Ben Smith
Senior Physiotherapist
In 1999, Ben completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours at The University of Melbourne. Since 2003, Ben has continued to work in private practice Physiotherapy and has been Director of Errol Street Physiotherapy since 2005.
Between 2004-2010, Ben balanced this work with involvement at The University of Melbourne, teaching Physiotherapy students.
Ben is a member of Sports Physiotherapy Australia and maintains ongoing skills and interest in all areas of sport, including Aussie Rules, Cricket, Netball, Football and Basketball. He has a particular interest in injury management of Australian Rules Footballers, and is also a keen follower of the game.
Ben complements this with a strong grounding in occupational physiotherapy, with a particular interest in neck and back pain related to prolonged desk work.
Shane O'Sullivan
Senior Physiotherapist
Shane is a distinguished Sports Physiotherapist whose expertise transcends the boundaries of conventional rehabilitation, boasting an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Shane has worked in Elite sport for the previous 12 years, facilitating a smooth return from injury for players from Melbourne Demons, North Melbourne Kangaroos & most recently Western Bulldogs FC.
A maestro in the art of rehabilitation, Shane possesses an innate ability to tailor bespoke treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient or athlete. For those difficult & resistant injuries that you just can’t seem to move forward under the guidance of your local clinician.
Beyond his clinical prowess, Shane O'Sullivan is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring physiotherapists, actively engaging in mentorship programs and educational initiatives with Foundation’s of Clinical Exercise. His commitment to sharing knowledge ensures a lasting impact on the next generation of healthcare professionals, fostering a legacy that extends far beyond the treatment room.
Booking an appointment with Shane under the Complex Injury schedule will provide you with all of the answers you require for that injury that just won’t budge. Most importantly, he will work with you to implement a plan that works, a plan that achieves outcomes & gets you back to the things you love to do. Non-negotiable!
Shane is based primarily at our sister clinic
Life Performance Sports Medicine in West Melbourne
Sue Gertzel
Senior Physiotherapist
Sue has been working as a physiotherapist since 1979 and credits her longevity in the profession to her love of meeting people and helping them with their physical problems.
As well as her undergraduate degree Sue has additional qualifications in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy and is a Titled Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapy.
Sue’s main areas of interest in the clinical setting are neck pain, jaw pain and headaches. This combination of problems is commonly known as a Temporomandibular Disorder or TMD. As part of your care Sue will liaise with your other treating practitioners such as your dentist, Oral Medicine Specialist or Oral Surgeon.
Sue is also interested in exercise for older people having run group classes in this area for several years. She encourages that age group to remain active and enjoys participating in exercise herself, including walking her mischievous dog.
Rees Thomas
Senior Physiotherapist
Rees is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with extensive experience in elite sport and various musculoskeletal/orthopaedic clinics in Australia and the UK. Rees currently shares his time between Errol St Physiotherapy as a Senior Physiotherapist and Victoria University, where he is a Senior Lecturer and Musculoskeletal Lead of the Physiotherapy department. Rees is currently completing his PhD in collaboration with the Western Bulldogs Football Club (WBFC).
Rees is passionate about rehabilitation and return to sport strategies for a range of injuries and co-ordinates all return to play testing for WBFC (AFL and AFLW) players conducted at Victoria University.
Rees has previously worked at Melbourne Victory FC (A-League) and Melbourne Football Club (AFLW) as a Physiotherapist and Rehabilitation Co-ordinator. Before this, Rees spent 2 years working in the UK, including for the London Broncos Rugby League team and at the European Athletics Championships in Swansea.
Rees has a passion for all sports, previously playing senior VFL Football at Port Melbourne FC and Premier Cricket at Dandenong CC. When Rees is not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing tennis and catching up with friends.
