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Our Team

Each of our Physiotherapists has at least five years of training to achieve a high level of assessment skills, manual techniques and exercise design.

Together we have over seventy years of experience treating both chronic and acute conditions. We continue to keep up to date with the latest advances in the fast-growing science of Physiotherapy.

Our Physiotherapists

Anand Kumar

Major Qualifications:

 

  • Master of Orthopaedics, Sports and Manual Therapy (University of South Australia)
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (India)
  • Master of Business Administration (Deakin University)
  • APA titled Physiotherapist specialising in Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy

 

 

Extra Qualifications/Experience:

 

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach Level 1
  • Vestibular Physiotherapist, APA recognised
  • Pilates Instructor
  • Dry Needling
  • Occupational Health Physiotherapy Australia Level 1 and 2
  • GLA:D Instructor
  • Hydrotherapy Level 1
  • Bike Fit – Science of Cycling
  • Temporomandibular Joint (Jaw) assessment and treatment
  • Hand Splinting
  • Cognitive Functional approach for Management of Disabling Low Back Pain Disorders
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

 

 

Anand completed his Master’s at the University of South Australia before working as a physiotherapist in Adelaide for several years. During this time he gained valuable experience in sports physiotherapy working with the South Australian Rugby Team, and professional SANFL side Central Districts.

In 2010 Anand relocated to Central Victoria and joined Castlemaine Physiotherapy where he is now a company director. Anand has continued to hone his skills with further education and qualifications. He has completed extensive study in Vestibular Physiotherapy – the study of dizziness and vertigo, including conditions such as BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). He is also a fully qualified Pilates instructor, with an extensive knowledge of both mat and reformer-based Pilates.

These additional studies have given Anand a keen interest in balance and dizziness disorders and low back pain. Other areas of interest include shoulder pain, jaw pain, headaches and hip and knee injuries. He is passionate about the preventative power of physiotherapy as well as the importance of strength and conditioning for improved health.

Outside of work Anand is a keen cyclist, having completed many events. He is also interested in strength training and powerlifting.

Dan Doolan

Major Qualifications:

 

  • Master of Physiotherapy (The University of Sydney)
  • Bachelor of Exercise Science (Federation University Australia)

 

 

Extra Qualifications/Experience:

 

  • Dry Needling
  • Hydrotherapy Instructor
  • Sports Physiotherapy Level 1
  • Bike Fit – Science of Cycling
  • Qualified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor
  • TRX Exercise Instructor

 

 

Following the completion of his studies in Sydney in 2013, Dan relocated to Central Victoria to pursue a career in physiotherapy. He joined Castlemaine Physiotherapy in 2015 and is now a company director. Prior to becoming a physiotherapist, Dan worked for several years as a personal trainer, along with stints working for a nutrition company, as a sports coach, and as a strength and conditioning coach for elite tennis programs. This range of experience has given Dan a broad base of skills to draw upon as a physiotherapist.

Dan treats all musculoskeletal issues, though he has a special interest in running-based sports including tennis, netball, cricket, hockey and all the football codes. He also has a keen interest in strength training for all ages; chronic back, neck and shoulder pains; headache treatment; repetitive strain injuries; and post-surgical rehabilitation.

In his spare time, Dan enjoys getting active in the gym, playing tennis, and running. He also enjoys being inactive with good food, a beer, and watching the mighty Collingwood Football Club in action.

Dylan Crabbe

Major Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences – LaTrobe University (2016)
  • Master Of Physiotherapy – LaTrobe University (2018) 

Extra Qualifications and Experience

  • Qualified Vestibular Physiotherapist 
  • Pilates Instructor
  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Dry Needling

Castlemaine physiotherapy welcomed Dylan to the team in 2022. Having moved back to the Central Victorian region, Dylan joins the team after a gaining experience in private practice physiotherapy across Melbourne over the previous several years.

Dylan has a strong background in strength and condition training and coaching, including experience in training people in Powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting techniques. This strength and conditioning skillset enables Dylan to help in injury rehabilitation for everyone from children, through to Centurions, helping people back to their best after injury. Dylan also excels in helping people return to sport, at all levels, including from hip and knee injuries, with experience in managing ACL injuries also. He uses his well-rounded skills to help with all manner of other musculoskeletal issues also, from frozen shoulder management, to overuse and repetitive injuries, and low back and neck pain.

Over the previous five years, Dylan has completed extensive extra training in Vestibular Physiotherapy, giving him a keen interest in in helping people with dizziness, vertigo, and BPPV. Along with time spent managing neurological conditions, helping people with Parkinson’s, MS and variety of other neuromuscular conditions manage their conditions also falls well within Dylan’s wheelhouse.

In his time away from work you are likely to find Dylan spending time with his young family, lifting some heavy weights in the gym, or perhaps belting out one of his favourite tunes with his band.

Ahmed Sharif

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor Degree of Physical Therapy (Cairo University)

Castlemaine physiotherapy welcomed Ahmed to the team, and the country in 2022.

With a decade of experience in physiotherapy in Egypt and Oman before relocating to Australia, Ahmed brings a wealth of experience and well rounded knowledge to the team. With previous experience in hospital, gym, and private practice settings, Ahmed is comfortable seeing many types of clients and a wide range of injuries and conditions.

