Gympie Sports & Spinal, Located 20 Minutes Away From Coles Creek
Gympie Sports & Spinal provides the Highest Quality Patient Care. Gympie Sports & Spinal brings a range of exceptional allied health services to a wider range of the Gympie community.
Gympie Sports & Spinal offers Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Dietetics, Podiartist & Remedial Massage Therapy services. Conveniently located near Kybong, Southside, Kin Kin, Curra, Two Mile, Victory Heights, Pomona, Cooran, Cooloola Cove and Coles Creek.
The Gympie team uses the latest evidence-based treatments to treat various conditions, including shoulder, neck and back pain, sporting injuries, lower limb conditions, women’s health, headaches, work cover incidents, pre-and post-surgical, motor vehicle accidents and more.
Our team will provide you with a comprehensive assessment and treatment from start to finish. Our clinicians will work with YOU to facilitate your complete recovery.
Gympie Sports & Spinal is NDIS registered and accepts Medicare rebates and HICAPS health fund claims. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are also available for payment.
Whether you are looking to recover from an injury or recent surgery or are suffering from general aches and pains, our multi-disciplinary team will help you to get back to doing what you love most!
services & FACILITIES
- On-Site Parking (5 spaces)
- Street Parking
- Gym & Pilates Equipment
- NDIS Registered
- Medicare Rebates
- HICAPS Health Fund Claims

OUR TEAM
Benjamin Frank
Exercise Physiologist
Courtney Bruce
Dietitian
John Paulo Petil
Physiotherapist
Michael Cahanding
Physiotherapist
Corey Phillis
Remedial Massage Therapist
Sarah Mewburn
Podiatrist
Jennifer Aviles
Physiotherapist
Brandon Downie
Exercise Physiologist
Patricia (Abie) Liwaliw
Physiotherapist
Benjamin Frank
Exercise Physiologist
Ben has been involved in the fitness industry for over 10 years as a personal trainer across a wide range of areas including musculoskeletal rehabilitation for acute and chronic conditions, cardiometabolic health and weight loss, strength and conditioning, bodybuilding and group fitness classes. He has completed two bachelor’s degrees in science (majoring in physiology, minoring in psychology) and Exercise and Sport Science and has recently graduated with his Masters degree in Melbourne. Ben is excited to be starting this next chapter of his life in Queensland.
During his university internships, Ben was involved in exercise prescription and delivery for various musculoskeletal, cardiometabolic, neurological, pulmonary, cancer, women’s health and semi-professional athlete populations in hospitals, private practices and a sports academy.
Ben is thankful for having had the privilege of experiencing, managing and overcoming numerous injuries himself (including a traumatic road accident requiring surgery for shoulder complications and numerous arm fractures, as well as lower back and knee injuries), which have not only improved his knowledge and application of rehabilitation on a personal level but have also built resilience and compassion for others experiencing pain and chronic conditions.
Ben has particular interests in musculoskeletal (particularly orthopedic) rehabilitation, cardiometabolic health (including weight loss), strength and conditioning, return to sport in athletes, and the link between mental health, pain and chronic conditions. Ben believes mindset is everything and has a strong focus on building relationships with clients to empower them to achieve sustainable, life-changing results, both physically and mentally.
In his spare time, you’ll find Ben enjoying his daily gym workouts, running, hiking, and other outdoor activities, song writing on guitar and piano, investing in personal development and staying up to date with the latest research to ensure his practice is evidence-based.
Ben is available for exercise physiology consults at our Gympie clinic.
Courtney Bruce
Dietitian
Courtney is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) boasting over 10+ years of experience in the healthcare field, where she has worked extensively in both hospital and community settings. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) in 2011, and since then, she has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their health and nutrition goals.
With a particular focus on chronic disease management, weight loss, weight gain, and supporting individuals with disabilities, Courtney is committed to positively impacting her clients’ lives. She takes pride in fostering a healthy and positive relationship with food for those she works with.
