Who We Are.
LIVELY PHYSIOTHERAPY is a small, high quality Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology clinic. In our endeavour to provide quality health care to patients and referrers we guarantee our Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists are all highly experienced with treating musculoskeletal, sporting, and occupational injuries. Our Physiotherapists have completed or are completing additional university studies to attain post graduate masters degree in musculoskeletal or sporting physiotherapy.
What is and why choose a “Titled Physiotherapist”, Contact Us or Book Online.
Stephanie Vanden-Bergh
Principal Physiotherapist
GradCertMusc, BPhysio, APAM.
Steph graduated with her Bachelors of Physiotherapist in 2010 and her Graduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2021. She enjoys treating a variety of presentations although has a particular interest in children’s musculoskeletal and sporting injuries.
Throughout her career, she has had substantial experience treating all musculoskeletal injuries, especially of the head, neck and jaw.
Since returning from maternity leave, Steph is only working two days a week. A balance she really enjoys, ensuring plenty of time with the kids, patients and the lively crew for uninterrupted lunch, cuppa and chat.
To make an appointment with Stephanie Vanden-Bergh, Contact Us or Book Online.
Samuel Dunn
Principal & Titled Sports Physiotherapist
MSportsPhysio, BPhysio, APAM, SPA
Sam is Titled Sports Physiotherapists. He completed his bachelor’s degree through JCU and later his Post Graduate Certificate then Masters through Latrobe University in 2017.
Sam has over 17 years private practice experience assessing and rehabilitation patients with a variety of injuries including, but not exclusively sport, musculoskeletal, work related injuries, vertigo and post-operative rehabilitation.
His time spent in private practice and completing his Masters has provided the opportunity to work with a variety of sporting teams including the North Queensland Cowboys, Brisbane Broncos, Australian Institute of Sport, Queensland Bulls, South Africa A cricket team, Mackay Cutters, and many more.
Outside of work he enjoys time spent outdoors. Ideally camping, fishing, hiking, hunting with his wife and fam when he can get away from his massive garden.
Thomas Wendt
Senior Exercise Physiologist
As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist Thomas brings over 15 years’ of experience to the musculoskeletal rehabilitation and chronic disease management sector. Alongside his clinical expertise he has gained significant experience in leading and mentoring medium sized teams across the allied health sector, always striving to achieve optimal healthcare outcomes for his patients and the greater community he serves. He is the co-founder of the Mackay Health Practitioner Network which aims to support the delivery of holistic and collaborative healthcare solutions.
Throughout his career he has had a high exposure to injury management and prevention of work-related injuries in the occupational health field. His interest as a clinician lies particularly in helping patients with persistent pain, musculoskeletal injuries and cancer diagnosis to improve their function and quality of life. In addition, he has experience in working with conditions such as general sports injuries, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinsons disease and diabetes.
Thomas has worked closely with local sporting clubs and groups over the years. He is an avid long-distance runner himself and loves supporting runners on their journey, whether they are new to running, managing a current or old injury, or striving for bigger and better goals. His own achievements include the successful completion of ultramarathons up to 100km as well as long distance triathlon events. In his spare time, Thomas leads an active lifestyle and loves spending time with his family, being in touch with nature, traveling and devouring good food.
Sarah Champion
Senior & Titled Physiotherapist
MMusc, BPhysio, SPA
Sarah gained her Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy through Latrobe university in 2022, making her a titled musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. In the clinic, Sarah enjoys treating all musculoskeletal injuries and pain presentations. Having also completed additional training in women’s pelvic floor physiotherapy, she is exceptional at treating women’s musculoskeletal injuries across the lifespan, including injuries or conditions associated with pregnancy and menopause.
She is passionate about patient education, ensuring each patient leaves with a thorough understanding of their presentation and how best to achieve optimal recovery.
Outside of work Sarah enjoys making and eating food. She also likes spending time with family and friends and soaking up the great outdoors.
Andrew Smythe
Senior & Titled Sports Physiotherapist
MSportsPhysio, BPhysio, SPA, APAM, PhD candidate
Andy completed his Masters in Sports Physiotherapy making him a titled Sports Physiotherapist. As such, he has a keen interest in all sports related injuries and post-operative rehabilitation. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to work with the Melbourne City Football Club academy, Hockey Victoria and Australian boxing at the Commonwealth games.
Andy has many years experience in private practice and is able to apply his knowledge to treat non-sporting related injuries such as tendinopathy, painful osteoarthritis, muscular and neuropathic pain.
Andy is also actively involved in research with Monash University. He is in the process of completing his PhD, investigating shoulder rotator cuff related injuries which is also his specialty area.
Having moved here from Melbourne, Andy is enjoying iced long blacks, spending time outdoors and exploring the Mackay region with his wife and daughters. Focused and thoughtful, Andy will get you moving at your best again.
What is and why choose a Titled Physiotherapist?
To become a Physiotherapist, you must complete an under-graduate bachelors, honours or masters Physiotherapy degree. Once completed you enter the health profession as a qualified Physiotherapist. All Physiotherapists are required by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) to complete 100hrs of professional development every 3 years. This is often accomplished by doing online or in-person courses. For example Level 1, 2 or 3 Sports Physiotherapy, Level 1 or 2 spinal etc. Physiotherapists then have the choice as to whether they pursue additional university training to attain a post-graduate Masters degree and become a “Titled Physiotherapist”. Participants need to reach a level of experience before getting accepted into these courses and then be taught and critiqued by some of Australia’s leading Physiotherapists to graduate.
Our Physiotherapists have all either completed, or are in the process of completing their Masters in Sports or Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. It is a grounding process that forces individuals to critique their clinical reasoning and treatment approaches. It is a costly, time-consuming (3-5 years) and stressful process. We are very proud that all of our Physiotherapists have chosen to take this clinical pathway.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, Contact Us or Book Online.