Peak Physio is one of Newcastle’s most trusted providers of health, fitness, and rehabilitation services. Our physiotherapists & exercise physiologists are experts in injury management having helped over 20,000 clients since 2012.
Our physiotherapists are highly skilled professionals who are qualified in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal problems.
With the correct prescription of exercises and effective teaching, Pilates is a useful tool for physiotherapists in retraining strength without dysfunction after injury.
Peak Physio opened in 2012 to provide Physiotherapy and Pilates to the Newcastle community. Since then, we’ve helped thousands of patients recover from injury and return to full function. Our results have helped us to become known as the Newcastle physiotherapy experts.
The physiotherapists at Peak Physio practice with a strong “hands on” approach, utilising massage, manual therapies, dry needling and manipulation, teamed up with exercise therapy through strengthening and rehabilitation.
We also have a significant focus on Pilates, post-surgical physiotherapy, sports physio, pain management, women’s health, customised exercise/personal training programs and corporate health.
Peak Physio is your number one choice for high-quality, effective, professional physiotherapy treatment.
LAITH CUNNEEN
Physiotherapist /
Exercise Physiologist
MScMed MPhty BExScRehab
Laith is a registered physiotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience. He has worked across a wide range of healthcare disciplines in exercise physiology, physiotherapy, personal training and corporate health consulting. As a treating physiotherapist, Laith has extensive experience with musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, postural correction, and the management of complex and chronic pain conditions. He holds masters degrees in Physiotherapy and Pain Management.
OLIVIA HADFIELD
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Olivia is a registered physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle with a keen interest in running, sports performance, women’s health and dance rehabilitation. Olivia has completed additional training in dry needling, back / neck pathology, women’s health, clinical pilates, pre-pointe ballet assessments and a FIFA diploma. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys running, triathlon, spending time at the beach and relaxing with friends and family.
ARIANE MCCORMACK
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons) BCom MHRM CD
Ariane is a physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle who has spent much of her life competing in sports. She has completed numerous marathons and 100km ultra trail races, even representing Canada in the world triathlon championships! As a physiotherapist, Ariane has extensive training, having attained additional qualifications in dry needling and completed advanced courses in lumbar, pelvic, and hip rehabilitation. Ariane is also a level 3 Yoga teacher and has a particular interest in the ageing active person. In her free time, Ariane enjoys a good coffee, running Glenrock trails, and spending time with her family and Border Collie Hobbes.
JASON PONGRACIC
Physiotherapist
MPhty BHealthSci
Jason is an experienced physiotherapist who enjoys working with all types of clients but retains a special interest in sports injuries & back/neck pain. He has completed additional training in shoulder, hip, and knee pathologies, as well as dry needling. Jason prides himself on using the latest evidence but understands the importance of putting patients at the centre of their recovery, emphasising that people “don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. Jason has been a physiotherapist for semi-professional Australian Rules teams and is a high-level athlete himself, having played 100 games in the VFL.
MEKAELA HOCKEY
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Mekaela is a physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle who completed her honours thesis on osteoarthritis of the knee. She has previously worked in a variety of settings, including as a sports trainer, allied health assistant, and as a disability support worker with NDIS clients. Mekaela enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds but especially loves treating seniors. Outside of work, Mekaela enjoys playing touch football, hiking, and bushwalking the beautiful trails in Newcastle and the Central Coast.
JED GRANT
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Jed is a registered Physiotherapist, graduating from the University of Newcastle. Jed gained valuable experience throughout University when working as a Sports Trainer for local football clubs, and was also selected for a 10 week placement at the Newcastle Jets in the final year of his study. Jed enjoys working with a wide range of people and conditions, from sporting and running injuries, to assisting in healthy ageing. In his spare time, Jed enjoys playing football, running, travelling, and camping trips.
ROBYN HUGHES
Physiotherapist
BPhysio
Robyn is an experienced physiotherapist and has been a committed member of the Budgewoi team for 15 years. She has a high standing in the community and has raised her family in the area. Robyn is dedicated to caring for a person as a whole, bringing her expertise in the three pillars of physiotherapy management: manual therapy, exercise prescription and expert advice. She has a keen interest in self empowerment and healthy ageing. Robyn is an avid tennis player and sports fan, and enjoys skiing, walking and swimming. She pursues art as her hobby.
JENNIFER SARTOR
Physiotherapist
BPhysio
Jennifer is an experienced physiotherapist who graduated from Charles Sturt University in Albury. She has experience across the spectrum of healthcare, including private practice and hospitals in NSW, SA, Victoria and Queensland. Jennifer has done further training in dry needling, therapeutic yoga, and pilates, which she incorporates into her treatment. She enjoys working with people of all ages but has a special interest in treating vertigo and vestibular rehabilitation. In her spare time she enjoys rock climbing, trekking, camping and generally enjoying the outdoors to the fullest.
