Physiotherapy Ballarat

Peta Johnston available Tues/Thur to 7pm and select Saturday Mornings. Shalin Patel available Tues/Thur to 7pm

Physiotherapy

The independent physiotherapists are experts in Musculoskeletal, Sports and Orthopaedic care.

You do not need a referral to access a physiotherapist. The Physiotherapists work collaboratively with other allied health practitioners and surgeons to achieve high quality and efficient results for clients.

Physiotherapists assess acute injuries and have a clear understanding of what is required to avoid surgery or what to do before and after surgery.

Treatment methods and services provided can include (but are not limited to):

Sporting injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries
Workplace injuries
Ligament injuries
Muscular injuries
Tendon injuries
Bone injuries
Joint injuries

We treat conditions in all areas of the body.

Treatments and services available from Physiotherapists include:

Acute injury assessment
Exercise prescription
Rehabilitation programs
Strength and conditioning
Massage
Mobilisation and manipulation techniques
Spinal manipulation
Dry needling
Cupping
Taping
Telehealth

Hydrotherapy
Muscle STIMS, TENS
Shockwave
Pre-operative planning
Gait aid prescription
Brace fitting
Athlete screening
Biochemical assessment
Athlete testing
Injury prevention programs
ACL rehabilitation and return to sport testing

You can read about our treatment options below.

Physiotherapy Resources

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) is the peak body representing the interests of Australian physiotherapists and their patients. The APA is committed to professional excellence and career success for physiotherapists, which translates into better patient outcomes and improved health conditions for all Australians. The APA has an excellent online resource that covers all areas of the body, injury types and frequently asked questions. ACCESS HERE

Useful Information

Luke Blunden

APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist, Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. B Physio, M Sports, MACP.

Luke Blunden is a highly qualified and experienced Physiotherapist.

He comes to us with a long history of working in both private practice and at the Ballarat Base Hospital, where he has worked closely with our orthopaedic surgeons for many years in senior orthopaedic and advanced musculoskeletal roles. He brings a clear sense of what is needed both pre- and post-operatively to get the best outcome from your surgery, or to do what may be needed to avoid surgery where possible.

He also has a strong sporting background. He has been an athlete himself and completed additional qualifications as a Master of Sports Physiotherapy, during which he worked at the Australian Institute of Sport and the Western Bulldogs. He is an accredited Athletics Coach and a level 1 strength and conditioning coach. Luke has been a key treating Physiotherapist for Australian Olympic Gold medallist Jared Tallent and many other elite Australian and international athletes. He has gained the advanced status of APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist, a title that requires many years of extra study and work in the sporting field.

Peta Johnston

Physiotherapist, B Physio, Member Australian Physiotherapy Association

Peta Johnston is a highly skilled PhD qualified Physiotherapist

Peta graduated from the Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours at La Trobe University in 2006. Since graduating she has worked clinically as a physiotherapist throughout western Victoria. In 2023 she completed her PhD into outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery. Peta is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and strives to apply evidence-based practice to help improve movement patterns and functional performance and real life outcomes for her clients.

Simon Lewis

Prof Cert Pain Sciences, Physiotherapist, B Physio (Hons), B Health & Physical Education

Simon Lewis is an experienced Physiotherapist with an interest in pain and aging well

Simon has been helping people with their health and fitness for over 15 years. He holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy Honours and a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. Recently, he upskilled his care of complex and persisting pain by completing a Professional Certificate in Pain Sciences as part of a scholarship from Pain Revolution. He has worked as a personal trainer, teacher, and physiotherapist across multiple sites in Ballarat, Melbourne, and the Grampians region.

Treating the whole person is a core value of Simon’s and this is reflected in the coaching approach that he uses. His passion lies in helping people not only recover from injury but to thrive and enjoy full active lives. Simon has a particular interest in helping people age well and maintain their function long into their twilight years. This includes using exercise and education to reduce or delay common conditions of aging such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Shalin Patel

APA Musculoskeletal, Sport & Exercise Physiotherapist, B Physio, M Manual & Sport Physio.

Shalin has extensive experience of 17 years in musculoskeletal private practice physiotherapy.

Shalin has previously worked with various organisations providing care for general musculoskeletal ailments, occupational health and work-related injuries, post-operative rehabilitation but equally enjoys the challenge of rehabilitation of high-performance & sporting individuals.

Shalin is also involved in regular supervision of physiotherapy students and mentoring of graduate physiotherapists. He is a regular course presenter for Australian Physiotherapy Association, presenting Spinal Physiotherapy courses. Shalin has special interest in musculoskeletal conditions including persistent pain and complex spinal issues. Shalin delivers high value care with his wealth of knowledge and experience in diagnostic skills. Patients will receive tailored treatment plans based on specific needs, backed with up-to-date scientific evidence.

Lexie Carter

Physiotherapist, B Physio

Lexie is a physiotherapist with an interest in post-surgical management and sporting injuries

Lexie was inspired to become a physiotherapist following her own sporting injuries. Throughout her studies she gained hands-on experience as a sports trainer for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and completed various clinical placements at hospitals and practices across Victoria including at Ballarat Sports Medicine.

She graduated from Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2024 and is a current member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Lexie has a particular interest in post-surgical management, sporting injuries and all things musculoskeletal.

Lexie originates from the western district of Victoria and her passion as a physiotherapist is helping people return to the things they love most after an injury, maximising their overall health and wellbeing.