All of our practitioners are highly experienced in their field and most have post graduate qualifications in their areas of specialty.  Many of our practitioners have come from sporting backgrounds themselves and have experience with local sporting teams, elite athletes, performing artists (dance,music).

We have brought together specialist practitioners from a variety of disciplines to create a unique multi-disciplinary sports medicine centre.  Our pracitioners come from Osteopathy, Physiotherapy, Myotherapy, Pilates ,Massage & Podiatry.

Osteopaths

•Dr Damian Poustie

•Dr Samuel Wilman

•Dr Samantha Jolly

•Dr Tegan Jennings

Physiotherapists

•Chris Neal

•Joe Cheng

•Olivia Cashman

•Meg McNena

Myotherapists/Massage

•Kelly Wilson

•Alex Smith

•Daniel Seaton

Podiatry

•John Woulfe

•Grace Byrnes

Clinical Pilates

•Venus Brutnall

•Stella Atwood

•Sally Hicks

•Alex Turnidge

•Kelly Brearley

•Dmitriy Evdokimov

Dr Damian Poustie - Clinic Director and Osteopath

B. App. Sci (clinical sci.) B. Osteopathic Sci., M.H.Sci

Damian is a fully qualified, registered Osteopath who is a member of the Australian Osteopathic Association, & Sports Medicine Australia,

Damian has been practicing for 10 years in Australia, London and Edinburgh and has a special interest in back/neck pain, headache/migraine, sports injuries, and chronic/complex conidtions.  Damian constantly undergoes further training both in Australia and Europe to keep abreast of advances in musculo-skeletal medicine.  He has completed additional post graduate studies in complex pain syndromes, headache/migraine, neurology, clinical pilates, acute/chronic neck and back pain, and dry needling.  Damian is the clinic director of Premier Sports & Spinal Medicine and regularly conducts training for other osteopaths and  physiotherapists in Melbourne.

As a keen athlete himself, Damian enjoys treating elite and recreational athletes and is the osteopath for several professional cricketers and football players, and consults for local sporting clubs. He also enjoys the challenge of helping those with complex or chronic injuries/pain that are often referred to him by other doctors or patients.  He also embraces new technology that enhances the diagnosis and treatment of pain and injury.

Outside of the clinic, Damian enjoys spending his time with his young family, training in martial arts and pilates.

Damian is available for consultation at the Fitzroy north clinic Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and in Thornbury on Tuesday and Thursday.

Dr Samantha Jolly (nee Matthews) - Osteopath

Samantha is a member of the Australian Osteopathic Association and registered with the Osteopath Registration Board.

Samantha trained at RMIT University completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Complementary Medicine and a Master of Osteopathy.

She has been with Premier Sports Medicine for the past five years with the exception of a twelve month break to go on maternity leave. In that time she has gained experience in treating many different conditions, from back pain to sporting injuries.  Samantha has a special interest in Women's Health, pre and post natal conditions,  and regularly undergoes both in house and external training to keep ahead of important advances in osteopathy.

Outside of the clinic Samantha enjoys socialising with family and friends. Especially spending time with her daughter Isabelle.  Samantha is available for consultation at the Fitzroy North clinic Tuesday and Thursday.

Dr Samuel Wilman - Osteopath

Samuel is a member of the Australian Osteopathic Association and registered with the Osteopath Registration Board.

Samuel was first introduced to osteopathy after being treated for neck pain and headaches that had lingered for far too long.  After achieving effective long term relief with osteopathy he was so happy with the results that he decided to become one!

Samuel has a strong background in anatomy and physiology having taught both subjects at RMIT University where he later graduated from.  He enjoys solving the puzzle that can present with complex patients and has a very hands on, holistic treatment approach.  He uses a wide range of techniques tailoring to patient’s individual needs drawing on experience and the latest evidence or research.   Samuel will often give patients specific rehabilitation exercises, stretches or advice to help facilitate healing and prevent re-injury.

Born and bred in Melbourne, Samuel has developed an interest in just about every sport.  In the past Samuel has played soccer, footy, netball, golf and tennis although he particularly enjoys volleyball having played indoor state-league for over seven seasons and beach volleyball in the Australian University Games.  Now retired from volleyball Samuel enjoys using his experience to treat athletes of all ages and calibre.  Samuel is the team osteopath for Northcote City Football club.

After having an injury plagued couple of years on the court Samuel knows the frustration of being injured and enjoys treating people so that they can quickly get back to work, resume their daily activities and continue doing the things they enjoy.

Samuel has further studies in dry needling and yoga and aside from his passion for sport and osteopathy has an interest in travelling.  This interest has led him to such adventures as diving in the red sea, trekking the leaping tiger gorge in China, skiing in New Zealand and sailing the river Nile.

Chris Neal - Sports Physiotherapist

Chris graduated from the University of Melbourne 2007. He has played elite level basketball as a junior and was playing in the National basketball league in Scotland before returning to Melbourne.  Chris has also competed at the state level in swimming and cycling. During this time Chris spent too much of his sporting life being injured which sparked his interest in Physiotherapy. This sporting past gives him insight and awareness of getting others return to activity and get back to their peak as soon as possible.

