Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, & Pilates
Experts in Newcastle, Rutherford & Budgewoi NSW
Peak Physio is one of Newcastle’s most trusted providers of health, fitness, and rehabilitation services. Our physiotherapists & exercise physiologists are experts in injury management having helped over 20,000 clients since 2012.
SERVICES
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists are highly skilled professionals who are qualified in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal problems.
Exercise Physiology
Our ESSA-accredited Exercise Physiologists are experts in exercise-based rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and peak performance training.
Pilates
With the correct prescription of exercises and effective teaching, Pilates is a useful tool for physiotherapists in retraining strength without dysfunction after injury.
Newcastle physiotherapy experts, also providing:
* Exercise Physiology * Sports Physiotherapy * Trigger Point Dry Needling * Headache Management * Women’s Health * Work Injury & CTP * Medicare & EPC Programs * Personal Training * Ergonomic Assessments * Pre-employment Medicals *
OUR LOCATIONS
Newcastle
Phone: (02) 4929 3898
Level 1, 7 Newcomen St, Newcastle, NSW 2300
Newcastle West
Phone: (02) 4940 0401
Suite 2, 826 Hunter St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302
Rutherford
Phone: (02) 4932 5555
7/18 East Mall, Rutherford, NSW 2320
Budgewoi
Phone: (02) 4390 0299
3/54 Tenth Ave Budgewoi, NSW 2262
ABOUT US
Peak Physio opened in 2012 to provide Physiotherapy and Pilates to the Newcastle community. Since then, we’ve helped thousands of patients recover from injury and return to full function. Our results have helped us to become known as the Newcastle physiotherapy experts.
The physiotherapists at Peak Physio practice with a strong “hands on” approach, utilising massage, manual therapies, dry needling and manipulation, teamed up with exercise therapy through strengthening and rehabilitation.
We also have a significant focus on Pilates, post-surgical physiotherapy, sports physio, pain management, women’s health, customised exercise/personal training programs and corporate health.
Peak Physio is your number one choice for high-quality, effective, professional physiotherapy treatment.
LAITH CUNNEEN
Physiotherapist | Exercise Physiologist
MScMed MPhty BExScRehab
Laith is a registered physiotherapist with a decade of clinical experience. He has worked across a wide range of healthcare disciplines in exercise physiology, physiotherapy, personal training and corporate health consulting. As a treating physiotherapist, Laith has extensive experience with musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, postural correction, and the management of complex and chronic pain conditions. He holds masters degrees in Physiotherapy and Pain Management.
OLIVIA HADFIELD
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Olivia is a registered physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle with a keen interest in running, sports performance, women’s health and dance rehabilitation. Olivia has completed additional training in dry needling, back / neck pathology, women’s health, clinical pilates, pre-pointe ballet assessments and a FIFA diploma. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys running, triathlon, spending time at the beach and relaxing with friends and family.
ARIANE MCCORMACK
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons) BCom MHRM CD
Ariane is a physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle who has spent much of her life competing in sports. She has completed numerous marathons and 100km ultra trail races, even representing Canada in the world triathlon championships! As a physiotherapist, Ariane has extensive training, having attained additional qualifications in dry needling and completed advanced courses in lumbar, pelvic, and hip rehabilitation. Ariane is also a level 3 Yoga teacher and has a particular interest in the ageing active person. In her free time, Ariane enjoys a good coffee, running Glenrock trails, and spending time with her family and Border Collie Hobbes.
ALEXI MCCANN
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Alexi graduated from the University of Newcastle. Since then, she has completed further courses in Sports Injury Management and Rehab, Spinal Pathologies, Shoulder Pathologies, Gerontology and Clinical Pilates. Alexi also has clinical experience treating orthopaedic injuries and neurological conditions having worked in the acute hospital setting, giving her an understanding of the recovery process from the acute to end stage rehabilitation. Outside of physiotherapy, Alexi loves playing netball and long distance running, or enjoying the company of family and friends.
