Back In MotionBlackburn, VIC

Sonali Abeywickrema

Physiotherapist

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Sonali has spent a number of years working in the private practice field, helping clients reduce their pain and prevent recurrence of their injuries, with a focus on independent home strategies and rehabilitation. Her treatment philosophy focusses very much on active rehabilitation and strengthening and, with an incredible eye for picking up any deficits in motor control, often utilises a wide array of Clinical Pilates and general strengthening exercise to get people back to their highest possible level of function.

Outside of work, Sonali is an avid reader of books and watcher of the latest Ted Talk. She’ll often be found at a café with friends and if she not discussing politics she’ll be talking about the latest Dan Pink, Jim Collins or Robert Cialdini You Tube clip.

Troy Sandley

Physiotherapist

Troy’s love for Physiotherapy was inevitable, growing up in a household of healthcare professionals. Prior to his Physiotherapy endeavours, he lived in the U.S.A. playing College basketball in Colorado, where he was plagued by a string of injuries, further developing his passion for the profession. He is focused on the holistic health and well-being of others, particularly those presenting with sporting injuries and general orthopaedic conditions. In order to achieve great long-term results, Troy incorporates many treatment modalities including manual therapy, dry needling, Pilates, and individualised exercise programs.

He still picks up the basketball from time-to-time as a hobby, goes to the gym, and enjoys any chance to get away to the beach with his friends and family. However, having a Chiropractic father sets the scene for plenty of dinner table banter.

Alvin Lim

Physiotherapist

Alvin has been with us at Back In Motion Blackburn since 2011, having just returned from 12 months travelling the world and we (and Alvin’s clients) are so glad to have him back. Alvin has a real passion for Physiotherapy and all things related to health and wellness. Of particular interest is body strength and conditioning and, with Alvin competing personally in national level power lifting, he likes to apply these skills to develop tailored training and rehab programs for clients both post injury and for fitness. Alvin has also completed advanced dry needling training which he regularly applies clinically to treat a range of pain and function related disorders.

Outside of work, Alvin can often be found at the gym or closely monitoring his calorie and carbohydrate intake in preparation for this next event. This, however, doesn't mean that you won’t at times find him in the Pancake Paler satisfying his late night cravings!

Matt Pallozzi

Physiotherapist

Matt has always had a passion for physiotherapy. Growing up as an active kid, Matt played a lot of sport and had sporadic injuries along the way. Regularly seeing physiotherapists sparked a keen interest and he has pursued this dream ever since.
Matt completed a Bachelor of Health Science with a Major in Anatomy and Physiology before completing a Master of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University. Matt joins the team after working in public health and orthopedics for several years and brings a very holistic approach to physiotherapy. Health care runs in Matt's family, with relatives working as Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists and counsellors.
Matt is a strong believer in exercise based therapy and has a keen interest in Pilates and has personally experienced positive change after practicing Pilates. Outside of work, Matt plays football for Old Carey Football Club in the Premier Amateur division. He recently completed his first triathlon and has ambitions to complete his first marathon. Matt also enjoys Sunday morning breakfast with a preference for a strong latte!

Ben Kirk

Physiotherapist

Ben has a passion for anything active and is always moving, which naturally drove him to pursue a career in physiotherapy- helping others achieve the same!

Ben moved from sunny northern NSW to study at Monash University, graduating in 2011.

Initially working in public health and aged care, Ben has built a broad health knowledge base with extensive experience in orthopaedic, neurological and a multitude of other various fields of physiotherapy before making the transition into private practice and joining us here at Back In Motion Blackburn.

Ben has a keen interest in sporting injuries, tendon and spinal injuries. With an emphasis on biomechanics complemented with Clinical Pilates, manual therapy and dry needling, Ben aims to get his patient's well and stay well!

When not working you’ll find him at the running track, (a keen sprinter, you’ll find him competing at Stawell each year), trying to get catch a wave or if it’s too cold, heading up to the snow (Ben’s a certified snowboard instructor!) or practicing Yoga when he can fit it in! 

Tom Freeman

Physiotherapist

Tom joined our team in 2017 after gaining valuable experience in the Epworth health care system. Growing up in country Victoria, a passion for rehabilitation was sparked at a young age through various sporting injuries and the frustration that these brought. This naturally lead to Tom pursuing a career in physiotherapy and completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Masters of Physiotherapy practise.

Collaborating with people to not only return to pre-injury levels but excel beyond forms the foundation of Tom’s care. Hailing from a family full of teachers Tom values the importance of education, allowing individuals to understand the rehabilitation process. In his experience this educational approach in line with manual therapy and other treatment modalities leads to long lasting benefits.