Outside of her professional life, Courtney finds joy in various activities. She relishes spending time at the beach, camping amidst nature’s beauty, savouring meals at restaurants, exploring new destinations during her travels abroad, and cherishing quality moments with her family and friends.
Courtney’s warm and friendly personality ensures clients feel at ease during their sessions. She eagerly looks forward to collaborating with you on your improved health and nutrition journey.
Courtney is available for Dietitian consults at our Gympie clinic.
John Paulo Petil
Physiotherapist
John finished his undergraduate study of Physiotherapy at Our Lady of Fatima University in the Philippines. He initially started practising at one of the top hospitals in his home country, which helped broaden his knowledge of neurologic and muscular cases. After a couple of years, he decided to challenge himself even further by moving to Dubai, where he stayed for five years, developing his craft more around postural and biomechanical issues, especially spinal-related issues.
Over the past eight years of being a Physiotherapist, John always strives to provide quality and evidence-based practice producing satisfactory results for both the patient and provider.
John loves reading books or playing mind-puzzling board games on his off days with a friend. Lately, he also enjoys indoor rock climbing.
John is available for physiotherapy appointments at our Gympie clinic.
Michael Cahanding
Physiotherapist
Mike completed his Physical Therapy degree in 2016 at the Manila Adventist College (Philippines). He has been a registered Physiotherapist since 2017. With over six years of experience, Mike is known for his Myotherapy techniques which help patients with injuries manage pain and improve their range of movement and rehabilitation. His work with musculoskeletal symptoms and sports injuries in younger and middle-aged clients allowed him to treat acute and chronic pains and thousands of joint problems.
He is adept at identifying the cause of trauma and designing a safe, personalised, and effective treatment plan that best addresses each patient’s need and produces results.
Mike is also a very hands-on PT with a reputation for keeping patients motivated and committed to treatment plans in and out of therapy sessions.
On a personal level, Mike is a fur daddy of 2 lovely dogs; as a sporty guy, he loves watching and playing basketball, wants to learn Cricket if given a chance, loves trying new foods, and is a coffee lover.
Michael is available for Physiotherapy appointments at Sports & Spinal Gympie.
Corey Phillis
Remedial Massage Therapist
Corey has Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy and is currently studying for a Diploma in Reflexology to enhance his Remedial Massage toolbelt. Corey is passionate about improving his client’s quality of life through massage therapy. He is always open and willing to deeply investigate patients’ issues and is always looking forward to providing the best treatment for each individual.
Corey understands that everyone is unique and requires special individual care and solution. Corey has special interests in and can assist you with Remedial, Sports, and Swedish Massage.
Corey is available for Remedial Massage appointments at our Gympie clinic.
Sarah Mewburn
Podiatrist
Sarah completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) at Charles Sturt University Albury. In her career, she has worked in all podiatry settings from Private practice in Canberra, Aged care, and the high-risk foot. She prides herself on treating every patient with respect and empathy.
Growing up in a landlocked country Victoria never kept Sarah out of the water; participating in the swim squad, water polo, and an early career as a swimming teacher. Now in Noosa, Sarah is pursuing surfing with the intent of going from beginner to not falling off as much.
Keeping active has sparked Sarah’s interest in musculoskeletal knowledge and injury prevention. During her career, Sarah has gained valuable experience in biomechanical assessment including; Foot Mobilisation, Dry needing, tissue stress theory, and best practice podiatry injury management. She also enjoys treating all aspects of podiatry including; Dermatological skin and nail care, Nail Surgery, and Diabetic foot care.
Sarah is available for Podiatry appointments at our Kawana and Gympie clinics.
Jennifer Aviles
Physiotherapist
Jenn graduated with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She moved to Australia to complete her Masters of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland in 2017. Jenn has worked in private practice, aged care, and community care.
Jenn enjoys working closely with patients to reach their rehabilitation goals. Outside of work,
Jenn enjoys regular gym sessions, being outdoors, and playing sports – previously learning and playing netball and AFL.
Jenn is available for Physiotherapy appointments at our Gympie clinic.