Whilst involved heavily in musculoskeletal injuries, disorders, and sports injuries, Ahmed has also gained valuable experience in neurological physiotherapy. This has included experience in managing in post stroke recovery, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Bells Palsy and other common and uncommon neurological conditions.

Whilst working in the hospital system Ahmed also gained great experience in post-surgical rehabilitation, including minor and major knee, hip, ankle and shoulder surgeries. This experience means Ahmed can help you from immediately post surgery, right up until a return to work, sport or normal activities.
When not at work Ahmed enjoys time with his family, keeping active, swimming, and exploring the local region.

Maddison Ashby

Major Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences (La Trobe Uni 2020)
  • Masters of Physiotherapy Practice (La Trobe Uni 2022)

Castlemaine physiotherapy welcome Maddie to the team in 2023.

Having completed her degree at La Trobe University Bendigo we are excited to welcome Maddie on board in both our Bendigo and Castlemaine locations. Gaining experience across a range of area’s during her studies, Maddie even had one of her programs adopted by Bendigo Health in her short time with them before joining our team.

Maddie can help you with a wide variety of injuries and conditions, but has a particular passion for helping people with chronic pain, low back pain, neck pain and headaches, hip and knee injuries and advising on women’s health issues.

Maddie believes in a holistic approach to health, and that mental health and physical health can often be intertwining issues. Maddie practices and promotes good mental health habits and complementary practices such as meditation where warranted.

On her days off you are likely to find Maddie weight lifting or swimming to keep healthy herself. Weather permitting Maddie also enjoys getting outdoors in the garden or bushwalking.

Matthew Coughlin

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (La Trobe University)
  • Masters of Physiotherapy Practice (2022 La Trobe University)

Castlemaine Physiotherapy welcome Matt to the team in 2023!

Having completed his degree from the Latrobe University Bendigo Physiotherapy program, we are excited to have Matt on board working in the same region in which he studied.

Matt brings a background in gymnastics both as a participant and coach, and a solid grounding in strength and conditioning work to his physiotherapy. Matt applies this exceptional knowledge of human movement to help his clients from all backgrounds, whether that be people involved in competitive sports, gardeners, walkers, and everything in between.

Through his previous work in gymnastics Matt has developed a special interest in working with children and teenagers, both with sports and active injuries, and growth related issues. This knowledge allows Matt to help young people return to sport and activity, maximise their participation, and provide his clients with the tools to build strength, and prevent injury in the future.
With experience working in an emergency ward before joining the team, Matt has a great knowledge of managing those acute, painful injuries to any area of the body, to get you back on track quickly.

In his downtime Matt enjoys gymnastics and tennis, and although he no longer takes part in competition, he trains multiple times a week to keep fit and active, and enjoy the social side of these activities.

Our Exercise physiologist

Clare Berto

Qualifications:

  • Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Federation University)
  • Graduate Diploma of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Federation University)
  • Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science (Federation University)

Clare, a local who grew up in the Castlemaine and Central Victorian region, joins the Castlemaine Physiotherapy team having relocated back to Australia after a long a stint Europe. Having completed her Bachelors Degree, Graduate Diploma, and Masters Degree with thesis, at Federation University between 2010-15, Clare brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and expertise to the practice in her chosen field.

As an Exercise Physiologist, Clare is an expert in the prescription of exercise for people with an array of conditions. Having an especially keen interest in helping people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, metabolic conditions, neurological disorders such as Parkinsons, cardiovascular and cardio respiratory conditions and obesity.

The other area in which Clare works extensively is in the musculoskeletal fields. Seeing people for injury rehabilitation, post-surgery rehabilitation and for help in return to work and sport. Clare also regularly designs interventions for the older individual, from programs for osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, falls prevention and balance programs, and programs designed to help maintain independence into older age.

Many of the conditions, injuries and/or disabilities you may see Clare for could be compensated, or partially compensated under NDIS, DVA, Medicare, Workcover or TAC. Please talk to your GP, or the Castlemaine Physiotherapy office about this.

A woman of many talents, in her downtime you may find Clare using her building skills she picked up during her apprenticeship as a carpenter, or on a ski trip, having been a tour guide and leader throughout the Dolomites during her time in Italy.

Our Dietitian

Lee Mason

Joining the team in 2022, Castlemaine physiotherapy team is excited to have Lee Mason, Dietitian, on board!

An accredited practicing dietitian, with 30 years of experience in her field across community health, public health, and in private practice, Lee brings an invaluable wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Lee has lectured at universities and TAFE’s in her in field, and has recently been involved as Manager of Nutrition and Dietetics at Bendigo Health, and ongoing with Castlemaine Health.

With a passion for supporting and empowering clients to take control of their well being and nutrition, Lee has a mission to help deliver individual care and advice to each client she works with. With so much information out there, including apps, technology, and diet fads, it can be difficult to separate the sound, evidence backed advice that is right for you from the rest of the noise, this is where an assessment and guidance from Lee can help.

Lee can help clients with any dietary or nutrition needs, including eating disorders, weight gain and loss, chronic or metabolic conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal and bowel conditions, heart disease and kidney and liver conditions.

In her spare time Lee enjoys keeping fit in the gym, catching up with friends and family over good coffee, or caring for her four-legged friends.