Melinda Dennis
B.Physio (UON), Grad. Cert Sports Physio (LTU), Connect Therapy Series Graduate, APAM
Principal Physiotherapist
Owner of Physio Connex Performance Clinic
Mel is the owner and founder of Physio Connex. Like most people who grew up on the Central Coast, Mel shares a huge passion for active living. She has contributed to various sporting communities in the region and is an avid touch football player. She has captained NSW Country, and represented both NSW and Australia.
Since graduating from the University of Newcastle in 2010 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Mel has worked in private practice, post-operative orthopaedics and sport coverage. Following her passion in working with the active and elite, she has also returned to university to study a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy degree. Mel is also a brand new mum – which has created a wonderful and challenging balance in life.
Mel has studied under Dr LJ Lee & is a series graduate in Connect Therapy:
This provides a full body assessment to create an understanding of how different regions and systems of the body are connected. It formulates an effective method to design and implement treatment strategies. For patients with long-term complaints, finding the missing link is incredibly powerful in changing how you manage your injury.
Highlights in Mel’s career include:
- Winning the 2018 Inaugural Women’s State of Origin match
- 2020 NRLW Warriors campaign
- 2017 World Cup – Cook Islands Women’s Rugby League
- Mel is the current physiotherapist for the Australian Jillaroos Rugby League team and works part-time at the NRL Sydney Roosters
No matter what your goals are, Mel is motivated to help you achieve optimum movement and to perform at your best in what matters most to you.
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Or call us: (02) 4314 5183
Scott Howard
B.Physio (Hons), APAM | MClinExPhy(Rehab), ESSAM
Physiotherapist I Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Scott is a dual accredited Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist, providing a broad scope of practice and unique skill set to Physio Connex. Scott graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2012 with a Masters of Exercise Physiology before returning to study and graduating as a Physiotherapist in 2017. Scott has worked primarily in private practice, treating a diverse range of people from junior athletes to the elderly.
With a thirst for knowledge, Scott has sought multiple professional development opportunities, ensuring delivery of evidence-based and up-to-date treatment to his patients. His professional interests are in the lower limb and return to running.
Highlights in Scott’s career includes:
- Covering Gosford Netball Association Juniors and Masters at the NSW State Championships
- Treating referees at the 2020 Trans-Tasman Touch Football Test Series
- Covering Newcastle City AFL teams in the Black Diamond Cup
- Working with weekend warriors to ensure they are able to participate in their chosen sports and leisure time activities
Scott is a Central Coast local who grew up enjoying the beach and the outdoors. He enjoys surfing, playing touch football and long distance running. In his spare time, Scott enjoys sharing his active lifestyle with his daughter and brand new son.
Empowering patients to manage their injury is an important component to Scott’s treatment philosophy. Through education and planned management strategies, Scott endeavours to help every patient achieve their goal.
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Brendan Clark
APAM MACP l B.App.Sc. Physio l M.Hlth.Sc. Sports Physio
Titled Sports Physiotherapist I Watson Headache® Certified Practitioner
Brendan has maintained his passion for optimal care and results for his patients since 1988. This is achieved by thorough assessment and selection of treatment options. Enhanced by experience and an ongoing commitment to professional development. In the last 15 years the focus of his study has been
- Neck, shoulder and headache/migraine issues
- Complex and persistent pain conditions
- Influence of lifestyle factors
The Central Coast provides a great environment for Brendan to continue his love of running, cycling, surfing and paddling and enjoys combining his experience of these activities with his professional knowledge to assist athletes to manage injuries and optimise performance.
Highlights in Brendan’s career includes:
- Sydney Olympics 2000
- 20 years of rugby league experience, local to NSW Cup level
- Titled Sports Physiotherapist from 2003
- Level 3 Watson Headache® Certified Practitioner
- Development of a skilled knowledgeable network of practitioners
For Brendan his motivation is to provide the best possible treatment for all individuals, especially those that are frustrated with complex issues, delivered in a caring and respectful manner.
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Jai Hupton
B.Physio (CSU), APAM
Physiotherapist
Jai has moved back to the Central Coast to commence his career in the community he grew up in. Following his passion to study physiotherapy, he moved to Port Macquarie to attend Charles Sturt University. His face may be familiar, having played sport in the local area since he was five, representing Wyong Rugby League, Central Coast Roosters and Doyalson Touch Football. His current passions are strength training and running – having already completed half and full marathons. He has set his sights on the Gold Coast Marathon in 2023.
