Opening Hours
Mon: 7:30am - 6:00pm | Tues: 7:30am - 6:00pm | Wed: 7:30am - 6:00pm | Thurs: 7:30am - 6:00pm | Fri: 7:30am - 4:30pm | Sat: 8:00am - 1:00pm | Sun: Closed
Find your nearest
Sports and Spinal Physio

SPORTS & SPINAL COOLUM

dietitian services

Coolum

Level 2, Matlow Place19 Birtwill StCoolum Beach QLD 4573

BOOK NOWGET DIRECTIONs

Sports & Spinal Coolum is located on the beautiful Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast, conveniently located near Peregian Beach, Yandina, and Mudjimba.

Accredited Practising Dietitians (APD’s) are experts in food and nutrition. Qualification requires a minimum four-year tertiary degree and certification by Dietitians Australia. Dietitians use evidence-based research and their thorough understanding of human metabolism to help clients navigate their nutrition needs.

With the endless supply of online nutrition information, it can be challenging to determine which diet is best for you. Dietitians offer individualised advice and can help translate the latest evidence into practical steps to guide you in the right direction toward better health.

Dietetic consultations focus on practical, evidence-informed strategies tailored to individual health goals, lifestyle demands and medical considerations. Support may include nutrition for recovery, metabolic health, digestive concerns or performance optimisation.

Sports & Spinal Coolum is NDIS registered and accepts Medicare rebates and HICAPS health fund claims. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are also available for payment. 

Dietetics integrates seamlessly with physiotherapy and exercise physiology where a coordinated approach is beneficial.

HOW WE CAN HELP

 Introduction & Goal Setting
The first session is designed to learn more about you, your lifestyle, and what you want to achieve. Our dietitians will work with you to set clear, measurable goals to help determine the best possible treatment plan to get results.

Education
Our dietitians will give you the knowledge and understanding to take charge of your health. They can explain the link between dietary patterns and health outcomes and allow you the confidence to make changes now and in the future.

Plan
At the end of the consult, you will receive specific dietary strategies to help get you started toward your goal. Recommended time frames for reviews vary between fortnightly and monthly consults. A minimum of 2-3 review consults are often required to ensure you receive the opportunity to explore any challenges and adjust the plan as needed. Our dietitians strive to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout your journey.

Are you stuck in the ‘dieting cycle’? Are you constantly switching between phases of weight gain, weight loss, and simply getting nowhere?
Our dietitians take the time to understand your situation – your goals, lifestyle, social and medical history to tailor advice to suit you. Our dietitians can help you to develop the knowledge and skills to improve your relationship with food, achieve a balanced lifestyle and empower you with the confidence to be your best, healthiest self.

Dietitians can provide education on the role of nutrition in managing diabetes and blood glucose levels. We take a holistic approach, taking into consideration different medications, physical activity, and lifestyle choices to provide you with the best treatment plan for your situation.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) refers to a collection of symptoms including diarrhoea and/or constipation as well as accompanying symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. The cause of IBS is not really known, but a number of factors appear to worsen symptoms. These can include some of the foods we eat, stress or an infection.

Whether you have a diagnosed food allergy or suspected food intolerance such as IBS, you may need to reduce or eliminate certain foods from your diet. Food intolerances can be particularly debilitating as the exact cause is often unclear and can often lead to overly restricted diets in fear of experiencing a flare-up. If you suspect you may have a food intolerance, a dietitian will conduct a detailed assessment of your medical history, diet and lifestyle to determine the likely cause of your symptoms. You will then be provided with the knowledge and personalised resources to confidently manage your health independently.

Diet plays a big role in managing IBS as we can modify the diet to identify any “trigger” foods that may make IBS symptoms worse. This process is called the FODMAP diet. Our dietitians have a particular interest in the FODMAP diet and would love to help you to minimise your IBS symptoms to limit the impact they are having on your life! We also ensure that you are eating a healthy variety of foods and not missing out on any important nutrients.

The presence of 3 or more metabolic risk factors increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Risk factors include high cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood glucose and high blood pressure. While certain conditions are inherited, diet and lifestyle plays are major role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis are characterised by intermittent flare-ups of abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhoea. Over time, this can result in nutrient deficiencies as inflammation can block the absorption of essential nutrients in the intestine. While the cause of these conditions is still not well understood, dietitians can provide the latest evidence-based strategies to manage your flare-ups and support you in maintaining a healthy balanced diet.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your meat intake or go completely vegan, dietitians can help you navigate the expanding world of meat and dairy alternatives to ensure you are receiving the necessary nutrients on a plant-based diet.