JAI WADWELL
Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons)
Jai is a physiotherapist from the University of Newcastle who enjoys treating a broad spectrum of clients with varying goals and levels of fitness. He is a sports enthusiast and has worked extensively as a sports trainer with local soccer, AFL, and netball teams, but also holds a strong interest in healthy ageing for seniors and all forms of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Jai has also completed further training in dry needling and incorporates this technique into his practise. Outside of work, Jai loves training in brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and spending time with his friends and family.
JUDY SMITH
Physiotherapist
BPhysio
Judy is a physiotherapist with extensive experience in many areas, such as post-operative rehabilitation and general private practice. She has lived and worked on the Central Coast for many years. Judy has a keen interest in caring for the client as a whole person and fosters a positive approach to recovery. She is passionate about assisting older people to live their best lives. Her personal interests include birdwatching, bushwalking, healthy cooking, and gardening”.
CHERYL DOYLE
Administration Manager
Born and bred in Newcastle, Cheryl trained in medical administration and has extensive experience in customer service related positions. Always a friendly face, she is responsible for the administrative technical operations of Peak Physio and for always producing the warm and welcoming environment. Having helped the practice develop since 2014, Cheryl is a familiar encounter to all of our loyal physiotherapy clients.
MICHELLE COE
Reception & Administration
A Maitland local with vast experience in administration and customer service, Michelle looks after reception at our Rutherford clinic. She loves meeting clients from all walks of life and always goes above and beyond to assist. Outside of work, you’ll likely find Michelle refining her swing at one the region’s beautiful golf courses.
MARY-ANNE BRANAGAN
Reception & Administration
Mary-Anne shares reception at our Budgewoi clinic. Recently coming from a medical background, she has vast experience in administration and secretarial work. Always up for a chat, Mary-Anne is more than happy to be of service to our clients. A mother of four adults, she spends her spare time at her newfound obsession, the gym, or spending quiet days with her husband and family.
LISA BERRY
Reception & Administration
Lisa is one of the receptionists at our Budgewoi clinic. She has an extensive background in customer service as well as administration and is always happy to assist in any way she can. Outside of work she is a busy mum, taking her children to sports and other activities. When she has the time, she loves going to Yoga, and spending time at the beach with family and friends.
The Life-Saving Power of Sports: How Different Activities Impact Longevity and Cardiovascular Health
We often hear that regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle. But can the type of physical activity we choose have a direct effect on our lifespan? A fascinating study of over 80,000 British adults sheds light on how specific sports and exercise types are linked to reduced mortality, particularly from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The findings suggest that not all activities are created equal—some sports may significantly prolong life more than others.
Starting a running routine can be an exhilarating journey toward improved fitness, better mental health, and even new social connections. But for many novice runners, the path isn’t without hurdles. One of the most common challenges new runners face is injury. Whether it’s the discomfort of a sore knee, the sharp pain of shin splints, or the relentless ache of Achilles tendinopathy, injuries can derail progress and leave runners frustrated on the sidelines.
Tendon Neuroplastic Training (TNT) introduces the concept of pacing through rhythmic external stimuli, like metronomes, to optimise recovery. But why is this seemingly simple addition so effective?
The answer lies in how our brain coordinates movement. When we experience tendon pain, such as in Achilles tendinopathy, our motor control—the brain’s ability to efficiently guide muscles—becomes disrupted. This not only leads to pain but can also impact our ability to perform everyday movements. TNT addresses these motor control issues by helping to “retrain” the brain using external pacing.
Parkour, the sport of moving fluidly through urban landscapes, is as physically demanding as it is thrilling. But for many athletes, this fast-paced, energy-intensive discipline can take a toll on the body, particularly the knees. The explosive jumps, precision landings, and rapid changes in direction can lead to a frustrating injury known as patella tendinopathy, or jumper’s knee.
This article explores how you can prevent and manage this common overuse injury with smart physiotherapy practices, proper load management, and effective warm-ups. After all, keeping your body strong and healthy is key to mastering parkour and pushing your limits.
Swimmers Shoulder is an umbrella term for shoulder pain incurred from greater training demand, inappropriate load or impaired joint biomechanics during the swim stroke. Pain will typically present in the anterolateral shoulder as a result of impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy or tear, labral injuries or neurological impingement. Each stroke varies in the musculoskeletal demands which can be refined to ensure performance optimisation.
The term hypermobility is one easily conceptualised by the general population, there is increased movement beyond the ‘normal’ joint range of motion. Hypermobility has historically dominated the sphere of gymnastics, dance and acrobatics as advantageous skill acquisition. Outside of acquired hypermobility which is often used for performance gains, there is a spectrum of hypermobility disorders from asymptomatic to symptomatic hereditary syndromes. Across this scale there are varying symptoms which are not consistent across each categorisation. This varied presentation can increase time to diagnosis and often limit clients from receiving the care required.
