Our Physiotherapy Staff are all members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and we have special interests in Sports,Pre and Post-Operative and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, with a strong emphasis in ongoing professional education and development.
KRISTIN HAIGH
Principal Physiotherapist & Owner
Kristin is the Principal Physiotherapist of Woollahra Physiotherapy, and has had over 30 years of Clinical and Educational Physiotherapy experience. She has completed her Level 3, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Sports Physiotherapy Course at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, and is committed to ongoing Education and Research. She is a current member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association ,Sports and Musculoskeletal Special Interest Groups. Her dedication for herself, and her staff for continuing education is essential , to ensure best patient care and acknowledging professional development and up -to -date research for creating evidence- based assessments, diagnosis and treatments .
On your first visit to your Physiotherapist, you will be assessed to diagnose your condition with a one hour initial appointment, where you will get information about your condition including the diagnosis , prognosis[what is the likely course of your condition] and a treatment plan . You do not need a referral for this, however often patients are referred from your own General Practitioner / Orthopaedic or Sports Medical Specialist. If necessary, a medical referral , X-rays and ,or necessary scans, are able to be referred for you by your Physiotherapist . A shared medical approach is implemented as necessary .
Kristin’s special interests include Musculoskeletal ,Sports and Orthopaedic conditions .
Her Professional Development and Continuing Education most recently includes :
*Level 3 Sports Physiotherapy Course and Qualification at the Australian Institute of Sport,Canberra.
*2018 Radiology Updates The Stadium , Sydney
* 2018 Dry Needling
*2019 The Musculoskeletal Scientific Research Symposium,
Sydney University, Sydney.
*2019 Running Rehab( Dr Christian Barton,La Trobe Exercise and Sports Rehab.
*2019 Surgical versus Non Surgical Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries (Knee)
*2020 Pilates Reformer Qualification and Clinical DMA Pilates Training .
*2022 Foot and Ankle Physiotherapy Course with Sue Mayes (Physiotherapist for the Australian Ballet)
*2022 Women in Sport Congress WISC 2022(MCG Melbourne )
*2022 The Athletic Hip and Groin Symposium (La Trobe University)
*2023 The Hip Academy with Alison Grimaldi
*2023 The Advanced Lumbar Spine and Pelvis (Sydney
University and Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists, Australian Physiotherapy Association )
2023 June ‘The Dancing Hip’ Sue Mayes [Physiotherapsit Australian Ballet ]
2024 ‘ How I Rehab’ Conference [ Sportsmap Group Melbourne ] Essendon Football Club
Topics included: Achilles Tendon rupture,AC Joint ,Hip Pain ,Recurring Hamstring,Injury Prevention,Athletic Shoulder, Lisfranc,Soleus,Back pain and non Operative ACL Rehabilitation . There were Concussion and Rehab Running workshops.
2024:Women in Sport Congress WISC2024 Sydney
Common presentations to the clinic :
*Spinal conditions[ Back or Neck pain ] such as Mechanical back pain/Strain,Radicular pain[ maybe from a disc or nerve related condition ] or similar type conditions such as ‘ Sciatica’, Sacroiliac Joint pain / Neck , Shoulder , Upper limb pain and Headache .
*Orthopaedic [ Pre and Post-operative Rehabilitation and management ] Spinal , Upper and Lower limb conditions such as Hip , Knee and Foot and ankle , Shoulder Elbow and Wrist . Kristin is very experienced in assessing acute injuries and Pre- operative and Post-operative Orthopaedic Rehabilitation having worked in St Vincent’s Private Hospital for 4 years in Outpatients Orthopaedics , alongside Orthopaedic Surgeons and Sport’s Specialist Doctors . During this time she was involved in Research, including a 3 year Study with Professor Martin Sullivan (Foot and Ankle Surgeon) and his colleagues, on the incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis, following Foot and Ankle surgery. This was published in the ‘Foot and Ankle International’ Journal .
Sports[ recreational and elite ] and Recreational Injuries: Tendon and Joint pain ,Muscle strains and ligament injuries . [ such as Recurrent ankle sprained instability , tendon and muscle injuries, shoulder ,elbow, knee ,ankle, hip pain ].