Rees is based primarily at our sister clinic Life Performance Sports Medicine in West Melbourne
Jacob Jewson
Sports & Exercise Physician
Dr Jacob Jewson has followed his passion for sport and exercise medicine since graduating from his medical degree in 2015. He obtained his fellowship from the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians in early 2023, after winning the College Medal for the highest exam marks for his year. Jacob is currently team doctor at the Melbourne Demons in the AFL.
While working as a junior doctor at the Alfred Hospital, Jacob has had experience working for the Western Bulldogs AFLW and Footscray VFL teams. He also worked in a variety of sports during a stint in Sydney in 2019, including with the Young Socceroos and with junior rugby union and rugby league teams.
Jacob was a founding member of the Sport and Exercise Medicine Students’ Association and has also completed an honours degree in research where he investigated the relationship between metabolic disease and musculoskeletal pain, an area which he remains very interested in. Jacob is keen to help all patients of all abilities achieve their goals, whether it be through managing acute or chronic injuries to facilitate sport and exercise, or through using exercise as prevention/treatment of chronic disease.
Jacob is based primarily at our sister clinic
Life Performance Sports Medicine in West Melbourne
Paul Bamford
Remedial Massage Therapist
Paul completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage at the Southern School of Natural Therapies in 2013 to complement a Certificate in Sports Massage completed in 1991. In 2017, Paul achieved the highest level of certification with the internationally recognised Niel Asher Technique Trigger Point Therapy accreditation (NAT Level 3). Paul's continued professional development has seen him add Myofascial Dry Needling and Muscle Energy Technique certifications to his ever growing arsenal of manual therapy skills .
Paul has practiced at Errol Street Physiotherapy since November 2013 and has quickly developed a solid and growing clientele. He is passionate about working closely with his colleagues to share knowledge and achieve better client health outcomes.
Paul specialises in a variety of deep tissue massage techniques and has developed a reputation for his strong, firm massage style. He will work with you to reduce tension, restriction and pain to restore ease of movement and postural correctness.
Sam Turner
Podiatrist
Sam is a highly skilled and compassionate Podiatrist dedicated to providing exceptional foot and ankle care to all patients. Sam has an interest in all areas of Podiatry but has a keen focus on biomechanics and complex orthotic presentations
When not treating in clinic, Sam consults for both the Men's and Women's teams for Western United in the A-league along with several NPL clubs.
Sam is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association, Sports and Exercise Podiatry Australia and has spoken at several conferences about his passion of Podiatry and football medicine. Additionally, Sam has an Instagram page that highlights his love for football medicine -@thatfootballpodiatrist
Courtney Kennedy
Senior Physiotherapist
Courtney has extensive experience working in elite sport, having worked with Geelong AFLW, Basketball Victoria, Athletics Victoria, and currently as the Development Physiotherapist for the Western Bulldogs AFLW team. Through this, she has gained exposure to a diverse range of sports-related injuries and developed a passion for working with athletes to prevent, manage and rehabilitate injuries and optimise performance.
Her special interest in women’s health means Courtney is particularly dedicated to working with female athletes. She also runs a Mums & Bub’s Rehabilitation Class, with an aim to get mothers back to exercising safely.
Courtney graduated from Melbourne University Doctor of Physiotherapy Masters degree in 2017. This, combined with her additional professional credentials, including certifications in dry needling, further education in Women’s Health, ASCA S&C Level 1, enable her to provide comprehensive treatment and design tailored programs to help clients achieve their goals.
Courtney comes from a sporting background, having competed at a national level for cross country, athletics and touch football. Her continued love of running and wealth of experience means she is adept at managing running related injuries.
Dion Kapnias
Physiotherapist
Dion completed his Bachelor of Applied Science / Masters of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University. Having played sports such as football and basketball all of his life, Dion understands the frustrating and complex nature of injuries. Dion is very much a people-person and loves working with individuals of all different backgrounds and abilities. His purpose in his professional life is to empower and support others to return to what matters to them most.
