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Back Pain Management

What is Back Pain Management?

At Barwon Sports Physio, we offer a comprehensive Back Pain Management program designed to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and prevent future episodes. Our approach is tailored to address the specific needs of each client, combining evidence-based physiotherapy techniques with personalized care plans.

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How It Works

  • Initial Assessment:
    Each client begins their journey with a detailed evaluation to understand the root causes of their back pain and their overall physical health.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans:
    Based on the assessment, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, exercise therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
  • Ongoing Support and Adjustments:
    As treatment progresses, we continuously monitor your response to therapy and make necessary adjustments to enhance comfort.

Benefits of the Program

  • Pain Relief:
    Our targeted treatments aim to reduce discomfort and enhance quality of life.
  • Improved Mobility:
    We focus on restoring range of motion and flexibility, enabling clients to return to daily activities with ease.
  • Preventative Strategies:
    Our program includes education on posture and movement techniques to prevent future back issues.

Ideal Candidates

This service is ideal for individuals experiencing chronic or acute back pain, those recovering from back surgery, and anyone seeking to strengthen their back to prevent injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or long-standing issues, our Back Pain Management program is tailored to provide relief and support sustainable health.

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Team Members

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Samantha Francis

Physiotherapist

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Nathan Skirrow

Physiotherapist

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Ross Wettenhall

Physiotherapist

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Sarah Murphy

Physiotherapist

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Tristan Dower

Physiotherapist

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Erin Nelson

Sports Physiotherapist

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Zach Nelson

Physiotherapist

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Marcus Emmett

Physiotherapist

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Dr. Rachael McMillan

Physiotherapist

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Daniel

Exercise Science

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Rorri

Myotherapist

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(03) 5278 1121

30 Bellerine Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220

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Samantha Francis

Physiotherapist
B. Physio(Honours)

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Special Interests:

  • Sports injuries and rehabilitation
  • Knee and ankle injuries
  • Snow sports
  • Running related injuries

 

Samantha graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours. She has since worked primarily as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, gaining experience in private practice, NHS Hospitals, and sports settings.

Previously, she worked as the Physiotherapist for Queens Park Rangers in London and recently returned from Japan, where she specialized in treating snow sport injuries. Samantha’s keen interest lies in sporting-related injuries, especially lower limb injuries.

Sam is passionate about building strong relationships with her patients to help them achieve their goals. She is committed to patient care and enjoys implementing individualized approaches for both the recovery and prevention of injuries.

 

Samantha is experienced in:

  • Strength and conditioning
  • Ankle and Knee Injuries
  • Acute sporting injuries
  • Dry needling
  • Acute neck and back pain.
  • Snow sports injuries
  • Workcover and TAC clients

 

Career Highlights:

  • Academy Physiotherapist at Queens Park Rangers – London (2023)
  • Ariels Victorian Netball League Physiotherapist (2022)
  • Fitzroy Football club Physiotherapist (2021-2022)

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Nathan Skirrow

Physiotherapist
B. Physio

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Special Interests:

  • Sports injury management
  • Youth and adolescent sporting injuries
  • Running Biomechanics
  • Stress and overload injuries
  • Hip and Groin conditions

 

Nathan graduated from the University of Western Sydney with a Bachelor in Physiotherapy after commencing a degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Canberra. 

He has since worked in private practice in Melbourne, seeing a variety of patients from a diverse range of sporting backgrounds. He has experience in working with amateur and elite level soccer players, mixed martial art athletes, elite level cyclists, recreational runners and many more. 

He currently works at Melbourne City Football Club, managing the elite level academy players. Nathan has a keen interest in load management as well as strength and conditioning and their role in injury prevention and performance enhancement. 

In his free time, Nathan likes to surf, play golf and play soccer for his local club. Nathan is fluent in French and is able to conduct physiotherapy assessments in French.

