Alicia graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor of Health Science and Masters of Podiatric Practice. These qualifications, together with an extensive history in sporting footwear retail, underpin Alicia’s comprehensive knowledge of feet and footwear. This has given her a broad experience in determining the best footwear choices for each patient.

Alicia firmly believes that healthy feet equal a healthy life. As a podiatrist, she has an understanding of the vast range of musculoskeletal injuries that occur in the foot and leg as well as the most appropriate and effective treatment approaches for each individual patient. By assessing the cause of pain and designing a treatment plan to prevent future problems, Alicia is motivated to improve every patients’ quality of life.

When not at CSSM, Alicia works in Monash Health, in an acute podiatry setting with a clinical focus on wound assessment and treatment as well as managing lower limb diabetic complications.

Whilst knowledgeable in all types of podiatric care, Alicia has a particular interest in sport related injuries and the relationship between foot mechanics and performance or injury.

An active sporting background developed a passion for biomechanics, giving Alicia the understanding of how injury can impact performance and the importance of an individualised treatment and rehabilitation program.

In her down time, Alicia can be found pounding the footpaths training for her next running adventure or playing Aussie Rules, netball or punching out a Pilates class with her friends.  You won’t find her standing still!

For Jennie, Pilates was an exercise passion that sparked a new career. “Pilates was the only exercise regime I have ever been totally committed to, enjoyed enormously and felt motivated by every class I attended. I started to consider how amazing it would be to learn more about the practice and actually be the person teaching people.”

Moving to Melbourne from Liverpool in the UK, Jennie immersed herself into a new lifestyle and new career.

“I don’t just like Pilates, I absolutely LOVE it. Pilates is a lifestyle that you create for yourself. I love that a person who is doing their first class and someone who is at an advanced level can join in the class together as the movements can be regressed and progressed to accommodate for people’s fitness and comfort levels. I love that we move our bodies through all planes of movement and get the spine moving.”

As Joseph Pilates himself said, “you are only as young as your spine is flexible.”

At CSSM, Jennie works with clients to program exercises that can assist with rehabilitation. “I believe that Pilates is a great way to help prevent injuries, assist to increase performance in other sports/dance etc and day to day life movement. Just getting the body moving is beneficial for everyone.”

Jennie says clients are often surprised that small movements can really get the muscles working. “Comments like ‘it looks so easy but actually it’s hard do,’ get spoken quite often. I think also the mind-body connection with Pilates can surprise people in the way they feel energised even after working hard in the session. Often, people feel balance can be challenging when actually this is something so important to keep practicing as we age. Clients are surprised that with practice, how much stronger they get, how much they have progressed –  those little achievements and milestones along the way are wonderful to see.”

Jennie says the sense of community at CSSM engages both staff and clients. “We are forever learning as Pilates instructors’ and to have other professionals here to bounce ideas off and brainstorm with is very fortunate. I love that all staff jump into classes and can provide me with constructive feedback and be guinea pigs for any new ideas I come up with!”

When she’s not putting her clients through their paces, Jennie enjoys spending time with her husband and friends which usually means a wine or two! Travelling and visiting restaurants is also top of the list for this new Melbournian. “We are spoilt rotten for choice in Melbourne and I could quite happily eat my way through the city and beyond!”

Myotherapist & Remedial Massage

After growing up in France, it wasn’t until Julien moved to Australia that he discovered myotherapy. He was drawn to myotherapy for its hands-on approach to the treatment of muscular conditions and its focus on injury prevention. “I felt it was a great way to help people to get better, to return to the lifestyle they want.”

Julien sees many different types of injuries ranging from neck and lower back pain to chronic conditions and acute injuries. He focuses on working together to find techniques specific for each individual to maintain positive habits and feel in control of their bodies once more.

“I’m particularly interested in the relationship between posture and neck conditions leading to headaches. I also like working on the hip. The kicking motion involving the hip flexors particularly intrigues me.”