Chris has been working within sports physiotherapy clinics in Melbourne and Glasgow for over four years and has travelled to Canada as the Head Physiotherapist for the Australian Under 19 Men’s Softball team. He has also worked for Australian National Basketball league teams as a Physiotherapist for scout camps, with professional skiers and snow boarders at Mt Buller and consulted on difficult shoulder conditions with the Scottish institute of Sport and Scottish National Rowing organisation. Alongside Chris’ sporting involvements he has also worked in concert with dancers, performing artists and multiple dance companies travelling through Edinburgh during the fringe festivals.

Chris has a particular interest in sporting and performance injuries, shoulder and back problems and has completed postgraduate training on the complex shoulder, pelvis and dry needling.

Chris is an avid Surfer and when he isn’t working or hiding out in the cafes of Melbourne he is probably chasing waves across Victoria.

Olivia Cashman - Musculo-Skeletal Physiotherapist / Pilates Instructor

Olivia is a physiotherapist who completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy in Perth Western Australia at The University of Notre Dame in 2009.

She has worked for the past 2 and a half years in a variety of physiotherapy settings from acute hospital to private practice. This experience has equipped her with a vast array of skills and knowledge regarding acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders including acute and chronic back pain, knee, hip and neck pain.

Olivia’s strengths lie in her strong manual handling skills, incorporating massage into her practice and friendly nature. She is passionate about incorporating her pilates and musculoskeletal knowledge into her treatments in order to provide the most tailored management possible.  Olivia has undergone rigourous in-house and external pilates training to be able to provide clinical pilates to clients with chronic and complex back issues.

Outside of work, Olivia maintains an active lifestyle incorporating running and pilates into her own exercise regime, whilst participating in volunteer conservation work and enjoying reading and travelling.

Myotherapists/Massage

Kelly Wilson

Daniel Seaton

Daniel has practiced as a manual therapist since 2005, completed further training in Bowen therapy in 2006 and Myotherapy in 2008, through Border College of Natural Therapies. Additionally, Daniel worked as the principal myotherapist for three separate football clubs.

Myotherapy first evolved from sporting experiences. As a past Ovens & Murray footballing tragic, Daniel sustained many injuries requiring repeated visits to local manual therapists. Such sessions, highlighted the benefits this modality can provide in managing musculoskeletal pain.

Daniel is very passionate about the field, the clinical benefits and working with and empowering patients. Such dedication to ongoing study and years of experience, have enhanced Daniel’s tactile skills. His command over the relationship between fascia, the nervous system and musculoskeletal pathology lead him to employ a diverse range of hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat a multitude of conditions.

On days off, you will find him on a golf course chipping away at his handicap. He has also embraced the culinary delights and AFL madness Melbourne has to offer.

Podiatry

John Woulfe

John is a registered podiatrist and member of the Australian Podiatry Association – Melbourne Podiatry branch.

After having graduated in Melbourne, John has over 27 years experience as a podiatrist. He has worked in podiatry in Melbourne metropolitan and rural settings in Victoria, Tasmania and NSW, in both the public hospital and community health sectors.  John has previously lectured University students in Podiatry.  Podiatry treats lower limb walking and running issues in people of all ages - babies and toddlers, children and teens, athletes and social walkers, through to retirees.

John believes that it is important to take a holistic approach, so as to provide treatment regimes that address the cause of a person's presenting problem/s. The aim is to improve your foot and lower limb comfort as much as possible, rather than to merely provide just short term palliation. Many people are very pleasantly surprised at just what can be achieved, often after years of palliative-only treatment.

Social justice is a passion also. John is a former Board member, and still active member of, Hands on Health Australia. HOH is a voluntary organisation that aims to assist communities to improve the delivery of health and other services to marginalized people. Through HOH he has performed volunteer outreach podiatry work in Manila, remote aboriginal communities, and closer to home, the Sacred Heart Mission by performing podiatry in Melbourne.  John has recently been invited to join a research team at the Victoria University Biomechanics Unit, Institute of Sports, Exercise and Active Living. The research study to be undertaken will involve looking at foot pressures as a predictor of diabetic ulceration.  So if you, or someone you know, have any foot/leg/walking/running pain or other issues, then please come in and see our Melbourne Podiatrist – John.

Grace Byrnes - Melbourne Podiatry

Grace is a member of the Australian Podiatry Association and registered with the Podiatry registration board. Grace completed her Bachelor of Podiatry at La Trobe University and is now a podiatrist in Melbourne.

Grace first became interested in podiatry as a result of visiting one herself while completing her VCE. She was a member of the Victorian Institute of Sport, competing internationally as a springboard and platform diver and was most grateful for the high standard of care when seeking treatment. Grace believes everyone deserves the best quality treatment which is why she decided to become a Melbourne podiatrist and join the team at Premier Sports and Spinal Medicine.