 

Nathan is experienced in managing:

  • Acute sporting injuries
  • Concussion management
  • Long term overload/stress injuries
  • Lower limb rehabilitation
  • Strength and Conditioning and performance enhancement
  • Running related injuries
  • Workcover, TAC, NDIS and EPC patients

 

Career Highlights:

  • Melbourne City FC  – Academy Physiotherapist
  • Moreland City FC – External Physiotherapist 
  • St Albans Football Club – Physiotherapist
  • North-West Sydney Spirit FC  – Physiotherapist
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Ross Wettenhall

Physiotherapist
M.Physio, B.Sport&ExSc

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Special Interests:

  • Paediatric sports injuries
  • Acute and chronic low back pain
  • Tendon injury rehabilitation 
  • Triathlon & running related injuries

 

Ross has a Masters in Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney as well as a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He enjoys using a combination of the degrees in patient rehabilitation. 

Ross has 9 years of experience in multiple physiotherapy settings. (Elite sporting teams, strength and conditioning, private practices, orthopaedics, hospital and aged care).  Because of this range of experience, Ross loves treating all types of injuries from all walks of life and is no stranger to a complex physio case. 

Ross incorporates manual therapy techniques including massage, dry needling, joint mobilisations into his sessions alongside strength exercises both at home and in the gym. On top of this, Ross has also taught regular pilates and strength classes. 

When he’s not treating patients at the clinic, you’ll find him either on the golf course, swimming laps or walking/running his golden retriever along the Barwon.

Ross is experienced in:

  • Strength and conditioning
  • Running / exercise injuries
  • Tendon related dysfunction and pain
  • Acute sporting injuries (fractures, muscle/ligament tears, dislocations etc)
  • Paediatric sports injuries and pain
  • Dry needling
  • Pilates

 

Career Highlights:

  • Australian Ultimate Frisbee physiotherapist. (2021-2023)
  • Australian touch rugby game day physiotherapist. (2018-2020)
  • VAFA AFL physiotherapist for University Blues and Old Collegians FC (2017-2023)
  • Wesley College APS 1st XVIII AFL physiotherapist. (2020-2021)
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Sarah Murphy

Physiotherapist
M. Physio, B. HSc, Rehab Physiotherapist at Geelong Cats AFLW

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Special Interests:

  • Sports Injuries
  • Running Injuries and Programming
  • Pre- and Post Partum Exercise
  • Pre-pointe assessments

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Sarah graduated from La Trobe University with a Masters of Physiotherapy, after obtaining a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in human anatomy and physiology.

Sarah currently is the Geelong VFLW Head Physiotherapist and AFLW Rehab Physiotherapist. Previously, she has worked with the Melbourne Demons AFLW and VFLW teams, and in a private clinic in Melbourne’s CBD. Sarah has also completed various post-graduate courses in rehabilitating sports injuries, assessment and treatment of runners, management of pre and post-partum clients, and is an APPI qualified Pilates instructor. She is also available for pre-pointe assessments.

Sarah is particularly interested in both acute and chronic sports and running injuries, as she is an avid runner herself. She is passionate about helping people from all walks of life feel strong and robust so they can participate in life with confidence, and loves helping people achieve more than they thought they could with a tailored approach.

 

Sarah is experienced in managing:​

  •   Acute and chronic sports injuries
  •   Running related injuries
  •   Pre- and  post-surgery rehabilitation
  •   Strength and conditioning
  •   Clinical Pilates
  •   Pre- and post-partum clients
  •   Postural pain (backs and necks)
  •   EPC, TAC and WorkCover clients

 

Career Highlights:

  • Current Geelong Cats AFLW Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
  • Geelong Cats VFLW Head Physiotherapist (2022-23)
  • Melbourne Football Club – VFLW Head Physiotherapist (2020-2022)
  •   APPI Pilates qualification 2021
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Tristan Dower

Physiotherapist
B. Physio, B. Musc Therapy, Grad Cert in Sports Physio (ongoing)

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Special interests:

  • Acute sporting injuries
  • Knee and ankle injuries
  • Lower limb tendon management
  • Concussion Management

 

Tristan Graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at ACU Brisbane and since then has combined his time working in Private Practice and Sports. Tristan has gained experience in a number of clinics in both Brisbane and Melbourne, treating a range of conditions including acute sporting injuries, persistent pain and back and neck pain.

Through his involvement in sport, in particular football, Tristan has developed his

interest in sports related injury management, particularly lower limb injuries,

shoulder injuries and concussion management.

