therapy, Clinical Pilates and Strength & Conditioning as treatment modalities. Tim is particularly interested in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries, with a focus on shoulder, knee, ankle, pre/post-orthopaedic rehabilitation, and paediatric sporting injuries.

Tim’s achievements include:

· Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science (UTS)

· Master of Physiotherapy (Sydney University)

· APA Level 1 Sports Physiotherapist

· ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach

· Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions

· Certificate III & IV in Fitness

 

In his free time, Tim enjoys a wide range of sports, including surfing, CrossFit, tennis, and running.

B.Chiro.Sci, M.Chiro (Macq. UNi)

Bridgette completed her three-year Bachelor’s and two-year Doctorate Masters Degree in Chiropractic at Macquarie University. Her passion for this profession stems from her love of sports, which naturally inspired her desire to assist others in achieving their goals, maintaining a healthy body, and living a happy, progressive life.

Currently, Bridgette is completing further studies with the FICS International Federation of Sports Chiropractic, working toward certification as a Sports Chiropractor to practise at global sporting events.

Bridgette has a representative background in Netball and Athletics and is currently a player in the Curl Curl Football Club Women’s Premier League. This experience has given her insight into the importance of peak performance. She has also served as a Primary Care Practitioner and Club Chiropractor at Men’s Premier League football games and will be working at Allambie Beacon Hill United Football Club’s on and off-field practitioner this year.

Bridgette is deeply committed to her patients, prioritising the establishment of a strong practitioner-patient rapport. She employs a variety of manual chiropractic and soft tissue techniques, as well as dry needling and rehabilitation exercise programs, to address the body as whole in both acute and chronic injuries. Her approach is based on strong evidence and research, in which she is constantly keeping up to date with allowing her to achieve excellent results for her patients.

Fun Fact: Bridgette ran a marathon last year and aims to run as many as possible in the future!

B.ExSc, M.Phty, APAM

With a diverse background, Marcus has gained experience in acute orthopaedics, outpatients’ musculoskeletal settings, and Private practice. His dedication to the field extends to active involvement with AFL and rugby clubs, where he has made meaningful contributions to athlete care and rehabilitation.

In addition to his physiotherapy expertise, Marcus holds Certifications III and IV in Fitness, showcasing a comprehensive approach to health and well-being. Beyond the clinic, Marcus is enjoys in surfing at his local beaches, playing tennis, soccer, and basketball. Marcus is local to the northern beaches but his heritage lies in the south of Italy.

Passionate about helping individuals achieve their physical best, Marcus combines his academic knowledge, clinical experience, and personal interests to create a holistic approach to physiotherapy. Whether on the field or in the clinic, Marcus is committed to empowering patients on their journey to optimal health and performance.

B.HSc, DPT, APAM

Jervis is a qualified physiotherapist, holding a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Technology Sydney and completing his postgraduate Doctor of Physiotherapy at Macquarie University.

His professional journey spans private practice, community, and acute hospital settings, where he has honed his skills in musculoskeletal and sports injuries, pain management, as well as pre and post-operative rehabilitation.

Specialising in Clinical Pilates and possessing expertise in cycling and running performance and rehabilitation, Jervis blends profound knowledge with a personal touch in his approach to physiotherapy.

Beyond his clinical work, Jervis leads a dynamic lifestyle that reflects his diverse interests. Whether he’s mountain biking on the northern beaches, volunteering with trail building, hitting the gym, enjoying ocean activities, playing cricket, or indulging in cooking extravagant meals, Jervis embraces a well-rounded approach to life.

Furthermore, he finds joy in supporting his partner with her triathlon training and visiting his home state of Tasmania, rounding out his commitment to a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Jervis’s passion lies in forging enduring connections with clients, a commitment evident in his desire to understand their needs and goals. Jervis holds a DMA Clinical Pilates certification and an Occupational Health Certification from Corporate Work Health Australia, specialising in ergonomics and manual handling.

