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‘It's our level of care that sets us apart’ - Lisa Thomson, Senior Partner
Click on the links below to learn about the CSSM team.
Senior physiotherapist Caroline Szafranski was drawn to physio during her four years spent living in the United States on a tennis scholarship at Arkansas State University. “I was training six days a week and spending a bit of time in the medical rooms!” She studied Exercise Science and then spent 6 months working in California.“I think my involvement in tennis and triathlons has helped me enormously with treating patients and understanding their emotional ride as well.”
After completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at La Trobe University back home, Caroline has worked with various sporting organisations including the AFL Umpires Association in addition to grass roots football clubs.
“I’ve also worked in various roles both in private practice and in a hospital environment, both in the UK and Australia, giving me extensive experience in treating patients with both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions,” she said.
Caroline has a special interest in biomechanics, rehabilitation and Clinical Pilates training having completed mat and equipment Level 1 Certificate in Pilates and Level 1 Dry Needling Certificate, and several other courses. “I treat all areas but but enjoy treating backs, neck and doing pilates, plus post surgery rehab especially total hip and knee replacements.”
Away from the clinic, Caroline continues to play tennis and still has that competitive nature participating in ironman triathlon and marathon running, competing in several races including the half ironman and long course world championships and completing two Melbourne marathons! “I’d like to say that my competitive spirit is a little more tame these days but I can’t help myself sometimes!”
Caroline is at CSSM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Alice initially studied nursing before her interests diverted to Osteopathy. “I quickly realised that nursing wasn’t for me, but I enjoyed healthcare. I did a bit of investigating and found that osteopathy gave me the opportunity to work autonomously, stay in health care and chat all day!”
Studying, performing and competing as a ballet dancer from a very early age has given Alice a unique perspective and keen interest in dance and other sports related injuries and rehabilitation.
“I have a strong interest in Women’s Health particularly pregnancy and post-partum related back and pelvic pain which formed the focus of my Master’s Project. The management of headaches is something that I also have a keen interest in, it can be life changing to get headaches under control.”
Away from CSSM, Alice sits on the Occupational Health leadership committee for Osteopathy Australia. “I feel that I’m doing my part to promote Osteopathy in Australia, and to develop the profession moving forwards. My hope for Osteopaths is that there will be a broad range of job prospects and that the community will see more osteopaths outside of private practice such as in sporting clubs, hospitals and workplaces. It’s a fabulous profession. Watch this space!”
Nicole has over 15 years of Classical Ballet training, and has a strong passion in working with amateur and professional dancers, understanding the physiological demands, the common musculoskeletal injuries, and how to support and manage these injuries when they arise.
Nicole’s Osteopathic clinical areas of interest also include the cervical spine, TMJ dysfunction and headaches.
“These conditions can be extremely debilitating for patients, and I find that osteopathic treatment and management is extremely beneficial in reducing pain, and improving quality of life.”
Nicole has also undertaken external training in treating lower back and pelvic pain, including ante and post-natal patients. As a key driver of our Pilates classes at CSSM, Nicole often incorporates this expertise into the treatment and management of her patients.
“I love that as an Osteopath, I can help my patients overcome challenges, achieve their goals and return to the activities they enjoy doing the most. It is important to assist patients in understanding their pain through education, and empower them to take the necessary steps in becoming healthier and happier.”
Away from CSSM, Nicole enjoys spending time down at the beach with friends and family, going to the gym and participating in Pilates classes.
Kobi Phelan 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.
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.”
Emily has always been interested in the human body and leading an active lifestyle. “In learning about the different types of manual therapy, I really liked the concept of treating the person as a whole through osteopathy and aiming to solve the cause of someone’s pain or problem rather than just offering short term, symptomatic relief.”
Patient education and advice, in addition to hands-on treatment, is key to Emily’s treatment approach.
Emily is particularly interested in treating headaches/migraines, neck pain and pre/post-natal care using dry needling, Pilates and pain management strategies.
“Headaches including migraines are such a common and often debilitating condition and I’ve always found treating these conditions particularly satisfying as patients have often tried many different approaches with limited success prior to seeing an osteopath. I find the holistic and multi-faceted approach of osteopathy really well suited to treating these complaints.”