Tristan has been involved with a number of men’s and women’s amateur and state level sporting clubs, as well as the elite level which has included roles as the Physiotherapist for Brisbane Lions AFLW team and North Brisbane Rugby Union Club in the QLD Premier Competition

Prior to becoming a physiotherapist, Tristan completed a Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Therapy and spent 5 years as a Remedial Massage Therapist, including 2 seasons at the Geelong Football Club. Tristan is now nearing completion of a Graduate Certificate in Sports Physio as he works towards completing his Masters in Sports Physio.

Tristan is experienced in managing:

  • Acute sporting injuries
  • Persistent pain
  • Pre and post-surgery rehabilitation
  • Back and Neck Pain
  • Clinical Pilates
  • Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis management
  • Workcover and TAC clients

 

Career Highlights:

  • Brisbane Lions AFLW – Physiotherapist (2018-2019)
  • North Brisbane Rugby Club – Physiotherapist (2015-2016)
  • Geelong Football Club – Massage Therapist (2009-2010)

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Erin Nelson

Titled Sports Physiotherapist
M. Physio, B. HSc, M.Sports Physiotherapy
Head Physiotherapist at Geelong Cats AFLW

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Erin graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Science, Masters in Physiotherapy practice. She has also attained her postgraduate Masters of Sports Physiotherapy.

Erin is currently the Head Physio for the Geelong Cats AFLW and balances this with 1 day at BSP.

Erin has a particular interest in sporting/exercise related injuries and loves being able to keep her clients fit and healthy while rehabilitating their injuries. She also has a new found interest in pre/post-partum return to exercise, post the birth of her 2 children Erin is a mad gym-goer herself and loves a cheeky Crossfit class.​

Erin is experienced in managing:

  • Sporting/Exercise related injuries
  • Pre- and post-surgery Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Pilates
  • Youth and Adolescent Sporting injuries
  • Acute and Chronic Back & Neck pain
  • Work Cover and TAC clients
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Dry Needling
  • Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) clients

 

Career Highlights:

  • Current Geelong AFLW Head Physiotherapist
  • Melbourne City FC – Women’s Head Physiotherapist (2019-2021)
  • Western Bulldogs FC – VFLW Physiotherapist (2018-2019)
  • Australian Country Hockey Teams – International touring Physio (2013-2017)
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Zach Nelson

Physiotherapist
M. Physio, B. HSc, M. Ex Sci - S&C
Head Physiotherapist at Melbourne City FC

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Zach graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Science, Masters in Physiotherapy practice. He has also attained his Masters in Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning).

Since graduating, Zach has worked with amateur athletes in a football, track & field, soccer, hockey and weight-lifting setting. He has also worked with the Western Bulldogs AFLW team as a Strength and Conditioning Coach and the Melbourne Rebels Rugby team as their Rehabilitation Physiotherapist.

Zach is currently working with Melbourne City Football Club as their Head Physiotherapist. He balances this with one day at BSP.

He has a particular interest in rehabilitation and return to play, while looking to improve performance in sport and everyday life.

Zach coaches multiple athletes in Track & Field, while training himself and grew up playing field hockey at state, national and international level.

Zach is experienced in managing:

  • Pre- and post-surgery Rehabilitation
  • Youth and Adolescent Sporting injuries
  • Osteoporosis and Bone Health
  • Work Cover and TAC clients
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Dry Needling
  • Enhanced Primary Care plans (EPC)
  • Mobility and Flexibility Training

 

Career Highlights:

  • Current Physiotherapist at Melbourne Demons Football Club (AFL)
  • Melbourne City FC – Head Physiotherapist (2023 – 2024)
  • Melbourne Rebels – Rehabilitation Physiotherapist (2021-2023)
  • Melbourne City FC – Physiotherapist (2018-2021)
  • Western Bulldogs – AFLW Strength & Conditioning Coach (2017-18)
  • Western Bulldogs – AFLW Rehabilitation Coordinator (2016-17​)
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Marcus Emmett

Physiotherapist
M. Physio, B. HSc, B. Ed, Level 2 S&C Coach - ASCA

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Special Interests:

  • ACL Rehabilitation
  • Lower Limb Tendon Management (Achilles, Patella etc)
  • Lower Back Pain Rehabilitation

 

Marcus is a Sport and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist who is passionate about working with clients to achieve their functional and performance goals.

Marcus has been involved in Private Practice and Sports Physiotherapy since graduating from Latrobe University with a Masters of Physiotherapy degree.