Fun Fact: Jervis is an avid mountain biker and is currently heavily involved in the local Mountain Bike Club – Garigal Gorillas. Despite spending so much time riding, he is still only the 2nd fastest rider at PhysioWard.

Sharon is a highly qualified & respected Clinical Exercise Physiologist, with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology.

Sharon has extensive experience working with many professional & sporting organisations, including the men’s NSW cricket team, NSW Swifts Netball, Manly United Football Club, and lecturing at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Sharon formerly founded and owned her own weight loss and fitness centre. “My goal is to individualise every patient’s program whether it is for chronic pain/illness, osteoporosis, diabetes, weight loss, neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, mental health and heart disease as well as injury prevention through specific exercise programming and personal emotional support”

Sharon is currently studying a Master’s degree of Diabetes Education and Management at Western Sydney University. Her passion is to reduce the overall diabetes epidemic.

 

Fun Facts:

  • Sharon is a passionate ocean swimmer and gym goer.
  • She also launched & hosted “World’s Biggest Pilates Day” on Manly Beach in 2006 & 07 when hundreds of people participated in an outdoor class, raising funds for the Heart Foundation and Variety, the children charities.
  • Sharon is a Health & Fitness author, including her latest release. “My Core Reward”.
  • For many years Sharon was a regular television panellist as a fitness and health expert (Beauty and the Beast) on Channel 10.

 

BPhty (FUMC), MPhtySt (USyd),

GradDipFit (UdeA), GradDipAltThy (FUMC)

Jess is a experienced physio with extensive experience in orthopaedic rehab and joint replacement, is trained in clinical and fitness pilates, and dry needling. She has a keen interest in hypermobility treatment and research, particularly for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Jess originally graduated as a Physio in 2005 from Maria Cano University in Medellin, in Colombia, and later completed a Masters Degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney in 2016. She is fluent in Spanish and English. 

Jess previously played sport at a high level, competing in horse riding at international championships, and handball in two Central American championships for Colombia. Through this she has developed a keen interest in strength and conditioning which underscores her commitment to optimising the recovery journey for her patients.

Jess made the Northern Beaches her home in 2008, is a proud Australian citizen and is a mum to two beautiful children. She currently enjoys surfing, yoga, reformer pilates, calisthenics, and strength and conditioning.

BPhty (Hons)

Liam is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a passion for helping people maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Since graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) in 2017, Liam has worked in a variety of practices with patients of all ages and lifestyles. His most recent role involved teaching physiotherapy students at the University of Otago.

In the clinic, Liam uses his knowledge of personal training and physiotherapy to help people understand and improve their injuries. He is trained in a variety of techniques to promote short-term symptom relief, including trigger-point massage, manipulations, and dry-needling, but the most valuable part of each session with Liam will focus on solutions for long-term improvement, like exercises to target your imbalances and techniques to improve your biomechanics.

 

What Our Clients Say

"As a Personal Trainer I choose my Physio's very carefully as I refer clients for treatment and they keep me in top shape too! I've referred many clients, who continue to be in the care of these guys, treating a wide range of injuries, niggles and post surgery rehabs. The team at PhysioWard are the absolute best in the business and I highly recommend them."
– Sonya, Newport
“I have been a patient for the past year and I am extremely pleased with Sam's expert knowledge and his explanation of the injury and treatment required. He follows my treatment up with easy to access videos of exercises to aid my recovery. The staff are always friendly, polite and helpful. I highly recommend Sam and his team.”
– Christine, Newport
"I saw Tim for my injuries this year playing sport, and he was very knowledgeable …. he’s also great bloke. Highly recommend the team at Physioward."
– Lachie, NEWPORT
"The team at Physioward is absolutely brilliant and so passionate about what the do. I know I'm in capable hands when I go to them. And they sell Archies ( thongs with arch support). I use to go all the way to Manly to get them. So much easier to goto my local physiotherapist”
– AVANI, Narrabeen
“From the moment I hobbled in, I felt like I was in competent hands and that Sam took a genuine interest in my recovery and overall wellbeing”
– TOBY, Narrabeen