Emily has undertaken extensive training in dry needling. “I find it to be a very effective technique particularly for more complex cases and when other treatment modalities have been unsuccessful. I use this in conjunction with other forms of manual therapy as part of a treatment and very rarely in isolation.”
Since becoming a mother, Emily’s interest in pre and post-natal care has increased. “I understand the importance of not just pain relief during pregnancy but in optimising health and wellbeing during pregnancy for the best chance of an optimal birth and recovery.”
Having worked alongside experienced practitioners of many modalities, Emily has a broad understanding of the limitations of manual therapy and when referral and co-management may be necessary in order to achieve the best patient outcomes. In addition to manual therapy, Emily incorporates exercise prescription, postural and lifestyle advice into her management strategies, having undertaken further studies in Clinical Pilates and Nutritional Medicine.
In the future, Emily hopes to undertake further study in pain management strategies. “There’s growing numbers of patients dealing with persistent pain. These complaints form a significant part of our patient load and it is an area of research that I believe warrants further understanding.”
Away from CSSM, Emily enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her young family, drinking coffee and most recently, baking cakes!
17 years of dance training, 12 years of tennis and 7 years of competitive rock climbing fuelled Kelsey’s interest in sport and associated injuries. “I’d always been interested in health and fitness and Myotherapy was a great transition from Personal Training into the treatment and rehabilitation of a lot of the issues I saw in the gym. It came with a stronger understanding of the human body.”
While sport is her passion, Kelsey believes that creating solid foundations of strength and rehabilitation are key components in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, whether you work in an office or as an elite athlete. “Having participated in a fair few sports over the years it’s given me a better understanding of the demands the body can be put through, the movements required to succeed and the difficult task of taking time away from the sport you love when injured.”
Kelsey employs a hands-on approach when treating muscular pains and joint dysfunction, complementing treatment outcomes with modalities such as cupping, dry needling, trigger point therapy, and taping. “Shoulder joint issues really fascinate me because they can be unpredictable and complex. I really enjoy the process of breaking down why the injury has occurred in the first place and rehabilitating the joint structures.”
Kelsey believes we never stop learning and is currently studying physiotherapy. “I’m keen to incorporate my myotherapy knowledge into what I’m learning as a student physiotherapist. I don’t want to abandon my myotherapy roots, but use them to better my outlook and understanding of treatment and rehabilitation.”
Away from work, Kelsey is an avid participator in rock climbing and has competed in both state and national events. “I can also be a great couch potato when I need some down time and enjoy meeting up with friends.”
Jaimi was drawn to osteopathy at a young age after experiencing first-hand how osteopathy helped treat the many sports injuries she endured growing up.
“As an osteopath I love educating people about their bodies. It helps show patients just how connected everything is and how closely structure and function are related.
If everything is working well in terms of structure and function the patient and their body will be at their best.
I love being a part of someone’s journey and helping them achieve their goals and get them back to the activities they loved doing the most.”
Jaimi enjoys treating a broad range of injuries, with a particular interest in headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders as well as vertigo and dizziness.
“There are so many factors that contribute to these conditions which can make the process of treating and managing them somewhat challenging. I find we can give patients quite a lot of relief and make a big difference in someone’s day to day life which is always rewarding to see.”
Away from the clinic Jaimi enjoys taking her dog on walks, being active with playing netball and going to the gym. During the summer time, she spends her free time down at the river with family and friends.
Educated at the University of South Australia, Vaughan has gained a wide range of clinical experiences since completing his studies and moving to Melbourne in 1998. Sporting and family commitments helped to shape his core range of clinical interests. Originally drawn to Podiatry after having his own knee pain cured by orthotic management, Vaughan values how much more enjoyment can be gained from sports when you have no pain associated with playing them. Likewise through watching his three children’s development, Vaughan is determined to minimise any pain associated within childhood development.
Vaughan’s philosophy regarding treatment is to address the cause of the pain biomechanically, and instill a treatment plan that will enhance every patient’s enjoyment of life’s endeavours.
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