There is strong evidence to support strength and conditioning and at Woollahra Physiotherapy we place a strong emphasis on Physiotherapy Rehabilitation including dedicated exercise programmes for neuromuscular, strength ,mobility and balance . Each individual patient will be given a plan including hands-on treatments ,with an Exercise Rehabilitation Programme . At Woollahra Physiotherapy ,we have a fully equiped Pilates studio for Rehabilitation exercise.
Kristin spends her leisure time with her family[walking her dogs!] and keeping fit with Pilates, Running on the beach , Cycling & Snow skiing whenever she can!
SAMANTHA SHEARMAN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Samantha is originally from Melbourne, and has now been enjoying the sunny outdoor lifestyle that Sydney brings. She has an extensive background in sport, and grew up competing in both alpine ski racing and rowing. Samantha has channelled her passion for sport to shape her career. She has a First Class Honours in Exercise and Sports Science, along with a Master of Physiotherapy. Samantha is currently undertaking her Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy. Samantha has published research on intermittent cycling performance (Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise 2016) and whiplash associated injuries. She is embarking on further research into running and rheumatoid arthritis. Samantha’s professional journey has encompassed diverse settings, including the Australian Institute of Sport, the Geelong Football Club and Sydney Olympic Football Club. For the past few years she has be immersed in a sports medicine environment. Additionally, Samantha has a keen interest in running, which led her to develop a strength training application available on both iOS and Android platforms. Samantha also has training in clinical Pilates and finds fulfilment in assisting her patients in achieving their optimal well-being.
ALI McGILL
Ali is a musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist, particularly interested in sports injuries and pre- and post-orthopedic rehab. She has completed a Masters in Physiotherapy as well as BSc in Sport and Exercise Science.
Her background in Exercise and Sport Science and experience as a Strength and Conditioning coach means she has a keen interest in assessing and treating acute and overuse sporting injuries. She is also passionate about injuries of the shoulder, hip and knee. Ali continues to further her knowledge as a clinician with Dry Needling, Pilates and Strength & Conditioning training and is dedicated to helping her patients return to the activities they love, whether that be exercise, work or recreation.
When she’s not in the clinic Ali enjoys swimming, playing social sport, travelling and surf lifesaving.
SOPHIE MCGOVERN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Sophie McGovern has worked for many years as a musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist, and also teaches group and private Pilates classes. She has completed a Masters in Physiotherapy from the UK as well as BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. Utilising advanced manual therapy skills, including Dry Needling, Advanced Pilates, Kinesio Taping and Sport Massage, Sophie's main areas of practice are in Back pain, Sciatica and Neck pain including Cervicogenic Headaches. She has also extensive training in the treatment and diagnosis of the Sacroiliac Joint (SI Jt) and Pelvis area.
LOUISE KENNEDY
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Louise has been practicing clinical physiotherapy for more than 30 years. She has a Masters in Sports Physiotherapy (University of Sydney) and is an APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist which recognises her training and expertise in this area. She was principle physiotherapist for Warringah Rugby Club for 10 seasons.
Her experience encompasses a broad range of musculo-skeletal presentations, orthopaedic and inflammatory conditions of both acute and chronic nature.
She also holds a Masters in Public Health (University of Sydney) complementing her strong interest in health promotion, preventative health and staying well and active at all ages.
Her approach of treatment is holistic, and collaborative with both clients and fellow health professionals.
Caroline Zanelli
Caroline is a qualified Pilates instructor and nutritionist. Caroline first fell in love with Pilates in 2016 when she was working as a nutritionist in a clinic with a Pilates studio attached. After a few years of her own practice and development, Caroline completed her Pilates training at Elixr School of Pilates. Since then, Caroline has taught at different physiotherapy clinics, working with clients to assist injury rehab and/or overall fitness. Caroline teaches a combination of studio, mat, and reformer classes, as well as one on ones. Caroline works with her clients to improve posture, strength, balance, flexibility, and body awareness.