Dr Victor Wilk

Musculoskeletal Medicine – MBBS Grad. Dip. Musculoskeletal Med. Masters Pain

Victor Wilk is a Musculoskeletal Physician and Medical Director of BSSC with over 20 years experience in treating muscle, joint and spinal problems. Initially training in sports medicine in the 1980s, he then completed a post graduate diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine and a masters degree in Pain Medicine. Victor was president of the Australasian Faculty of Musculoskeletal Medicine – a training organisation for Australian and New Zealand doctors and continues to give lectures both locally and internationally. He maintains an open minded holistic approach in diagnosing and managing knee, hip, shoulder and spinal pain. Specific therapies used include regenerative injection techniques including dextrose prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma injections for muscle, tendon, joint and painful scar problems. Dr Wilk also performs x-ray guided injections and denervation techniques for spinal, hip, knee and shoulder joint pain at Olympic Park Imaging and Holmesglen Hospital.

A/Prof Lynette Kiers

Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist – MBBS(Hons), FRACP, American Board of Electrodiagnostic medicine

Lynette Kiers is a consultant neurologist and the Director of Clinical Neurophysiology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. After completing her medical degree and neurology training at the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Lyn embarked upon postgraduate training and research in neurophysiology at the Mayo Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital, USA. Lyn is one of three neurologists managing the bolinum toxin clinic at RMH for the treatment of neurologic disorders. In addition to expertise in clinical neurophysiology for diagnosis of peripheral nerve pathology, she has over 20 years’ experience with injections for a range of neurologic diseases including hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, dystonic tremor, spasticity, axillary hyperhydrosis and chronic migraine. Treatment for the above conditions is funded under the pharmaceutical benefits scheme for patients meeting specific criteria.

Dr Nathan Johns

Rehabilitation Physician – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM, RACP)

Dr Johns is a specialist Rehabilitation Medicine Physician with 20 years of expertise in managing chronic pain and disability. He graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1996. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM, RACP). He has specialty training and experience in all aspects of rehabilitation including pain management, neurological rehabilitation, orthopaedic rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury and the rehabilitation of older adults. Dr Johns is the Clinical Director of Rehabilitation Medicine, Aged Care, Palliative Care and Pain at Peninsula Health. His research interests include persistent post surgical pain and he is enrolled in PhD studies at Monash University. He is an adjunct lecturer at Monash University. Dr Johns consults on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Dr Kal Fried

Sports and Exercise Medicine – Fellowship of the Australian College of Sports Physicians

Dr Kal Fried is an experienced specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine having attained Fellowship of the Australian College of Sports Physicians in 1995. His practice has included working in the Victorian snowfields, at the Melbourne Football Club (AFL) and Collingwood Football Clubs and as team doctor for two AFL Australian International Rules teams.
Dr Fried is a Medical Advisor on the Clinical Panel for WorkSafe Victoria and is also an Independent Medical Examiner. He is also the Director of Medical Services for the Active Recovery Clinics early intervention injury management program (https://www.navigatorgroup.com.au/arc)
Dr Fried has particular interests in exercise and conditioning prescription, pain neuroscience and desensitisation programs for persistent pain. Dr Fried consults on Tuesday mornings.

Dr Slava Poel

Pain Medicine Physician (MBBS, FANZCA, MMED, FFMPANZCA)

Dr. Poel holds dual fellowship qualifications with the Faculty of Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia and has worked extensively in both public and private sectors in Victoria and Queensland. He has professional affiliations with the Australian Pain Society, Spinal Intervention Society, Pelvic Pain Victoria, and the Australasian College of Independent Medical Evaluators, among others.

Dragana Obradovic

Myotherapist – Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy)
Pilates Instructor

Dragana graduated from Endeavour Collage of Natural Health with a bachelor in Health Science, majoring in Musculoskeletal therapy. With nearly 10 years experience, Dragana is very passionate about finding the cause of pain and dysfunction.

During consultation she carries out a thorough examination and performs a number of tests to give her a greater understanding of the imbalances within your body to create an individual treatment plan. Dragana utilises a variety of techniques to provide you with relief. Typically, she combines deep tissue/ remedial massage with trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, mobilization of the joints and passive stretching .

Brian Adams

Osteopath – D.O. B.Sc

Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree (Biochemistry Major) from the University of Western Australia in 1976. He completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Dietetics and Nutrition at Curtin University in 1978 and completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Osteopathy at the International Colleges of Osteopathy Ltd (Sydney) in 1984. He practised Osteopathy in Sydney (3 years), Byron Bay (10 years), and since July 2002 at the Brighton Clinic. He has a strong background in manual therapy applying this experience to spinal and limb problems alike. He adds simple focal exercises to most of his treatments. He has a special interest in neck related problems and general spinal issues.