If you or someone you love is experiencing an eating disorder, you can understand just how isolating and overwhelming it can be to live with this condition as it impacts many areas of a person’s life. Eating disorders are a complex mental illness but with the right treatment and support, full recovery is possible. Our dietitians can support you no matter what stage you are on your journey, whether you’re looking to learn more about your condition, explore your food fears and anxieties or are ready to set actionable goals toward regular eating.
Disordered eating on any level can often go unnoticed and be accepted as a normal part of today’s ‘diet culture’. There’s a common misconception that to have an eating disorder, you have to be extremely underweight, which is absolutely not true. Disordered eating can be present regardless of body shape, size, age or gender. If you ever experience a loss of control around food, engage in secretive or binge eating or struggle with poor body image, a dietitian can help you understand how these behaviours develop and work with you to build your confidence and improve your relationship with food.

Bariatric surgery is an effective tool to promote weight loss by reducing the size of your stomach capacity. It is essential that you receive the support of an experienced bariatric dietitian during your pre and post-surgery journey to ensure you are able to meet nutrient requirements. Our dietitians understand the different challenges you may face along the way and can help you to develop sustainable healthy eating habits long term.

Sports Dietitians provide individualised advice for athletes with various training intensities. Whether you’re looking to change body composition, run your first 10km or compete at a high-level sport, proper nutrition is an essential part of optimal performance. Sports Dietitians can provide advice on pre and post comp nutrition and recovery, hydration, supplementation and develop personalised meal plans.

OUR TEAM

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Anja Gombeaud

Dietitian

Anja is available for Dietitian appointments at our Buderim, Coolum, Maroochydore and Sippy Downs clinics.

Candice Bennet

Dietitian - Weight Management, Chronic Disease Gastrointestinal Health

Candice is currently on maternity leave and will return to the clinic in late 2026.

Candice is passionate about supporting her clients along their journey to reaching optimal health through food and nutrition. Shortly after graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast, she chose to start her dietetic career in private practice as she enjoys working closely alongside her clients and seeing the wonderful impact healthy lifestyle changes can make. Candice is committed to empowering and building her client’s confidence in making lifelong changes by providing personalised nutrition education and setting realistic goals.

She welcomes all types of clients and has a special interest in weight management, chronic disease management, and gastrointestinal health.

In her spare time, you can find Candice at the beach, trying new restaurants, or catching up with friends.

Candice is available for Dietitian appointments at our Buderim, Coolum, Maroochydore & Sippy Downs clinics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Upon making your initial appointment, you will receive an email including a 3x day food diary. This will be helpful information for your dietitian if completed ahead of time, along with any recent blood test results or relevant medical procedures. If applicable, our admin team may require your private healthcare card or GP referral.

This will vary depending on your goals and the level of support you would like. A minimum of 2-3x review consults are recommended to cover the necessary education and tailoring of treatment plans. Certain conditions, such as IBS management and body composition goals, often require longer-term support.

Initial consults are 45 minutes to 1 hour; review consults are 30 minutes.

A meal plan is like receiving the answers to a test; it may be helpful in the short-term but doesn’t teach you how to maintain healthy eating behaviours for life. Personalised meal plans may be combined with nutrition education to help you understand the ‘why’ behind recommended food choices.

You can select a telehealth appointment on the online booking or request telehealth with our admin team. You will receive an email with instruction and link to video call. Our dietitian will provide a consult summary and any additional information via email.

You’re welcome to contact your dietitian via email with any questions.

Depending on your cover, you may be eligible for a rebate.

In Australia, nutritionists aren’t regulated and may have limited qualifications. Dietitians require a minimum of 4 years of tertiary study at an Australian university and are credentialed by the governing body Dietitian’s Australia. Dietitians must continue training and education throughout their careers to maintain APD status.

services & FACILITIES

  • On-Site Parking (5 spaces)
  • Street Parking
  • Gym & Pilates Equipment
  • NDIS Registered
  • Medicare Rebates
  • HICAPS Health Fund Claims

What Coolum Patients Say

Metal Bones
★★★★★

Finding a medical clinic that is genuinely helpful has been a real challenge for me personally, as I deal with chronic back pain from an injury and chronic migraines. The friendly reception staff make you feel so welcome every single time – it truly doesn’t go unnoticed. Leah is an incredible massage therapist who has helped me so much with my neck pain, back pain, and migraines. Kate, the physiotherapist, has also been amazing in supporting my recovery with stretches, massage, and acupuncture. It has taken me over a year to find someone worth seeing, and I only wish I had started going sooner. I can’t recommend COOLUM Sports & Spinal enough! Friendly, professional, and they actually help you!! Thank you – Cassandra.

