Blackburn

Troy Sandley

Physiotherapist

Troy, our Practice Co-Director, developed his love for Physiotherapy while 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. Troy is an avid student of physiotherapy and has completed multiple post graduate courses in order to continuously develop and improve himself professionally for the benefit of his clients. In order to achieve great long-term results, Troy incorporates many treatment modalities including manual therapy, dry needling, Clinical Exercise, and individualised rehabilitations 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.

Ellie Gavalas

Physiotherapist

Ellie’s love for physiotherapy was established at a young age. Taking part in a variety of sports including AFL, soccer and running, Ellie truly understands the significance of maintaining your health and wellbeing. Ellie completed her Master of Physiotherapy Practice and a Bachelor of Applied Science at La Trobe University. Ellie’s clinical interests involve treating and preventing a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions including the neck, back and sporting related injuries.

Growing up in a big Greek family, Ellie loves being surrounded by people. With a strong passion for helping and empowering others, she channels her energy into providing the best possible care for each and every client.

Ellie values the importance of living a happy and active life and is an integral player for North Melbourne Kangaroos in the AFLW. In her spare time, Ellie loves to appreciate the simple things in life like a delicious souvlaki and hanging out with her friends and family.

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 return-to-sport for injured athletes, treating issues related to the lower back and neck and make genuinely improving people's quality of life through easy to understand for lifestyle coaching.  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.

Rebecca Chi

Physiotherapist

Bec is passionate about helping and empowering patients through their rehabilitation journey to achieve life-long outcomes. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor degree in Science and a Doctor of Physiotherapy.

Her interest in physiotherapy developed at a young age after sustaining various injuries herself from tennis, netball and swimming. Her passion in rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries was further developed after working for Old Xaverians in the Amateurs, where she managed a broad range of sporting injuries. Bec believes in a combined approach of manual techniques, optimising movement control, strengthening and patient education to achieve the best possible outcome for every patient that walks through the door. Bec is also able to speak Cantonese and Mandarin.

Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, walking her big Doberman dog, travelling, exploring the Melbourne food scene and catching up on NBA or NFL games (Go Warriors/Packers!). 

Simon Holt

Physiotherapist

Simon, our Practice Co-Director, has over 15 years of Physiotherapy experience, having worked in a range of private Physio clinics, major tertiary hospitals and spending 2 years training and working 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 later became 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 through high level functional rehabilitation 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 (they'll get there eventually!) and, most of all, making his beautiful wife Amy and gorgeous daughters Scarlett, Holly and Georgie laugh at his hilarious dad-jokes.

Pete Graver

Physiotherapist

Pete is an energetic and passionate physiotherapist, dedicated to empowering clients to take control of their life. Having studied a Bachelor in Health Sciences and Masters in Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe uni, Pete takes a strength and conditioning approach to rehabilitation, focussing on building strong, stable bodies to recover from injuries and prevent recurrence whilst also utilising a range of manual therapy techniques for effective pain relief.

Pete has a strong background in many areas of health and fitness, including powerlifting, cycling, running, golf, soccer and waterskiing; inevitably, all of these sports resulted in injuries, driving Pete’s desire to become proficient in managing them. With a doctor, nurse and psychology graduate in the family, Pete has a well-rounded appreciation for all aspects of health and wellbeing and incorporates this into his physiotherapy treatment.

In his spare time Pete loves exercising, exploring Melbourne with his mates and wife Emma, cooking wings on the barbie, building some furniture or tinkering with his beloved car. 

Tarun Rajupalem

Physiotherapist

Tarun is a passionate physiotherapist who is interesting in rehabilitation and prevention of injuries. Growing up Tarun was involved in various sports, spurring his interest in exercise and injury rehab.

Tarun completed his bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy at Monash University. After graduating Tarun moved to Hobart to work at Back In Motion Hobart for a number of years, gaining experience in treatment of many musculoskeletal injuries whilst also completing a number of post-graduate courses. Upon return to his home town of Melbourne, we were very lucky to have Tarunchoose to join our team here at Back In Motion Blackburn. Tarun believes in the individualised client centred care focusing on recovery and also prevention of future occurrences of injury.

In his spare time Tarun loves playing cricket, supporting Essendon in the AFL and going to the movies. In his spare time he and his brother write a movie review blog!

David McNeill

Physiotherapist

Once a long-term client at Back In Motion Blackburn, David was inspired to be a physiotherapist after many years spent on the other side of the table (being treated by long time friend Simon). Through a long career running at an elite level – representing Australia at two Olympic Games in the 5k and 10k– David developed a passion for the physiotherapy profession, and now uses his experiences and skills to help others be physically active, to push their limits, and to enjoy the process while staying healthy. And while he has a soft spot for treating runners, David loves working with people from all walks of life and all abilities, and promises he won’t nag you to try running if you don’t like it!

Outside of work he'll still most commonly be found out running, checking out a local cafe or brewery or honing his baking skills in the kitchen!

Mairead Horsfall

Physiotherapist

***CURRENTLY AWAY ON MATERNITY LEAVE***

Hailing from rural NSW, Mairead has channelled enthusiasm for active living into a profession. She takes great care in combining clinical expertise with personal connection to deliver effective and individualised rehabilitation. As a runner herself, she understands how hard it is when injuries or pain hold us back from daily living and personal pursuits. She is often found reading new research in physiotherapy especially in sporting and spinal health. Mairead worked in pharmacy for many years before physiotherapy. She has seen first-hand the benefit of a team approach among health professionals and family to attain the best rehabilitation outcome.

Outside physiotherapy, her hobbies include tinkering with an ancient accordion and teaching people how to pronounce her tricky Irish name (it rhymes with “parade” by the way).

Fiona Bartha

Practice Manager

Many of you will know Fiona's smiling face as she has been the Practice Manager at Back In Motion Blackburn for many years. She takes gerat pride in getting to know as many of our amazing clients as possible and is always happy to help with any questions you may have.

Fi lives with her huaband Bert and goregous son Spencer. She loves to spend her spare time (as if she has any with a busy job and toddler running around the house!) reading, exercising and chasing chickens around the back yard!

Chantelle Spiller-Ball

Client Services

Chantelle joined our admin team after previously being a regular client and witnessing first-hand the benefits that Physiotherapy and Clinical Exercise can provide. A keen runner and horse rider, Chantelle is currently completing a Bachelor of Education degree.

Zoe Picking

Client Services

Zoe first started her journey with Back In Motion Blackburn as a client many years ago where her family are also regular clients. When she started uni and was interested in part time work, BIM Blackburn was the first place she thought of whilst we didn't hesitate in snapping her up in a Client Services role, such is her maturity, bubbly personality and beaming smile which you'll always be greated with upon arrival!

Emily Orr

Client Services

Emily is combining her part time work here at Back In Motion Blackburn with her study as a physiotherpay student at LaTrobe Uni. We're thrilled to have her and you'll find her working on Friday afternoons, Saturday mornings and filling in other shifts as needed. She's always helpful and is no doubt absorbing physio information via osmosis and will certainly hit the ground running when she eventually graduates!

Ailson Weaver

Client Services

Ali joined our Client Servies team after both her and her entire family had been long time loyal clients at Back In Motion Blackburn. Ali describes herself as a lifelong learner, having completed multiple university degrees. We describe her as one of the brightest and bubbliest people you’ll meet who loves to have a chat- about anything but especially her beloved pet chickens!