Coffs Physiotherapy & Backcare

I am lucky to work in a career that became a passion- simply I love what I do! The desire to learn, discover, understand more about the function and interplay of the human body motivated  my returning to university and completing a post-graduate Masters Degree in Manual and Manipulative Therapy in 2000, and gaining recognition as an APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. My major Masters research project [on the shoulder of course] was later published in the International ‘Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy,” and qualified me to join the Shoulder and Elbow Physiotherapists of Australia (SEPA), an elite group of physiotherapists highly skilled and experienced in treatment of the shoulder and elbow conditions. Continuing my passion on the upper limb, with further study I later achieved international recognition as a Certified Hand Therapist [USA]

My Masters Degree was based on the european Nordic approach to physiotherapy, which focuses on the anatomical gliding/rotation of how joints and bones interact along with that of the neuromuscular system. Put simply, it trains the therapist to look at the limb/body as a whole biomechanically linked system to find the underlying cause of pain/dysfunction, versus ‘tunnel vision’ of only a sore joint/muscle.

On a personal level I practice what I preach, being active in kayaking, cycling, bushwalking, gym and of course the garden! I am fitter and stronger now than I was 10 years ago by following simple rules of activity and healthy living. 

My goal is to enable all who have the desire, to age actively- My journey of discovery is ongoing.

Growing up in Coffs Harbour Sean has always lived a very active lifestyle- basketball, football, surfing, oz tag and cross-fit, a lifestyle he is keen to share with  his two young sons and daughter as they grow.  

In his personal quest to extend himself professionally, Sean has built up an extensive Professional Development portfolio. Early on he  travelled to Canada to train in the Nordic ‘whole body’ approach, expanded on by highly respected Canadian Physiotherapist LJ Lee. LJ Lee’s approach is to identify any dysfunction which may be the underlying cause or source of the problem, restore normal function so you regain long term control and freedom in your life.

Sean also has a major focus on the shoulder and upper limb, expanding his knowledge and skills into the complex area of Hand Therapy. He regularly attends Specialist Surgeon/Therapist Combined International and National Conferences relating exclusively to the  Shoulder/Elbow, or Hand Therapy. He is experienced in assessment, diagnosis and management of a wide range of upper limb conditions extending from multi-trauma, fractures, tendon or overuse injuries, to post-operative management and rehab. He has fulfilled all the stringent requirements to qualify as an Accredited Hand Therapist as per the Australian Hand Therapy Association.  

Sean is also trained and experienced in the use of Real Time Ultrasound Imaging for the deep trunk core muscles as well as upper and lower limb muscles. In combining his ‘hands on therapy’ and RTUI he has assisted many return to full activities stronger than ever, be it in improved competitive performance, recovery from shoulder injury or surgery, or recovery from acute or chronic back pain.

Sean appreciates that we are all “athletes” to some degree, whether our goal is achieving sporting excellence, setting to work in our gardens, or to just walk the beach pain-free. Too often people live with pain and limitation, seeking and gaining only temporary pain relief when desperate. His goal is to uncover the underlying cause and address this, so you regain long term control and freedom in your life.

Danielle began her career as a Musculoskeletal physiotherapist, focusing on spinal, orthopaedic and sporting injuries. She continued to expand her skills and knowledge completing courses for injury management of athletes, persistent pain and spinal issues through our national body the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

During this early period, Danielle noticed that many of her female clients had restricted or ceased activities they loved due to women’s health issues, such as incontinence, ongoing pelvic pain, prolapse or urgency. These women’s health services were also under catered for across the MNC. So began her passion and professional development journey into Women’s Health.

Undergoing targeted training for Women’s Health, Pre- and Post-natal care and Breast Health through the Women’s Health Training Association (WHTA) and the APA, Danielle is now an accredited  Women’s Health Physiotherapist.  This has upskilled her to diagnose, treat, and manage issues specific to women throughout all stages of life, which can include but not limited to prolapse, incontinence, urgency and pelvic pain. Danielle is also trained and able to fit and supply pessary insertion and management.    

Antenatal and postnatal care is a key feature of Women’s Health Physiotherapy, providing guided exercises, prepping the pelvic floor for labour, and rehabilitation of the pelvic floor and abdominals postpartum.  

As an APA member, Danielle continues to pursue professional development, elevating her knowledge of the body’s neuromuscular systems, injury management and keeping up to date with evidence-based practice in both Musculoskeletal and Women’s Health Physiotherapy. 

Her approach to care is to always look at the individual as a whole, providing personal care to you, your life and your goals. Whether you’re an athlete, mother/ father, grandparent or teenager, she individualises your treatment and management to suit your lifestyle and your goals. 

On a personal level when she is not in the clinic she practices what she preaches, enjoying her  interests of  gardening, surfing and running!