Despite having worked with elite athletes such as the Melbourne United Basketball Team, Julien’s interests go beyond the sporting field. He is interested in promoting the sensible ergonomic and postural habits that affect our everyday activities. “I hope to continue and find new ways to make a difference to my patients’ lives.”

When he’s not at work, Julien enjoys watching movies, going to concerts with his partner and long walks with his Scottish terrier Aunt Agatha. “After living most of my life in Paris, I love how much space we have here!”

He also enjoys playing soccer and follows Paris Saint Germaine. The CSSM team is doing their best to influence Julien’s AFL team selection!

Ella has always been interested in the human body and the biomechanics of movement. “I thoroughly enjoy physical activity and sports and wanted to be able to help others recover from injury or pain so that they could return to doing what they love.”

Ella has a keen interest in sports injuries, neurological conditions such as stroke and post-surgery rehabilitation. Prior to joining CSSM, she worked in an acute hospital in Sydney where she further developed her interest in neurological physiotherapy. “I am fascinated by the nervous system and how it interacts with the musculoskeletal system and the entire body. It’s an area I would like to specialise in.”

Tailoring exercise and rehabilitation programs to suit each client and their goals is central to Ella’s approach to physiotherapy.  She believes in educating clients to help them understand their condition and encourage them to take an active role in their treatment and prevent further injuries. “I love working with people who are motivated to return to sport or a certain activity.”

Working with such a close team of practitioners at CSSM, Ella says the team consults and learns from each other to provide the most appropriate care for patients.

Away from the clinic, Ella enjoys playing netball, basketball and tennis, running, getting out of the city and catching up with friends and family.

As a physiotherapist, Peter relishes the opportunity to help his clients return to the things that mean the most to them, whether that’s sport, work or family. “A strong and healthy body maintains a healthy mind, which allows us to perform and work to the best of our ability.”

Peter is a strength and conditioning enthusiast with a unique understanding of the demands of high level competition and performance.  Having previously worked within the National Premier League Victoria (soccer) as well as part of the medical team for Futsal Victoria at their National Championships, he has a passion for treating all aspects of musculoskeletal or sporting pain with a particular interest in shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.

He is also a great advocate for the involvement of children and adolescents in sport, helping them develop healthy habits as they grow.

“It’s so important to stay at the forefront of the industry in terms of latest techniques, advancements, patient care and rehabilitation and use this information to continue to play a key role in patients’ recovery.”

Peter has valuable experience in pre- and post-operative care and has developed expertise in using Clinical Pilates to facilitate optimal recovery and performance.

“The challenge of pre and post-surgery and the journey between physiotherapist and patient to integrate them back into daily activity or sport in an even better condition than before their injury is what drives me.”

Whether it’s an acute injury or simply wanting to optimise performance, Peter has the expertise to diagnose and prescribe a program to get you back on track to achieving your goals. His unique combination of physiotherapy and high level coaching skills is a valuable asset in both the prevention and rehabilitation of injury – particularly in the areas of sports performance in the younger athlete.

Away from CSSM, Peter has developed a keen interest in golf, enjoys attending sports events, training in the gym and keeping up with the latest research and advancements within the physiotherapy industry.

Senior Pilates Instructor

After 15 years of intensive dance training and working as on osteopath, Kim was looking for a pro-active way to help people manage their conditions.   “Pilates was the perfect fit.”

Rather than “treat” conditions, Kim says Pilates improves movement and helps to relieve pain.  “I work to help people overcome their back and neck pain, manage restrictions with arthritis, rehabilitate joint injuries,  improve balance, build strength and increase bone mass in osteoporosis.  I also love keeping people strong throughout their pregnancies and beyond.”

According to Kim, clients are surprised at how easily a problem area can be identified. “We have elite athletes coming in who are very strong and fit but have pain or an injury. We can find a muscle not doing its job properly and they are surprised at how quickly that muscle tires and how we can progress exercises to keep Pilates continually challenging.”

“I love that my clients are very pro-active leading to great, long term results.  There is a huge variety in the people and conditions I see, keeping each class interesting.  I also love getting to know people and hearing about their lives.”