Brandon Downie
Exercise Physiologist
Brandon received his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Griffith University on the gold coast in 2019 and has worked as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist ever since. With over 4+ years of coaching and clinical exercise prescription experience, Brandon specialises in injury and pain rehabilitation; his wealth of knowledge and evidence-based practice have helped improve the lives of so many of his clients.
Brandon passionately believes in the mantra “Connect, Empower, Perform”, three key elements to developing a strong therapeutic alliance. Embodying these elements helps to gain a greater understanding of the person in front of him but also develops trust, and work collaboratively to guide each client along their unique journey to a stronger, healthier and happier life.
In his spare time, you’ll find Brandon doing something physical, either in the gym practising what he preaches, getting out into nature, or practising some form of self-development to learn new skills and challenge himself.
Brandon is available for Exercise Physiology appointments at our Gympie clinic.
Patricia (Abie) Liwaliw
Physiotherapist
Patricia (also known as Abie) graduated from Emilio Aguinaldo College – Manila in the Philippines in 2017 with a degree in Physiotherapy. Abie had the opportunity to dip her toes in different clinical settings as she was able to work in a private hospital, outpatient clinics, community home health, sports program, and telerehabilitation.
Abie has a key interest in handling musculoskeletal and neurological cases and applying the best available evidence-based practices and individualized, thorough assessments. Abie enjoys working with young athletes, functional exercise programs, and pediatric neurological cases.
Abie advocates for movement, and her passion for helping people drives her to seek learning opportunities to provide the best care to her clients.
Outside of work, Abie enjoys a good cup of coffee and a book, running outdoors, hiking, and circuit training.
Abie is available for physiotherapy consults at Gympie Sports & Spinal.
WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF US
Healthy Gingerbread - Dietitian Approved ✅
Healthy Gingerbread - Dietitian Approved ✅
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💙
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💙
Disability Action Week! 👩🦽
Disability Action Week! 👩🦽
Last month Maroochydore Exercise Physiologist, Blair Austin graduated to local celebrity status!
Last month Maroochydore Exercise Physiologist, Blair Austin graduated to local celebrity status!
✨PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2023 ✨
✨PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2023 ✨
National Diabetes Day 🍎
National Diabetes Day 🍎
Our newest clinic, Wynnum Sports & Spinal had it’s signage installed last week and it’s looking the part 💪🏻
Our newest clinic, Wynnum Sports & Spinal had it’s signage installed last week and it’s looking the part 💪🏻
10 BENEFITS OF EXERCISE YOU MAY NOT KNOW✨
10 BENEFITS OF EXERCISE YOU MAY NOT KNOW✨
▫️ 1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelt flour (plus 1/4 cup extra)*
▫️ 1/4 cup maple syrup
▫️ 2 tsp ground ginger
▫️ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
▫️ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▫️ 1/4 tsp bicarb soda
▫️ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▫️ 2 tbsp milk (any type)
Method 🥄
1. Preheat oven to 150C.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bicarb soda.
3. Form a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, maple syrup, and milk then mix to combine.
4. If the mixture is sticky, add the extra 1/4 cup of flour.
5. With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat. Roughly 0.5cm thick.
6. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and lay the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
7. Form a ball with the left-over dough and repeat steps 4-5 for the remaining dough.
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden and then decorate however you wish!
* Can use Gluten Free or Buckwheat flour as an alternative
Makes 18 biscuits: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low fodmap, Vegan
Nutritional information per biscuit: Cal: 86 Fat: 3.5g Carbs: 11.6g Protein: 1.8g
▫️ 1 1/2 cups wholemeal spelt flour (plus 1/4 cup extra)*
▫️ 1/4 cup maple syrup
▫️ 2 tsp ground ginger
▫️ 2 tsp ground cinnamon
▫️ 1/4 tsp ground cloves
▫️ 1/4 tsp bicarb soda
▫️ 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
▫️ 2 tbsp milk (any type)
Method 🥄
1. Preheat oven to 150C.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the 1 1/2 cups flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and bicarb soda.
3. Form a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the oil, maple syrup, and milk then mix to combine.
4. If the mixture is sticky, add the extra 1/4 cup of flour.
5. With a rolling pin, roll the dough flat. Roughly 0.5cm thick.
6. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and lay the biscuits on a lined baking tray.
7. Form a ball with the left-over dough and repeat steps 4-5 for the remaining dough.
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes until golden and then decorate however you wish!
* Can use Gluten Free or Buckwheat flour as an alternative
Makes 18 biscuits: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low fodmap, Vegan
Nutritional information per biscuit: Cal: 86 Fat: 3.5g Carbs: 11.6g Protein: 1.8g
➡️ Swipe to see the men of Sports and Spinal Kawana show the love 💙
“November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month! Men’s mental health in Australia presents some scary statistics, with 1 in 8 men experiencing depression and 7 men committing suicide a day.
Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from mental health issues than those who are active. Exercise can do incredible things for your mental health as it releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain that help improve your mood and mindset.
Exercise is one of the simplest and easiest ways to help improve your mental health, and it can have a long-lasting effect on your overall health too.
However, exercise and movement are only so powerful.
If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s best to talk to a mental health professional. There are many confidential helplines you can reach out to such as Lifeline and Beyond” (@exerciseright_aus).
#sportsandspinal #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #exercisemotivation #alliedhealth #physiotherapy #exercisephysiology
➡️ Swipe to see the men of Sports and Spinal Kawana show the love 💙
“November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month! Men’s mental health in Australia presents some scary statistics, with 1 in 8 men experiencing depression and 7 men committing suicide a day.
Inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from mental health issues than those who are active. Exercise can do incredible things for your mental health as it releases ‘feel-good’ chemicals in your brain that help improve your mood and mindset.
Exercise is one of the simplest and easiest ways to help improve your mental health, and it can have a long-lasting effect on your overall health too.
However, exercise and movement are only so powerful.
If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s best to talk to a mental health professional. There are many confidential helplines you can reach out to such as Lifeline and Beyond” (@exerciseright_aus).
#sportsandspinal #mensmentalhealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #exercisemotivation #alliedhealth #physiotherapy #exercisephysiology
All this week we celebrate Queenslanders with disability and acknowledge the contributions they make to their families, workplaces, and communities.
Sports & Spinal is proud to be able to work with and treat Queenslanders with disability!
All this week we celebrate Queenslanders with disability and acknowledge the contributions they make to their families, workplaces, and communities.
Sports & Spinal is proud to be able to work with and treat Queenslanders with disability!
Blair took part in an interview on ABC radio 🎙discussing ‘bungalow legs’ - a term referring to muscle wastage in the legs as a result of not regularly using stairs🦵It is often experienced by elderly people who move into a single story dwelling. 🏠
Maintaining leg strength is important as we age, to ensure mobility and independence is maintained.🕺 A lack of leg strength can greatly increase the risk of falls and injury.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in the legs, causing difficulty standing up or with general mobility, contact your local Sports & Spinal clinic and see how one of our Exercise Physiologists can help!
Blair took part in an interview on ABC radio 🎙discussing ‘bungalow legs’ - a term referring to muscle wastage in the legs as a result of not regularly using stairs🦵It is often experienced by elderly people who move into a single story dwelling. 🏠
Maintaining leg strength is important as we age, to ensure mobility and independence is maintained.🕺 A lack of leg strength can greatly increase the risk of falls and injury.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing weakness in the legs, causing difficulty standing up or with general mobility, contact your local Sports & Spinal clinic and see how one of our Exercise Physiologists can help!
THE THEME FOR 2023 IS CONNECTION THROUGH CONVERSATION 👯♀️
At Sports and Spinal we offer Women’s Health classes which allows you to connect and relate with other mums and build a supportive community around you 💕
“Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life changing 💥 Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one we know that reaching out and talking about the way you’re feeling can be really hard ‼️It can feel tricky to find the right words. You might be worried about the way the person you’re talking to will react, and there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong 🤦🏼♀️
That’s why this Perinatal Mental Health Week, we want you to know that everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and everyone deserves compassion and support 🙋🏾♀️
Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect.
The PANDA Helpline provides counselling, referral and peer support from parents who have been through similar challenges. When someone calls, they will speak with a counsellor who understands the challenges of being a new or expecting parent. PANDA counsellors and peer workers listen with kindness and compassion, help callers explore support options, and can also provide information about appropriate specialist services” @pandanational
PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 | Mon - Sat 9am — 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
#sportsandspinal #PMHWEEK #pmhweek2023 #activemums
THE THEME FOR 2023 IS CONNECTION THROUGH CONVERSATION 👯♀️
At Sports and Spinal we offer Women’s Health classes which allows you to connect and relate with other mums and build a supportive community around you 💕
“Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life changing 💥 Whether you’re experiencing mental health challenges yourself, or if you’re concerned about a loved one we know that reaching out and talking about the way you’re feeling can be really hard ‼️It can feel tricky to find the right words. You might be worried about the way the person you’re talking to will react, and there’s a lot of fear around getting it wrong 🤦🏼♀️
That’s why this Perinatal Mental Health Week, we want you to know that everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and everyone deserves compassion and support 🙋🏾♀️
Reaching out, truly listening and making a connection is more important than getting the words completely perfect.
The PANDA Helpline provides counselling, referral and peer support from parents who have been through similar challenges. When someone calls, they will speak with a counsellor who understands the challenges of being a new or expecting parent. PANDA counsellors and peer workers listen with kindness and compassion, help callers explore support options, and can also provide information about appropriate specialist services” @pandanational
PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306 | Mon - Sat 9am — 7.30pm AEST/AEDT
#sportsandspinal #PMHWEEK #pmhweek2023 #activemums
It’s time to know your risk and know your response.
1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes with 90% having type 2 diabetes. In many cases, diabetes can be delayed or prevented by implementing healthy habits.
It’s important to know your risk and what to do to support the prevention, early diagnosis ana timely treatment.
The multidisciplinary team at Sports & Spinal can help!
Our exercise physiology and dietitian team can help manage and assist with Diabetes. Get in touch with your local clinic today to learn more 👇
https://www.sportsandspinalphysio.com.au/locations/
It’s time to know your risk and know your response.
1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes with 90% having type 2 diabetes. In many cases, diabetes can be delayed or prevented by implementing healthy habits.
It’s important to know your risk and what to do to support the prevention, early diagnosis ana timely treatment.
The multidisciplinary team at Sports & Spinal can help!
Our exercise physiology and dietitian team can help manage and assist with Diabetes. Get in touch with your local clinic today to learn more 👇
https://www.sportsandspinalphysio.com.au/locations/
Exercise is much more than just building muscles and losing weight! In this video, our Springfield EP Jarrod goes through 10 benefits of exercise you may not know! 😱🏃
Exercise can help:
- Boost your immune system
- improve insulin sensitivity
- reduce risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions
- reduce risk of colon, breast, uterine and lung cancer
- reduce risk of falling
- enhance bone strength
- improve quality of sleep
- reduce pain
- improve combination and decrease risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s
- reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression
Book in with Exercise physiology team today to learn more on how exercise may benefit you!
#sportsandspinalphysio #sportsandspinal #physiotherapy #exercise #exercisephysiology #health #alliedhealthprofessionals #physicaltherapy #healthcare #rehabilitation #rehab
Exercise is much more than just building muscles and losing weight! In this video, our Springfield EP Jarrod goes through 10 benefits of exercise you may not know! 😱🏃
Exercise can help:
- Boost your immune system
- improve insulin sensitivity
- reduce risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions
- reduce risk of colon, breast, uterine and lung cancer
- reduce risk of falling
- enhance bone strength
- improve quality of sleep
- reduce pain
- improve combination and decrease risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s
- reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression
Book in with Exercise physiology team today to learn more on how exercise may benefit you!
#sportsandspinalphysio #sportsandspinal #physiotherapy #exercise #exercisephysiology #health #alliedhealthprofessionals #physicaltherapy #healthcare #rehabilitation #rehab