Marcus has held a variety of sport and rehabilitation roles in elite organisations such as the Geelong Football Club and Essendon Football club, while attaining his post-graduate qualification in Strength and Conditioning (ASCA Level 2 Coach).

Marcus has also completed a bachelor degree in physical education and

combines this knowledge with his physiotherapy and strength and conditioning skills to develop target rehabilitation plans, to ensure his clients reach their goals.

After a stint in the elite sporting industry, Marcus Co-Founded Barwon Sports Physiotherapy with Zach Nelson in 2018 and is focused on delivering World Class Physiotherapy to the Geelong community.

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Marcus is experienced in managing:

  • Acute and Chronic knee conditions (ACL, Patellofemoral pain, post surgery etc)
  • Acute sporting injuries (Muscle strains, Joint sprains, dislocations, fractures)
  • Chronic sporting injuries (Tendon Pain, overuse injuries)
  • Acute Neck and lower back pain
  • WorkCover, TAC & DVA clients
  • Medicare (EPC) clients

 

Career Highlights:

  • Geelong Football Club – Rehabilitation Physiotherapist (2018)
  • Essendon Football Club – Physiotherapist (2016-17)
  • Essendon Football Club – Rehabilitation Physiotherapist (2013-15)
 
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Dr Rachael McMillan

Physiotherapist
PhD, MSc Physio (Pre-Reg), MSc Biomed & Hlth Sc (Anatomy), BSc, BCom

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Rachael is currently available to see dance injury patients and undertake pre-pointe assessments only

Special Interests:

  • Tendon injury management
  • Sport and dance injury management
  • Pre-pointe assessments
  • Clinical Pilates

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Rachael McMillan is a physiotherapist (PhD), lecturer and researcher.  Rachael has a special interest in football (soccer) and dance injuries and is a physiotherapist with Football Australia (Australian Women’s National Football Teams).

Rachael is a lecturer in the School of Medicine at Deakin University.  Rachael’s PhD research investigated gluteal muscle and tendon adaptations in active populations and those with pain, including a collaborative project with the Australian Ballet.  Rachael has won international and national awards for her research investigating hormone therapy and exercise as interventions for post-menopausal women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome. 

Rachael is experienced in managing:

  • Acute and chronic sporting, exercise and dance injuries
  • Tendon injuries (tendinopathy)
  • Pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation
  • Acute and chronic back and neck pain

 

Career Highlights:

  • Melbourne Victory FC – Head Physiotherapist, A League Women (2022)
  • Completed PhD, including a research project in collaboration with The Australian Ballet (2022)
  • Football Australia – Head Physiotherapist, Junior Matildas (2022)
  • Football Australia – Head Physiotherapist, Young Matildas (2018)
  • Football Australia – Team Physiotherapist, Young Matildas (2017)
  • Box Hill United Soccer Club – Head Physiotherapist, Senior Women (2015-2018)
  • NBA Basketball Without Borders, Asia – Physiotherapist (2016)
  • Heart of Midlothian Football Club – Physiotherapist, Youth (U17) (2014)​
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Daniel

Exercise Science

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Daniel graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and Masters of Applied Sports Science.

He is an experienced Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach with general population, rehabilitation and sub-elite athletes. Daniel is currently working with the Port Melbourne VFLW side and has a strong passion for athletic development. He works collaboratively with physiotherapists on rehabilitation programs for athletes returning to play and individual performance. 

 

Career Highlights:

  • Geelong Grammar – S&C Coach (2019 – 2020)
  • Werribee Football Club VFL – S&C/Rehabilitation Coach (2019 – 2021)
  • Geelong Cats AFLW – S&C Assistant Coach – (2021 – 2022)
  • Melbourne University Womens Football Club – Head of S&C – (2023 – 2024)
  • Port Melbourne Football Club VFLW – S&C Coach (2024 – Current)  
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Rorri

Myotherapist

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Rorri has completed both her diploma of remedial massage and her advanced diploma of myotherapy. She has worked with clients with sporting injuries, postural imbalances, chronic pain conditions, acute pain presentations and more. She also plays and coaches netball and football.

“The part I enjoy the most is working with the patient to work out where their pain is coming from and seeing the relief and smile on their face when they realise they are pain free.”