Kim has first-hand knowledge in the role pilates can play in pre and post-natal health but also has extensive experience treating and rehabilitating AFL and dance injuries.

Away from the clinic, Kim enjoys spending time with her three boys and getting involved in sports, activities, camping, and bushwalking.  She also loves walking her dogs.

Senior Osteopath

Being an osteopath combines Caroline’s love of health and helping people.

“Osteopathy was a way in which I could combine my desire to help people and study human anatomy, physiology, pathology and biomechanics. I was especially drawn to osteopathy given the widespread application of treatments for all age groups and focusing on finding the root cause of someone’s pain rather than just treating the symptomatic area.”

Caroline particularly enjoys treating headaches and neck pain. “There are so many factors that contribute to headaches which makes the process of diagnosing, treating and managing them quite a challenge. Utilising a wide range of techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint articulation and joint manipulation, it’s always rewarding to see a change in these headaches knowing that you have made a difference to someone’s everyday life.”

Lower back and pelvic pain for patients going through pregnancy, in desk workers and trades people are also areas of interest. “In the future I would like to expand further development into complex pain conditions to better understand those living with chronic health conditions and the way it impacts musculoskeletal pain.”

Caroline also appreciates the influence of other lifestyle and environmental factors that can contribute to pain or discomfort. She utilises a team approach working alongside her patients to establish short and long-term goals both in and out of the treatment room.

The variation in presenting injuries from acute to chronic, from athletes to desk workers, means that no two days as a practitioner are the same.

On her days off, Caroline enjoys going for day hikes (a favourite being the You Yangs), playing mixed netball, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Movement

is

Medicine

Kobi is a physiotherapist and a strong advocate for the role of exercise therapy in the prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions with a particular interest in lower limb injuries.

Kobi understands the importance of tailoring treatment and rehabilitation to each patient on an individual basis when returning to sport and activity. With this in mind, Kobi places high importance on actively involving her patients in the design and implementation of their injury rehabilitation.

“I really enjoy seeing someone through the ups and downs of long term rehabilitation, and get a huge sense of satisfaction when these patients are able to return back to their desired activity.”

In the future, Kobi hopes to continue to evolve armed with the latest research and treatment techniques.

In her spare time you’ll find Kobi at the gym, taking her dog for a walk, or completing DIY jobs around the house and garden.

Senior Podiatrist

Genevieve always knew she wanted to work in the health field like her father and other family members. After beginning studies in podiatry she knew she’d made the right choice. “I love helping people to return to work or sport pain-free. Missing out on sport and exercise is detrimental for our health both physically and mentally. Children especially benefit from being able to run around with their friends. It’s so important to get it right for them.”

Becoming a mother has helped Gen to build rapport with her young patients and their parents. At CSSM, Gen offers both general and sports podiatry, treating all conditions of the lower limb and foot.

Whether it’s an acute sporting injury like ‘turf toe’ or plantar fasciitis, toe walking in children or a more chronic condition such as arthritic foot pain or diabetic foot care, Genevieve loves the challenge of improving someone’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Gen has a strong interest in surgery as it’s often a last resort treatment for patients with significant injury or disease. “Surgery has the capacity to completely change a person’s outcome.  I am always interested to learn more about surgery as it is an ever-improving field.  Sports medicine also continues to evolve.  We are constantly learning ways to improve our treatments for patients.  I enjoy studying and believe we never stop learning.”

True to her word, Gen is currently completing her studies in Pharmacology.

Being a multi-disciplinary clinic is what sets CSSM apart according to Gen. “I enjoy learning from the health professionals in our team. We also have great facilities.  It makes my job easier being able to use the treadmill and the associated computer software to perform gait assessments.  The fantastic space we have upstairs to do exercises is great. We have great equipment, but it’s the staff and patients which make the clinic a nice place to visit.”

When she’s not at CSSM, you’ll find Gen with her family. “I have four children so it is always busy at home and I spend a lot of time driving my kids to all their activities.  When I do get time to myself I like to go for a run, a swim or do a Pilates class.”