THE TEAM - Fusion Physiotherapy

Nathan Willits

Physiotherapist

Nathan loves a challenge and loves to problem solve. Chronic repetitive or recurring injuries, biomechanical or altered movement patterns – there’s pieces to the puzzle in amongst this information that will help us get to the real problem.

After many years working in a variety of fields, Nathan can more readily draw upon experience to cut through the noise and get you moving in the right direction quickly and smoothly.

Nathan started his own practice in 2007, and essentially through word of mouth and reputation has seen it grow rapidly and enthusiastically looks forward to its development in the next phase.

In addition to managing his own practice, Fusion Physiotherapy, Nathan has been involved as the physiotherapist for elite sports teams, including Commonwealth Games athletes, the VFL Bendigo Bombers and TAC U18 Bendigo Pioneers.

Nathan has been involved in teaching undergraduate physiotherapy students from La Trobe University in the areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Special Interests: Neck pain & Headache, Shoulder injury & rehab

Louise Sambell

Physiotherapist

From the moment you meet Lou you will move at a different pace. Her quiet assurance will be a welcome reprieve from the constant ‘noise’ that can be persistent pain. Learn to breathe again and help control your pain and the difficult emotions that it evokes.

Knowledge is power, and with many years of experience Lou is keen to share some of that knowledge with you.

Lou has 20 years experience as a Physiotherapist and extensive experience in rehabilitation and Pain Management. Lou is skilled in using the latest, best-practice approaches in managing persistent pain. Her approach model encompasses;

educating people with the latest information
assisting clients develop everyday skills to manage pain independently
overcome fears surrounding activity & exercise
setting achievable goals
effective stress management and relaxation techniques

Specialties: Chronic or persistent pain, Spinal conditions, PhysioChi

Jane McCaig

Exercise Physiologist

Jane is a trail-blazer. With her advanced skills, she now offers Exercise Physiology services and clinical exercise to the private clientele of Central Victoria.

Jane is passionate about the concept of ‘exercise as medicine’ and aims to instil the habit of regular physical activity in all clients.

Jane holds Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) & Graduate Diploma Health Science (Exercise Rehabilitation) degrees from the University of Ballarat and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Wollongong. With over 15 years experience in the industry Jane has worked with many client groups, specialising in musculoskeletal clinical exercise prescription and chronic disease lifestyle management.

Jane has worked as a senior clinician at Bendigo Health and prior to this was working as a clinical exercise physiologist at the University of Ballarat, where she also lectured in the undergraduate and postgraduate human movement and sports science programs. Locally, Jane has worked with the successful Bendigo Lady Braves basketball team as a sports trainer as well as with individual athletes from a variety of sports.

Claire Canfield

Physiotherapist

Claire might know what your problem is even before you do!

Her analysis of movement patterns helps identify causes and contributions to pain and restriction.

After several years experience as a physio Claire can choose from a barrage of treatment options. However you can usually expect some homework! Retraining movement through exercise enhances the positive effects of any manual therapy resulting in more sustainable outcomes for you.

Clinical Pilates is her keen area of interest, with Claire having completed extensive training and worked specifically in this field over the past few years. As a result two key areas where she can achieve excellent results are chronic spinal pain and shoulder rehabilitation.

Claire is based at our purpose built Lowndes Street exercise studio, utilising specialist clinical pilates equipment.

Joel Wharton

Exercise Physiologist

Chris Garner

Physiotherapist

Chris returns to Bendigo after years of valuable experience working as a physiotherapist in his home town of Colac.
Chris has a keen interest in all sporting injuries, but especially junior and youth athlete injury management. Understanding the factors contributing to these young athletes` pain helps Chris get the right program in place for them and is the key to successful recovery.

Chris` other passion is for Occupational Health – injury and soreness related to work and ergonomic setup. Chris has experience providing manual handling training and on-site workstation assessment for workers in a variety of roles. Whether it be from heavy or highly repetitive work or more sedentary desk-based work, Chris loves to give his patients the knowledge and tools to overcome their work-related pain for the long term.

Interests: Sports injuries, junior athlete injuries, Occupational health, tendon pain.

Kate Seery

Physiotherapist

Kate is a Monash University graduate, and joins the Fusion team with experience working in the NDIS and TAC supporting people to achieve their goals. She has experience in working with people with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries. Kate works across the lifespan, with children and adults of all ages.

Kate strongly values physical activity and physical health; they are important to her in her personal life and professional life. She believes that everyone should be keeping fit and active, regardless of age and ability. Kate is passionate about working with people to create sustainable, realistic, and engaging therapeutic exercise programs to help them to achieve their goals. She is happy to do this in a variety of settings, including (but certainly not limited to) our extensive Fusion gym, commercial gyms, swimming pools (designing and delivering aquatic physiotherapy programs), your own home, parks, playgrounds...

Interests include: Aquatic physiotherapy, rehabilitation/exercise prescription, gym

Eleisha Lay

Physiotherapist

Eleisha is one of the latest recruits to our team of physiotherapists. As a recent graduate she brings with her the latest in knowledge and research, immediately applying this theory to her practice. She brings enthusiasm and energy to her work as she begins to carve out her career.

Eleisha is a key member of our home-based services, aimed at aged care and post-operative rehabilitation. Eleisha will also be involved in rooms and hydrotherapy.

Outside of physio, Eleisha is a coach and A-grade player with Eaglehawk Netball club and as such understands the demands and requirements for those returning to sport from injury.

Interests: Aged Care, Exercise Prescription & Rehabilitation

Alyce Kennedy

Physiotherapist

Alyce has worked in a range of different settings over the past dozen years as a physiotherapist, since completing her studies at Charles Sturt University. Initially in public health and then in private practice, aged care and with the Australian Defence Force in both Queensland and Victoria.

As expected, she is very experienced in rehabilitation, particularly for injuries of the lower limb, tendon pain and stress reactions. Even if your injury is not related to a “pack march” or being out field, she will know how to set a plan to get you back moving quickly.

Outside of work Alyce is busy spending time with family and friends, loves cooking and gardening, and tries to balance those demands to maintain her fitness and exercise.

Interests: Tendon pain, dry needling, rehabilitation, lower limb injuries.

Dan Silverstein

Physiotherapist

Dan is a welcome addition to the team, having worked previously in both public and private health care settings. Since graduating from Latrobe University in 2018, he has developed a passion in the treatment and rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal and orthopaedic presentations. Dan also has experience working with athletes of all abilities, from weekend warriors to professionals at the top of their game.

Dan promotes an active approach to pain and injury management, with the aim to achieve goals specific to the individual. Having done further studies in strength and conditioning, be prepared to put in the work, as there will no doubt be a tailored exercise program to complete. Dan also believes knowledge is power, and aims to provide education to his patients about and how to best manage their conditions.

Dan is interested in all things regarding exercise and being active, particularly basketball, tennis, running and gym training. He is also a sock enthusiast, with a collection of 110 pairs (!!) and growing.

Clinical interests: Strength and conditioning, sport injury management, tendinopathies, ankle sprains, knee injuries, shoulder pain.