Kate Harkin

Osteopath – B.Sc (Clinical), M.Hlth.Sc (Osteo), Grad.Cert.Tert.Ed, M/Res

Kate completed her five year double-degree of Bachelor of Clinical Science and Masters of Health Science in 1999. Since graduating, she has practised in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and internationally in London, Dublin and India. She has also completed a graduate degree in tertiary education (specialising in case-based learning) which has allowed her to pursue work in designing curriculum and lecturing in allied health courses at university level in Dublin and London. Kate also works on a permanent part-time basis with Victoria University as unit convenor and lecturer for various anatomy, physiology and clinical skills units for all first year undergraduate allied health courses.

Kate has worked with professional athletes (tennis, golf, swimming and surfing), dance companies (Disney and Cirque de Soleil), musicians (Traditional Irish Musicians), pregnancy and oncology outpatients at Guys Hospital in London.

More recently Kate was awarded a scholarship for a Masters by Research degree through Western Health, where her study was a randomised controlled trial focusing on the use of a behavioural motivational tool to enhance breast cancer patients’ levels of exercise and it’s impact on mental health and immune function. She is currently building her research profile and has published articles and book chapters relating to health care education and global exercise adherence trends (see links to publications below).

Kate is a highly experienced evidence-based Osteopath who uses manual techniques (no neck manipulation), dry needling, rehabilitation and strengthening programs to suit her patient’s needs.

Publications:

Tracey, A., Behne, J., Patten, R., Ngo, M.T., Thomas, R., Ancilleri, J., Bone, C., Castro, A.P., McCarthy, H., Harkin, K., Gilmartin-Thomas, J., Takla, A., Downie, C., Mulcahy, J., Ball, M., Sharples, J., Dash, S., Lawton, A., Wright, B., Sleeth, P., Kostecki, T., Sonn, C., McKenna, M.J., Apostolopoulos, V., Lane, R., Said, C.M., DeGori, M., McAinch, A., Tran, P., Levinger, I., Parker, A., Woessner, M.N., Pascoe, M. (2023).

Co-Design of a Digital Health Intervnetion to Support Patients on a Waitlist for Orthopedic Specialist Care: The Waitlist Project.

(Submitted for publication)

Harkin, K., Tripodi, N., Feehan, J., Irvine, S., Tangalakis, K., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2023). The Impact of Motivational Interviewing on Behavioural Change and Health Outcomes in Cancer Patients and Survivors:

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Maturitas.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.01.004

Harkin, K., Pascal, B.M., Irvine, S., Tangalakis, K & Apostolopoulos, V.

Chapter 5: Worldwide Physical Activity Trends, Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity and Tools to Improve. Exercise to Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease Across the Lifespan. V. Apostolopoulos, J. Feehan and N. Tripodi, Elsevier (In-Press)

Pudkasam, S., Harkin, K., Tangalakis, K., Feehan, J & Apostolopoulos (2021). Chapter 11: Work It Out: Exercise as an Anti-Cancer Intervention. Exercise: Physical, Physiological and Psychological Benefits. D. Esteves and K. Lewis. New York, Nova Medicine & Health:

295-340. ·

Tripodi, N., Kelly, K., Husaric, M., Wospil, R., Fleischmann, M., Johnston, S. and Harkin, K. (2020), The Impact of Three‐Dimensional Printed Anatomical Models on First‐Year Student Engagement in a Block Mode Delivery. Anat Sci Educ. doi:10.1002/ase.1958

Uriel Brener

Osteopath – B.Sc. (Clin.Sci), M.H.Sci. (Osteo) Registered Osteopath

Uriel graduated with a Bachelor of Science (clinical sciences), and a Masters in Health Science (osteopathy) from Victoria University. He provides a structural osteopathic treatment which includes soft tissue techniques, mobilisations, and spinal manipulations in addition to dry needling and cupping.
His special interest is Fascial Counterstain (FCS) in his practice. FCS works by releasing restrictions within the fascia of the body. These restrictions can affect everything from muscles and joints to organs and nerves. It is both a direct and indirect technique that is very gentle and highly specific to different layers of the body, going beyond simple muscle-focused therapy. He also enjoys working with sports injuries and exercise prescription for rehabilitation. Outside of Osteopathy, for the past 8 years he has been a clinical supervisor and lecturer, involved in training Remedial Massage Therapists.