Reviewer photo

Kevin Day
★★★★★

Kate was phenomenal!!! I incurred a groin injury during an ice hockey game, and was worried that my season was n jeopardy. Turns out it was a significant tear. But thanks to Kate’s treatment plan, positivity and hands on approach, I made a full recovery faster than my expectations!! Can’t thank her enough, or more highly recommend her as a physio!

Grus Farley
★★★★★

What a wonderful place to heal! The staff not only excel at their professions but are friendly and welcoming as well.

After suffering knee and lower back pain for a long time it was relieved enormously after treatment from Physiotherapist Louise and a new approach in the gym designed by Sophie the Exercise Physiologist.

I have also improved my health and well being by seeing Candice the Dietitian and feel so much better for it! Not only have I lost weight but my blood pressure is down as is my cholesterol thanks to an ever evolving plan and oversight with regular appointments.

I recommend Sports and Spinal Coolum to everyone!

Ross Chard (Chico De La Casa)
★★★★★

Comprehensive, personable & truly professional

brendsn heaney
★★★★★

One of the first times I’ve ever come out of a medical establishment feeling genuinely improved, it is unfortunate Dr. Rod is retiring, many sore bodys will miss his healing hands

Lou _
★★★★★

The Coolum Admin team are second to none! such a wonderful group of ladies and very helpful! I can’t fault the clinical advice I recieved. Koren put me on the right track and gave me the tools to make a great recovery.

peter barnett
★★★★★

I found a physio Kate who was recommended to help me from bilateral knee surgery. Kate was great, she listened and encouraged a very determined patient get my mobility back and get back to work. Thankyou very much Kate, your professionalism, your work out programs and settle and frank assessments were very appreciated. I highly recommend anyone to give Coolum Sports & Spinal a call.
Thanks everyone Thanks Kate Well Done.

Sean Sommer
★★★★★

I have going to Sports & Spinal Coolum for approximately 7 years. I was a broken down shell of a man with multiple physical & psychological issues. Sports & Spinal Coolum in particular Ms Louise Meek has played a huge role in getting me back to being healthy & having a great quality of life again.

From our perspective your goals are always in sight. 

Personalised care, expert guidance, and support tailored just for you. 

#sportsandspinal #rehabjourney #physiotherapy #exercisephysiology #wellness

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Meet Montana 👋

Montana completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at James Cook University in her hometown of Townsville before moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2019. Driven by a passion for enhancing movement and achieving goals, she believes every individual requires a unique and holistic approach to ensure successful outcomes.

Montana has a clinical interest in complex presentations, persistent pain, and lower limb rehabilitation. With specialised training in chronic pain management, she delivers evidence-based treatment and equips her patients with the tools to improve function and wellbeing.

Outside of work, Montana enjoys an active lifestyle, from hiking and gym sessions to hitting the beach and attempting to master surfing 🏄‍♀️

#SportsandSpinal #Physiotherapy #SunshineCoast #AlliedHealth #ChronicPainManagement #LowerLimbRehab #ExerciseRehabilitation #MeetTheTeam

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It’s Patient Experience Week 💙

We’re taking a moment to celebrate the brilliant care and dedication our team delivers every day, making a real difference for our patients.

#sportsandspinal #patientexperienceweek #healthcareexcellence #teamwork #wellbeing

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At Sports & Spinal, our purpose is to inspire, engage and empower everyone on their journey of health and wellbeing - including advocating for fair and equitable access to healthcare.

Exercise physiology is a recognised and essential part of Australia’s health system, supported through Medicare, DVA, the NDIS and private health funds. Yet it is still subject to GST. This means people managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity and mental health challenges are paying extra for care that helps them live better, healthier lives.

We don’t think that’s right, which is why we’re supporting Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) in their campaign to remove GST from exercise physiology services.

Our team are calling on our community to support @essa_au's petition to reach 50,000 signatures.

Sign via the link in our bio and share this message to help spread the word. Together, we can help #axethetax on health services and improve access for all Australians!

#ESSA #ExercisePhysiology #Petition #EquitableHealthcare

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Big changes are coming to@sportsandspinalcaloundra ! 🛠️✨

The team are currently hard at work behind the scenes, giving our Caloundra clinic a major makeover. We can’t wait to unveil a brand-new gym space, a dedicated Pilates zone, and additional consult rooms designed specifically to support your health journey.

We are set to open our doors to the new-look space in May! Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the reveal.

#SportsAndSpinal #Caloundra #ClinicUpgrade #Physio #Pilates #ComingSoon

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Today, we honour the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all veterans.

 We are grateful for the privilege of treating those who have served our nation.

Lest we forget 🥀

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