Since retiring from diving, Grace has enjoyed participating in numerous other sports, from competing in open water swims to fun runs to also playing in a women’s AFL football team. Being active is important to Grace and this has led her to develop a keen interest in sporting injuries. Grace understands from her time in the VIS the importance to properly rehabilitate injuries and get back to training as soon as possible.

Apart from having a special interest in sporting injuries, Grace also enjoys working with children and has had great success helping with difficult walking patterns and problem feet. Grace also offers educational talks to maternal child and health groups and shares some handy tips for first time parents.

Grace also has further studies in dry needling which she sees the benefits of daily and works alongside an amateur football club helping with player injuries.

Outside the clinic Grace enjoys escaping Melbourne for her home town of Geelong where she enjoys the surf, especially in the warmer months. Grace also enjoys socializing and is a foodie always looking for untapped cafe or restaurant in Melbourne to visit.

Grace is practicing podiatry at the North Fitzroy clinic and is available Fridays and Saturdays.

Clinical Pilates

Venus Brutnall

Venus Brutnall has completed the full Stott pilates certification and is now 100% certified and internationally recognised in all levels of pilates from group classes to clinical practice.

Amongst other things she is also a mother of 2 young children, Level 2 gymnastics coach, was the first co founder to bring pole dancing for fitness to Melbourne, ex stuntwoman, dancer , martial artist and has over twenty years of teaching experience behind her!

Her area's of expertise is in women's health including pre & postnatal health , and all aspects on the biomechanics of the human body.

We guarantee that you would find her an utter delight, her infectious smile, quirky demeanour and positive outlook allows her to meet you at your own level. And it is her passion for pilates that demands results!

Sarah Egglestone

Sarah began her professional life as a dancer/artist performing in shows throughout Australia, Europe and America with a career spanning over 14 years in professional productions such as Cats, A Chorus Line and many others.  Shortly after her first child Sarah discovered pilates and never looked back.  After completing her Cert 3 in personal training, she went on to gain her qualification as an APMA Level 2 instructor quickly immersing herself in all genres of pilates including clinical, rehab, studio, mat, pregnancy, reformer, sport and classical pilates. Sarah has now 5 years of solid teaching experience behind her and will also be studying next year for her Advanced Diploma in Pilates Instruction through the APMA. Sarah is constantly trying to keep up with the latest research by continuing to further her education through accredited workshops and in house training and has a deep passion for the teaching process.  “Pilates returned my body back to me pain free. Through training I was able to develop a deeper understanding and connection to my body, realise where I was creating incorrect movement patterns and as a result I was able to address these imbalances within the pilates studio which carried over to my work and home life. I want very much to be able to share this discovery with my clients and I am dedicated to the process of helping people to understand their bodies better, whether it be returning from and injury, sport/dance specific training and or those that just want to attain a better posture, keep fit and or develop a fuller understanding of their own bodies.” Mat classes (Beg Int/Adv, Pre and Post natal, Mums and Bubs)

Experience working with a full range of clients of all ages with a range of injuries and pathologies.(Oldest client being around 80 yrs) Liaising and working with health professionals (osteos, chiros, physios) to help bring the best outcome for the client. Experience also includes working with dancers and some athletes for training purposes.

Education

Through the APMA course and in house training at Premier Sports and Spinal Clinic, I have further developed my knowledge and expanded my pilates repertoire to cover all equipment within the pilates environment. This includes Reformer, Trapeze, Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, Big Barrel, and all other smaller equipment such as Magic Circle and Fit Ball. The in house training at my current workplace is comprehensive and provided by an experienced physio who is also comprehensively trained in pilates. I work very closely with the physios and osteopaths there in creating programs that cater for the individual and their issues. I am also planning to do a number of continuing education workshops this year and complete my advanced diploma with the APMA as soon as the course is finalized. I have previously been doing my own private pilates training with Marda Wiley who is a level 4 teacher in the Romana Classical Pilates method.

Previous Work History

Professional Dancer 1989-2003(Ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap)

Credits include : Cats, Hamburg , Chorus Line Australian Tour, Agape (Australian Ballet School) Various television work

Recording Artist with BMG records Germany, (2000-2003)

Stella Atwood

Sally  HIcks

Alex Turnidge

Alex was first introduced to Pilates when she was referred to it following recurring arm injuries. After practising for a couple of years she decided she would like to teach and in 2009 completed the APMA Level 2 Pilates Diploma at the Physical Mind Institute.  Since then she has enjoyed working with all types of clients but especially enjoys working in the areas of: hip rehabilitation (pre and post-surgery), back injury/pain, dancers/gymnasts, pre and post natal, and general strength and conditioning. In 2011 Alex commenced a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Human Movement (Clinical Exercise Science) and is currently working towards becoming an Exercise Physiologist. Alex’s studies keep her up to date with exercise science and Pilates allows her to put much of this into practice. Her knowledge gives her an holistic approach to the body taking into account all aspects of her clients health. Outside of the Pilates studio Alex has been teaching Pole Dancing since 2005 and her experience in this form of fitness means she is an expert at sculpting long and lean muscles and she sure knows how to challenge those clients who want it!