JASON PONGRACIC
Physiotherapist
MPhty BHealthSci
Jason is an experienced physiotherapist who enjoys working with all types of clients but retains a special interest in sports injuries & back/neck pain. He has completed additional training in shoulder, hip, and knee pathologies, as well as dry needling.
Jason prides himself on using the latest evidence but understands the importance of putting patients at the centre of their recovery, emphasising that people “don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. Jason has been a physiotherapist for semi-professional Australian Rules teams and is a high-level athlete himself, having played 100 games in the VFL.
GORDON FERGUSON
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Gordon is a physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle with a passion for sports rehabilitation, running related injuries, and promoting an active lifestyle. His love of sport has seen him work with NPL and NEWFM football teams providing on-field injury management and pre-match preparation. Gordon is a strong advocate of evidence-based treatment and has completed additional training in trigger point dry needling and advanced shoulder rehabilitation. Outside of work, Gordon enjoys staying active through sport and running, getting away on camping trips, as well as catching up with family and friends.
CHERYL DOYLE
Administration
Manager
Born and bred in Newcastle, Cheryl trained in medical administration and has extensive experience in customer service related positions. Always a friendly face, she is responsible for the administrative technical operations of Peak Physio and for always producing the warm and welcoming environment. Having helped the practice develop since 2014, Cheryl is a familiar encounter to all of our loyal physiotherapy clients.
MICHELLE COE
Reception &
Administration
A Maitland local with vast experience in administration and customer service, Michelle looks after reception at our Rutherford clinic. She loves meeting clients from all walks of life and always goes above and beyond to assist. Outside of work, you’ll likely find Michelle refining her swing at one the region’s beautiful golf courses.
LATEST UPDATES
YOUR HEALTH
A series of articles written by the staff of Peak Physio in the interests of keeping the Newcastle community in peak health.
Inflammatory back pain
Back pain is a common complaint presenting in > 80% of adults. Low back pain can be classified into acute, subacute, and chronic dependent on the duration of symptoms. Your Physiotherapist will use your consultation to screen for serious pathology and categorise whether the pain is inflammatory in nature, structural, radicular, disocgenic or that of a chronic pain disorder. Inflammatory back pain is oftentimes misdiagnosed as chronic back pain or SIJ disorders. The aim of this article is to clarify the diagnosis of inflammatory back pain and outline the steps needed by both patient and primary care provider for management.
Read more
The Power of Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the body’s seven essential minerals that is crucial for overall health. It enables over 300 chemical reactions that are indispensable for cellular health and function. Minerals help with building bone strength, moderate fluid transfer in and out of cells and transforms the food you eat into energy. Magnesium also works to maintain function of our muscles, heart and brain.
Magnesium is a precursor to the regulation of neurotransmitters by controlling the release of hormones through the body. This in return aids in proper muscle function, synthesises of protein, regulation of blood pressure, blood sugar, as well as reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Read more
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be overwhelming. It can make you question how your pelvic floor will function, child-bearing plans, continence and the impact on physical activity and sex. This article aims to explain the pelvic floor, its function, what prolapse is and what treatment options are available.
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Constipation
Constipation can oftentimes be difficult to discuss, even with a health professional. It is a defecation disorder that can significantly impact daily life and should not be neglected. Normal bowel movements occur up to 3 times per day or 1 to every 3 days. If your bowel movements occur less than twice per week, continue reading.
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“Good” vs “Bad” Posture – An Outdated Paradigm?
Posture has become a contentious topic to discuss as conflicting information can be spread from the media, workplace and different health professionals. This article aims to debunk posture myths and challenge the age old paradigm of ‘good posture’.
Read more
Common Dance Related Injuries of the Foot and Ankle
This article will discuss some of the most common pathologies presenting in dancers that involve the foot and ankle joint. Injuries to the lower extremity in dancers are more common than upper limb injuries due to the amount of range and force required to perform particular movements.
Common injuries:
- Posterior ankle impingement
- Base of 5th metatarsal fractures
- Flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy