Sports & Spinal Runaway Bay (formally AFIA Physiotherapy) is located on the northern end of the Gold Coast in the heart of Runaway Bay.
Conveniently located near: Biggera Waters, Labrador, Southport, Paradise Point, Arundel and Helensvale.
Runaway Bay Sports & Spinal offers Physiotherapy, Remedial Massage, Women’s Health, Pilates, Exercise Physiology, Dietetics and much more! We also have a fully equipped gym and Pilates studio.
The Sports & Spinal 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.
Sports & Spinal Runaway Bay is NDIS registered and accepts Medicare rebates and HICAPS health fund claims. EFTPOS and credit card facilities are also available for payment. Parking is also available onsite.
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
- Street Parking
- Gym & Pilates Equipment
- NDIS Registered
- Medicare Rebates
- HICAPS Health Fund Claims

OUR TEAM
- Any
- Baringa
- Beenleigh
- Brisbane
- Broadbeach
- Buderim
- Burleigh
- Caloundra
- Chermside
- Coolum
- Fraser Coast
- Gold Coast
- Gympie
- Hervey Bay
- Indooroopilly
- Ipswich
- Kawana
- Logan
- Maroochydore
- Morayfield
- Moreton Bay
- Mt Gravatt
- Nambour
- Noosa
- North Lakes
- Redcliffe
- Robina
- Runaway Bay
- Sippy Downs
- Springfield
- St Lucia
- Sunshine Coast
- Woolloongabba
- Wynnum
Nathan Smarrelli
Physiotherapist
Lucy Taylor
Musculoskeletal & Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Becky Hesketh
Remedial Massage Therapist
Shannon Darlington
Exercise Physiologist
Breeanna Marks
Dietitian
Naomi Gould
Dietitian - Currently on Maternity Leave
Nathan Smarrelli
Physiotherapist
Nathan completed a bachelor of Exercise Science at LaTrobe University in Melbourne before moving to the Gold Coast to complete a Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University. Nathan has an interest in sporting injuries, having worked with various elite level athletes during internships with Stanford University and Carlton AFLW. Nathan is also the current Head Physiotherapist at Surfers Paradise Soccer Club which enables him to assist players with their injury prevention and management.
Nathan also enjoys helping patients experiencing chronic pain return to their valued activities through treatment that focus on the individual as a whole. Nathan’s favourite way to continue learning is through podcasts, reading and professional development courses to ensure patient care utilises up to date and evidence-based information. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys running down by the beach, socialising with friends and keeping up with the NBA.
Nathan is available for physiotherapy consults at Runaway Bay Sports & Spinal.
Lucy Taylor
Musculoskeletal & Women’s Health Physiotherapist
Lucy graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at the University of Queensland, where she also conducted research alongside a world-renowned Physiotherapist. Lucy is passionate about delivering holistic patient-centred care and establishing individualised rehabilitation programs so that you can achieve your goals and return to the things you enjoy in life sooner. Lucy is devoted to continuously expanding her skill set and knowledge so that she can provide superior treatment to every patient.
Lucy can assist with questions and concerns related to pre and post-natal incontinence, pelvic floor muscle strengthening and relaxing, endometriosis, menopause, pelvic pain conditions and other bladder and bowel dysfunctions. She has also completed advanced training in pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, birth choices and pessary fitting. She is very passionate about delivering you the latest research-based treatment and empowering you with the knowledge and exercises to achieve your goals.
Lucy is available for Women’s Health Physiotherapy appointments at our Broadbeach and Runaway Bay clinics.
Becky Hesketh
Remedial Massage Therapist
Becky is a licensed massage therapist and has been practicing massage therapy since the age of 18, after personally discovering the profound benefits of therapeutic touch. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep passion for understanding the intricacies of the human body and exploring various holistic approaches to healing.
She can deliver a diverse range of massage modalities, including Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage, and prenatal massage. Each of these techniques is tailored to meet the unique needs of her clients, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized approach to wellness.
Becky is committed to providing a healing experience that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being, and she looks forward to helping others on their journey toward optimal health.
Please call either Broadbeach or Runaway Bay to book with Becky.
Becky is available for remedial massage appointments at our Broadbeach and Runaway Bay clinics.
Shannon Darlington
Exercise Physiologist
Shannon completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and Graduate Diploma of Exercise Physiology at Griffith University, Gold Coast, in 2015. Since graduating, Shannon has worked in private practice and has experience working with chronic conditions, musculoskeletal injuries, occupational rehabilitation and injury prevention and management.
Shannon has developed a special interest in neuromuscular conditions, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, musculoskeletal injuries, chronic disease management and weight loss.
Shannon also provides Pilates-based rehabilitation for a wide array of chronic conditions and injury rehabilitation.
Shannon provides a tailored exercise program/class targeted to your individual level of strength, fitness, injuries and goals. Shannon loves helping patients achieve their goals, no matter how big or small they are.
Shannon is available for Exercise Physiology appointments at our Runaway Bay clinic.
Breeanna Marks
Dietitian
Breeanna is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who completed her Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at Griffith University on the Gold Coast. She is passionate about providing nutrition advice informed by evidence-based practice and tailored to everyone’s unique needs.
Breeanna embraces diversity and inclusivity in her practice, recognising that no two people are the same and that cultural differences shape how we view health. She believes in following a health at every size approach and is committed to creating a non-judgemental, supportive environment for all clients.
As a generalist dietitian, Breeanna works with a wide range of chronic conditions. Her specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to, weight management, metabolic (bariatric) surgery, diabetes, paediatric nutrition, and sports dietetics.
Breeanna is available for Dietitian appointments at Burleigh, Broadbeach, Runaway Bay and Robina Sports & Spinal.
Naomi Gould
Dietitian - Currently on Maternity Leave
Naomi is currently on maternity leave and will be returning to the clinic in late 2026.
Naomi is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Griffith University. With a strong focus on realistic and sustainable strategies, Naomi is passionate about supporting clients in improving their health for the long term. Practising in a weight-inclusive manner Naomi encourages people from all walks of life to feel welcome and confident in seeking out nutrition care. Naomi understands that each client has different needs and values and provides an individualised approach.
Naomi is a generalist Dietitian and can provide support in a variety of areas including but not limited to Chronic Disease Management, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension, Diabetes, IBS, PCOS, Coeliacs Disease, nutritional deficiencies, mindful eating, and improving energy and sleep.
In her spare time, you can find Naomi getting lost in a book, surfing, or trying out a new restaurant.
Less than a week to go! ⏱️
A new year often comes with new goals, or a few old ones we’d love to revisit. But sometimes, pain, tightness, or not knowing where to start can get in the way.
Our brand new Maroochydore clinic is almost ready to open its doors! 🎉
Happy Holidays from all of us at Sports & Spinal!
Say hello to the Sports & Spinal Maroochydore team 👋
Few careers span 50 years with the same purpose and passion. Linda Bennetts is one of them, and her impact reaches generations of patients and clinicians.
👋 Meet Marina!
Here it is! The Annual @maroochydoresportsandspinal Christmas video.
Our brand new Maroochydore clinic opens on January 12th, but there’s no need to wait! You can secure your appointment today.
➡️ Link in bio to book online
At Sports & Spinal, our team is here to help. From physiotherapy and exercise physiology to dietetics, podiatry, remedial massage and psychology, we support every part of your journey, helping you move confidently, recover safely, and care for your body and mind.
Whatever your goals this year, we’re here to guide you, step by step, toward feeling your best. 🌿
To find your nearest clinic, click the link in our bio!
#NewYearNewYou #MoveBetterFeelBetter #AlliedHealthSupport #RecoveryAndWellbeing #SportsAndSpinal #PhysiotherapyCare
Our experienced team will continue to provide the full range of allied health services, including:
✅Physiotherapy
✅Podiatry
✅Remedial Massage
✅Women`s Health Physiotherapy
✅Exercise Physiology
✅CSM Pilates Classes
✅Dietetics
✅+ MORE
We can’t wait to welcome you to our new space on January 12th, 2026!
➡️ Learn more or book your spot via the link in our bio.
We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and holiday season. 💙
#SportsandSpinal #HappyHolidays #SeasonOfHealth #AlliedHealth #Wellness #FamilyTime #HealthyLiving
In our brand new Maroochydore clinic, opening January 12th, both familiar and new faces are ready to help the community move, recover, and feel their best. With expertise across physiotherapy, podiatry, exercise physiology, women’s health, and more, there’s support for every stage of your health journey.
➡️Book or learn more about the team via the link in our bio
From a chance pivot at university to working with elite athletes, to overcoming serious injury and returning with even deeper empathy, Linda’s journey is defined by resilience, courage, and care.
She has broken barriers in a male-dominated field, led successful practices, and mentored countless physiotherapists, many of whom are still working alongside her today.
We’re proud to celebrate this incredible milestone and honour Linda’s ongoing contribution to the Sports & Spinal team. Her experience, wisdom, and dedication make a difference every day. 💛
Read the full story on our blog, link in bio.
Marina is a physiotherapist with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Australian Catholic University) and a Bachelor of Exercise Science, First-Class Honours (Griffith University). She’s passionate about helping clients move safely while managing injuries or health conditions.
Specialising in musculoskeletal and women’s health physiotherapy, Marina treats pelvic floor dysfunction, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and more. She’s also skilled in pessary fitting and antenatal assessments to support birth choices.
Outside the clinic, Marina loves CrossFit, diving, and running with her energetic Border Collie, and she brings this passion for movement to every client.
Book a General or Women’s Health Physio appointment with Marina at our Broadbeach clinic!
https://auappts.gensolve.com/sports__n__spinal_physiotherapy/clinician/details/marina_melnikoff
#MeetTheTeam #Physiotherapy #WomensHealthPhysio #Broadbeach #SportsAndSpinal #MusculoskeletalPhysio #MovementIsMedicine
This year, the team are taking you to the tropics - enjoy!🌺