Dion has recently returned from the UK where he gained valuable experience working with acute and sub-acute orthopaedic injuries such as ACL repairs and Total Hip Replacements alongside some of London's top orthopaedic surgeons. Dion was also the Head Physio for the London Swans AFL club. He is also a GLA:D certified practitioner.
Dion's clinical interests include assessing and managing adolescent injuries, as well as various sporting injuries including shoulder & ankle injuries.
Away from the clinic, Dion loves to get outdoors to run, visit weekend markets and op shops, and play the drums.
Bethany Rayner
Physiotherapist
Bethany completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University after graduating from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Science(Physiology) and Latrobe University with a Bachelor of Health Science(Human Anatomy). Bethany's passion lies within her strong desire to help people attain their highest level of physical potential, while increasing participation and enhancing quality of life.
Bethany has completed additional training in Clinical Pilates and Strength and Conditioning and incorporates this regularly as part of her prevention and rehabilitation treatment sessions.
Bethany’s passion stems from her sporting background of competing at a national level for athletics and cross country which has influenced her particular interest in running related injuries and maximising return to sport outcomes. Additionally, she is currently working with the AFL umpires assisting with injury prevention, rehabilitation and match day support.
In Bethany’s spare time she enjoys travelling down to the coast to spend time with family or exploring some of Melbourne’s great restaurants and cafes.
Ruby Elder
Physiotherapist
Originally from Brisbane, Ruby moved down to Melbourne to complete her Physiotherapy degree and surround herself in the variety of sports Melbourne has to offer. Her background in elite swimming propelled her passion for musculoskeletal and sports injuries while helping each individual achieve their desired goals.
Ruby has enjoyed working with a number of different teams across a variety of sports including AFL/AFLW, Rugby 7’s and football, all at state and national level. She is currently working with the Western Bulldogs AFLW and assists with Geelong AFL as a sports trainer.
Her special interest areas include the assessment and treatment of lower limb and shoulder injuries, ACL management and ‘return to run’ planning. Ruby enjoys treating a wide variety of people of all ages and activity level. She has recently completed her
GLA:D certification.
When away from the clinic, Ruby loves getting outdoors with friends, Sunday long runs and exploring Melbourne. Ruby also enjoys snowboarding and waterskiing whenever the opportunity arises.
Jake Ayres
Podiatrist
Jake completed his Masters in Podiatry from La Trobe University after graduating from La Trobe University with a Bachelor in Health Science majoring in Physiology and Anatomy. Jake has a passion for health and fitness with an extensive sporting background competing at a national level for athletics and state level for rowing. The scope of podiatry is something that has always fascinated Jake and he loves the hands-on aspect of treatment. To keep fit now, Jake is a recreational runner which has led to a special interest in biomechanics, footwear, sporting and running injuries.
Jake has extensive experience in private practice and has worked with various sporting teams including football, netball and triathlon clubs. He prides himself on his ability to set goals with patients and has a passion for junior sport and helping young athletes achieve their goals. Jake is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association.
Outside of the clinic you'll find Jake playing golf, going to the footy to watch his beloved Collingwood or catching up with friends and family at any of Melbourne's go to spots!
Shea Mulkearns
Physiotherapist
Shea completed his Masters of Physiotherapy Practice in 2020 from La Trobe University and has a keen interest in musculoskeletal and sports injuries.
He has a wide array of clinical experience in both private practice and the sports field – currently working as the Head of Medical Services/Head Physiotherapist at Werribee Football Club in the VFL. He previously has worked across NPL (soccer), A-League (Men’s, Women’s and academy) as well as at VAFA level with St Bernard’s.
He is currently working towards his Masters of Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy and Masters of High-Performance Sport which he employs in his day-to-day clinical practice. He enjoys developing individualised exercise rehabilitation programs which serves to assist his patients in returning from injury successfully, as well as improving performance on the field or track!