In his spare time Tom enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially his partner Grace, travelling and playing football for the Seymour Football Netball club. Tom also undertakes the occasional eating challenge, once finishing 1kg of steak and 1kg of chips and veggies in less than 30 minutes!

Andrew Farrelly

Physiotherapist

Andrew is passionate about all things health, sport and fitness which led him down the path of becoming a physiotherapist. Andrew joined our team after previously gaining experience through the Austin Health system and working in conjunction with a number of Melbourne-based soccer clubs. He has completed a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree through The University of Melbourne, giving him a strong background in exercise rehabilitation, injury management and health coaching. His particular areas of interest are sporting injuries and accelerating the return-to-sport for injured athletes, as well as treating issues related to the lower back and neck.  Having previously sustained a serious knee injury himself, Andrew understands the challenges faced during the rehab process and is passionate about making this process the least stressful and most rewarding possible.

Andrew takes an approach to physiotherapy that empowers people to make positive changes in their life, helping them to manage their symptoms or condition through expert advice and caring guidance. He is strongly driven to ensure that everyone who walks in the door will leave with their concerns thoroughly addressed and the best possible treatment delivered.

In his spare time Andrew also works as a physiotherapist for a soccer club in the National Premier League, enjoys going to the gym and staying active and exploring Melbourne’s cafe and craft brewery scene.

Simon Holt

Physiotherapist

Simon, our Practice Director, has extensive Physiotherapy experience, having worked in a range of private Physio clinics, major tertiary hospitals and spending 2 years working and training in the UK. He moved back to Melbourne from London in 2008 to take up his position as Principal Physiotherapist at Back In Motion Blackburn and has since become the Practice Director. Whilst developing a broad skill set during his time as a Physiotherapist, Simon has gained particular interest in the treatment of running injuries along with the management of neck and lower back pain. His 'Physio Philosophy' focuses on empowering each patient to understand and gain long-term resolution of their symptoms whilst also using a range of effective manual techniques to help relieve pain.

When not working, Simon enjoys training for his next marathon, going to the football to watch the mighty Blues and, most of all, making his beautiful wife Amy and gorgeous daughters Scarlett and Holly laugh at his hilarious jokes.

Fiona Bartha

Practice Manager

Fiona joined the Back In Motion team as Practice Manager in Feburary 2014 after gaining experience in both multi-disciplinary and specialist practices for the prior 6 years. She has completed Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical), is currently studying accounting and always looking to further develop herself professionally. Fi loves building realtionships with out clients and is always up for a chat. She really enjoys seeing the progress from when clients first visit the clinic to discharge and witnessing the positive impact Physiotherapy has on their wellbeing.

When she is not working, Fi likes to stay active at the gym and on outdoor adventures with her husband Bert and two fur babies Charlie and Winston, working on their home in the Yarra Valley, seeing live music, a good scotch, a good book and creating something delicious in the kitchen.

Di Daniele

Receptionist

Di is our always bright and bubbly receptionist who’s married with 2 young boys and 1 older one (her husband!) who keep her very busy. Di is also a qualified kindergarten teacher and in the past has spent 8 years working with 3-5 year olds which she loved. Di has a certificate 3 in Business (Office Admin) and has 11 years’ experience in both GP and Specialist Services.

Di joined our team in 2013 and thoroughly her role, especially working with the relaxed and supportive staff and wonderful friendly clients.

Nicole Battye

Receptionist

Nicole joined our team on a part time basis in June 2011 after being on maternity leave for 12 months with her beautiful first child, Ava. Nicole has since had another gorgeous little girl, Macy. Prior to becoming a mother Nicole worked in the insurance industry for several years.
When she's not working Nicole enjoys spending time with Ava and Macy, her husband Anthony and friends and family. Nicole also enjoys walking, watching AFL (preferably her beloved Magpies- don't hold it against her), travelling and reading.

Lewis Ferguson

Receptionist

Lewis is currently in his final year of studying physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. He is pursuing Physiotherapy as a career path as he has always been interested in the human body, enjoys helping people and really likes the interaction that comes with the job. Prior to commencing his physiotherapy Degree,  Lewis completed a double degree in Exercise and Sport Science/Business (Sport Management).

Previous experience as a receptionist at a sport centre and working in customer service for over 8 years reflects his enjoyment in engaging with people. Lewis is sure to always greet you with a smile and is happy to have a chat about anything... just go easy on the Tigers if they aren't doing well in the footy!

Outside of uni Lewis enjoys all things sport; playing cricket in the summer, working with a footy club in the winter and always watching some sort of sport on TV. He’s a regular at the gym and loves going for walks with his border collie, Eevee.