Bruce Gilmore

Physiotherapist / Gym Rehabilitation – BPHTY (Physiotherapy)

Bruce graduated from Otago University in 2002, since graduating Bruce has worked in a variety of settings including orthopaedics, sports and spinal rehabilitation as well as personal training. Bruce is dedicated to providing effective manual therapy integrated with appropriate exercise regimes. Within our clinical gymnasium and pilates studio, Bruce runs programs designed for sub-acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions as well as pain management.

Charlie Kornberg MACP

APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
Graduate Diploma Manipulative Therapy
Masters of Manipulative Physiotherapy

Charlie graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences in 1982, then going on to complete his Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy in 1985. In 2000, Charlie was awarded his Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy from Latrobe University. Until 2004, Charlie was the Director of Physiotherapy services at the Metropolitan Spinal Clinic, in Prahran. Charlie has been actively involved in the Physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal disorders for over 38 years. He has worked and travelled overseas with elite distance runners, as well as lectured extensively in the United States and Europe on the management of musculoskeletal conditions. His spinal research has been published internationally. Charlie’s special interest is the assessment and management of spinal conditions, with a particular emphasis on lower back pain and its rehabilitation.

Darren Lau

Physiotherapist – Member APA

Darren Lau is a qualified physiotherapist and a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. He has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings within Epworth Rehabilitation Hospital as well as private clinics. Darren has a strong interest in post-surgery rehabilitation, rehabilitation in the older population, and pain management. With over 10 years of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of physical impairments and conditions. Darren’s approach involves developing personalized rehabilitation plans that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. He works closely with patients to help them regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, as well as manage pain and flare ups.

When it comes to rehabilitation in the older population, He understands the unique challenges that come with aging, including reduced mobility, balance issues, and chronic pain. His expertise in this area has allowed me to develop customized programs that help improve quality of life for seniors. Darren works with patients to help them regain independence and mobility, and to also educate on how to manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic pain.

Darren believes in taking a holistic approach to pain management, he works with his patients to identify the root cause of their pain, and develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Darren’s passion for physiotherapy extends beyond my clinical practice. He is committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field. He is also an advocate for patient empowerment, and he works closely with patients to help them take an active role in their own health and wellness.

Emily Green

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Masters of Applied Science.

Emily graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from La Trobe University in 2008, and completed her Masters of Applied Science from La Trobe University in 2022. Emily’s research investigated how to best support rehabilitation clients to become more physically active and was published internationally.
Throughout her career, Emily has worked in a variety of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings within the Alfred Health network. For the last 8 years, she has assisted her clients to achieve their goals through both home and centre-based rehabilitation programs.
Emily has clinical expertise with clients experiencing a range of complex conditions, however her main interests include working with people with vestibular disorders; falls and balance retraining; neurological conditions; and rehabilitation following fracture or joint replacement surgery.
Emily is passionate about supporting her clients to achieve their goals through exercise programs utilising the clinical gymnasium and pilates studio. She has completed pilates training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute. When not at work, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children.

Julie Schutz

Ba (Physiotherapy)
Clinical Pilates
Post Grad. Pelvic Floor Rehab

Julie has been a practicing Physiotherapist for nearly 30 years, with a specialization in Clinical Pilates for 25 years. Passionate about Women’s health, Julie has post graduate studies in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation.
Her breadth of work has included Women’s Health, Sports injury & team management, Road Trauma Rehabilitation & hydrotherapy. Julie excels in biomechanical analysis, combining her depth of experience in Clinical Pilates to address complex musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions.
Beyond clinical treatment, Julie is a trained Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner and a Functional Medicine Health Coach. Julie is a Fellow of the ASLM (Australian Society of Lifestyle Medicine) and sits on the Board of Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand (HCANZA)
Her coaching approach & extensive knowledge presents Julie with a unique skill set. She offers a holistic approach to health, focusing on the importance of the gut, mind, and body interconnection. Julie has adjunct interest and training in Nutrigenetics, Autoimmune Diseases & Psychology of Eating that offers her clients additional fascinating insights and opportunities for addressing root causes of illness and injury.

Mitch Kornberg

Bachelor of Science
Post Graduate Masters of Physiotherapy

After completing a Bachelors of Science Degree at Deakin University, Mitchell completed his postgraduate Masters of Physiotherapy at Swinburne University of Technology in 2023. Mitchell has a strong interest in low back pain, as well as musculoskeletal injuries through sport and recreational activities such as scuba diving and free diving.

Mitch has also completed his GLA:D (Good Life Arthritis, Denmark) training, a specialized exercise program for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis.