Outside of the clinic, he is a keen sportsman playing cricket at subdistrict level and golf socially, as well as spending most of his spare time chasing the best coffee in Melbourne!
Shea is based primarily at our sister clinic
Life Performance Sports Medicine in West Melbourne
Naomi Crawford
Physiotherapist
Naomi graduated from La Trobe University's Master of Physiotherapy Practice after graduating from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science.
Naomi's interest in physiotherapy first started while working as a yoga teacher in her home town of Canberra. Her desire to not only keep her students safe, but to also better understand the recurrent shoulder injuries that plagued her studio motivated her to turn an interest into a career.
Naomi is passionate about working with individuals to reduce injury risk and recurrence, with a special interest in the assessment and management of hypermobility syndromes. She also has general interest in musculoskeletal injuries of the shoulder and hip/lower limb, including planning return-to-sport and running programs.
In her clinical practice she enjoys implementing tailored clinical pilates and exercise rehab programs. Naomi also has experience with the prescription and implementation of hydrotherapy programs and is qualified in dry needling.
Outside of the clinic Naomi enjoys playing the drums, going to the footy (go Dogs!), and keeping fit in the gym. She also enjoys going for a surf when the water isn't too cold.
Meagan Mulkearns
Dietician
Meagan is a passionate and dedicated Accredited Practising Dietitian with a mission to promote health and wellness through evidence-based nutrition strategies.
With a deep understanding of the impact that food choices can have on overall well-being, Meagan is committed to empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives through nutrition education and personalized guidance.
With several years of experience working in diverse clinical and community settings, Meagan has honed her skills in addressing a wide range of nutritional challenges. Some of these areas include reconditioning, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal issues and surgeries and chronic diseases (T2DM, heart disease etc).
Meagan is well-versed in developing practical and sustainable solutions for her clients.
When Meagan is not guiding her patients towards better nutrition, you can find her exploring new recipes in the kitchen, getting her hands dirty in the garden, or engaging in physical activities such as running or netball that keep her energized and motivated.
Meagan is based primarily at our sister clinic
Life Performance Sports Medicine in West Melbourne
.
Vanessa D'Andrea
Physiotherapist
Vanessa completed her Masters of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University after graduating from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Physical Education and Sport Science. Her passion lies in guiding individuals on their journey to optimal health and wellbeing.
As a dedicated middle-distance runner, her personal commitment to fitness directly influences her approach to physiotherapy. The connection between athletic performance and rehabilitation enables Vanessa to provide insightful, tailored care to her clients. She is dedicated to ensuring her clients are in optimal health to achieve their peak performance, whether they are athletes or individuals working to achieve their personal fitness goals.
Vanessa enjoys gaining hands on experience working with the Western Bulldogs VFL program. In this role, she assists with injury assessment, player care and match day assistance, blending her passion for sports with professional expertise.
Outside of the clinic, Vanessa enjoys keeping an active lifestyle through running and swimming, baking some tasty sweets for family and friends and getting out and enjoying the sunshine.
Derek Hyde-Lay
Physiotherapist
Derek, originally from Victoria, Canada, holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and a Doctor of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne. With a keen interest in lower limb, shoulder, and spinal injuries, he is dedicated to helping clients from all walks of life recover and perform at their best.
Derek is also actively involved in sport and works as a physio for Powerhouse Rugby Club and the Melbourne Rebels Academy teams, bringing his expertise and passion to the field. His professional roles provide him with extensive exposure to a variety of injuries, allowing him to assist in all stages of recovery, from acute diagnosis to injury prevention.
Outside of the clinic, Derek stays active by playing basketball and golf and enjoys exploring the great outdoors. As an avid sports fan, he frequently watches various sports, particularly the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks.
Contact
52 Errol Street,
North Melbourne Vic
Phone 03 9329 9988
Fax 03 9329 0914
Monday to Friday 7am–7pm
Saturday 8am–1pm
info@errolstphysio.com.au