Outside of work, Mitchell is an avid spear fisherman and free-diver and thoroughly enjoys walking, running, gym whilst maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

Nigel Mitchell

Physiotherapist – B App Sc (Physiotherapy), Post Graduate Diploma Manipulative Therapy

Mr. Nigel Mitchell graduated in 1980 and since then has been an active member of the physiotherapy profession. He is an experienced Physiotherapist, with Post-Graduate qualifications in Manipulative Physiotherapy. After working at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, he commenced working in private practice in 1985.

Nigel has worked with both the St Kilda Football Club (7 years) and the Victorian Cricket Association (8 years). He has also worked as an independent examiner for the Victorian WorkCover Association.

Nigel has a special interest in the management of spinal pain (both neck and lower back), sports injuries, and temporo-mandibular joint pain.

Nigel is a long time director of Brighton Spine and Sports Clinic.

Sabine Groscurth

Physiotherapist / Clinical Pilates
Masters Musculoskeletal & Sports Physiotherapy
GLA:D

Sabine is a highly skilled and accomplished physiotherapist specialising in Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She graduated from the Physiotherapy School in Bochum, Germany over 25 years ago. With a deep passion for sports, Sabine has worked as a consultant for various German sporting teams, including basketball, cross country skiing, and mountain biking.

Continuing her education, she obtained a Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy from the University of Adelaide in Australia in 2003. This program equipped her with advanced assessment methods and evidence-based treatment approaches.

She had the opportunity to work as a Sports Physiotherapist for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) working with elite women athletes . Collaborating with skilled professionals in high-performance sports medicine further refined her abilities.

Following my tenure with the WTA, she gained experience in private practice in Switzerland and Germany, treating diverse patients and tailoring her skills as a compassionate physiotherapist.

Thirteen years ago, she moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she now resides with her family. She joined the BSSC 8 years ago.

Sabine’s professional interests extend beyond her clinical work. She is actively engaged in promoting evidence-based exercise programs, notably the GLAD program, tailored for individuals suffering from hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Outside of her professional commitments, Sabine indulges in recreational activities such as inline skating, running, and cooking.

Dr Leah Levy

Clinical Psychologist

Leah is a Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about providing psychological services to support adults of all ages who may be experiencing psychological and emotional issues in the context of health conditions, including chronic pain. She brings extensive experience from working in public health and private sectors.

Leah draws on evidence-based practice to empower her clients to live with meaning and purpose despite the challenges they face. She helps her clients develop new skills and optimize their well-being, whether they are facing issues with adjustment, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, sleep problems, grief and loss, or identity/self-esteem issues. Leah is trained in treatments including cognitive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. She approaches her work with empathy and a non-judgmental attitude; she is flexible and tailors therapy to each individual, focusing on their goals and what is important to them in their lives.

Robert Postlethwaite

Clinical Psychologist

Rob graduated with a Masters Degree in Psychology from La Trobe University in 1981. The research for his thesis was done at the Alfred Hospital, investigating pain management strategies for patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Following his graduation, he commenced work at Pleasant View in Preston working with alcohol and drug problems and later at Pentridge as manager of the Prison’s Alcohol and Drug Programme. In 1988, he went into private practice to pursue his interest in chronic pain. He has consulted at the Geelong Pain Clinic for three years and with the Lewis Musculoskeletal and Pain Management programme at Cedar Court Rehabilitation Hospital since 1991. Chronic pain impacts on most aspects of a person’s life and coping with it is a huge psychological challenge for the individual. It requires a lot of learning about pain and injury/illness and creates considerable distress for the sufferer. In this context, Rob’s focus is how you cope with what you have. Those who work at overcoming the psychological and physical challenges maintain some quality of life; those who give up run the risk of losing that quality of life. Rob sees his task as a psychologist is to assist people to overcome the distress and to maintain as much quality as possible.

Amy Peng

Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist

Amy Peng is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist. She is a professional member with the Dietitians Association of Australia, Diabetes Australia and Parkinson’s Victoria.

Amy offers a wide range of medical nutrition therapy advice on weight management (including weight loss surgery), diabetes, cholesterol, bowel and digestive complaints or issues, e.g as IBS / FODMAPS, sports nutrition and Parkinson’s Disease.

She also offers telehealth consultations to help you reach your nutrition goals, anywhere, Australia wide. She is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese.

She enjoys helping people lead healthier lifestyles through nutrition education and a holistic approach of individualized dietary modifications. In her spare time, she enjoys running along beach road and visiting local farmers market.