Professionally, Jai has had extensive experience in outpatient musculoskeletal clinics for Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Blue Mountains Hospital. This also included rehabilitation exercises classes and group-hydrotherapy. His background as an athlete provides immense insight when approaching his treatment plans and the pathway to return to sport.
Jai brings passion and enthusiasm to Physio Connex. His treatment approach is to focus on using patient strengths and boosting their self-belief to achieve their goals. He believes education is a vital component of treatment and provides his patients the knowledge and tools to not only treat their current impairments, but to give them the best chance of injury prevention in the future.
When not at work, you’ll find Jai playing golf, spectating various sports (usually league or cricket), and like any Coastie – spending time at the beach.
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James Foster
B.Physio (UON), APAM
Physiotherapist
James has grown up on the Central Coast playing a range of different sports which has helped develop his interest in working with athletes and assisting them with their rehabilitation. Requiring a shoulder reconstruction in his teenager years, James experienced first-hand the importance of sport rehabilitation and injury management. James completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle in 2023 and has followed his passion to work in a sports-based practice.
James had the opportunity in 2023 to experience a number of environments including private practice physiotherapy, post-operative surgical patients and community physiotherapy.
James spent every Saturday working on the sidelines for Southern Beaches Rugby Union in the Hunter Rugby Premier competition. Managing injuries as they occur and helping plan their return to the action. His passion for musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy is proven in the opportunities he has created.
Like any Central Coast local, he immersed himself in sport, playing soccer for Kanwal and rugby league for Wyong Roo’s. His current interests are strength training, running, surfing, enjoying time with friends and family and all-round enjoys an active lifestyle. He believes everyone should have an opportunity to access a passionate healthcare team and expert rehab planning to return to doing what they love.
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Nathan Walker
M.ClinExPhy, ESSAM I B.ExSc I B.Sci
Accredited Exercise Physiologist & Strength and Conditioning Coach
Nathan has taken the next step in his career, graduating from Charles Sturt University as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, following a lengthy career as a Gym Manager and Personal Trainer. With over 12 years’ experience, Nathan endeavours to help people understand that exercise can be for everyone and can be tailored to your interests and goals. Moving into a clinical setting, Nathan is passionate about helping those who are suffering from injury or chronic disease and showing them how to build physical and mental resilience through exercise.
Highlights in Nathan’s career include:
- Over 12 years’ experience in the Fitness Industry
- Trained at Hurt Camp with the Search for Hurt Team
Qualifications:
- Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Charles Sturt University 2022)
- Bachelor of Science Majoring in Sport Science (University of Newcastle 2009)
- Certificate 3 & 4 Fitness 2010
- CrossFit Level 1 & 2
Passions:
- Soccer – Nathan has played competitively since he was 8yrs old and love being a part of a team!
- CrossFit – Nathan loves the endless training options and variety it provides.
- Listening to podcasts to further his knowledge on the body, health and fitness.
- Attending Mariners games to support local sport.
- Always active! Walking his dog Macy and playing tennis with family in spare time.
- Promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle – always practising what he preaches to encourage others to do the same.
“I have always enjoyed the science behind exercise and showing people how to use it to better themselves.”
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Natalie Bradshaw
Dip. Remedial Massage (School of Integrated Body Therapy SIBT), ATMS Remedial Massage Therapist.
Remedial Massage Therapist
Natalie has been practicing Remedial Massage since 2019 where she started her career working in a busy multidisciplinary clinic alongside an Osteopath. Natalie is experienced in treating neck and back pain, nerve-related pain, sport injuries and joint-related pain. She is also qualified to deliver pregnancy massage and targeted lymphoedema treatments.
Natalie has qualification to implement myofascial IASTM tools within treatment. This mobilises the soft tissue, promoting tissue remodelling and healthy tissue production.
A bit more about Natalie:
Natalie has lived in Sydney and on the Central Coast. She has a range of interests from weight training in the gym, ocean swims, a good margarita and spending quality time with her son.
Natalie has a passion for learning new skills, prioritising further training and implementing them into her treatments.
Natalie believes your treatment should be as individual as you are.
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Our Physio Connex Support Team
Judy Fletcher
Head of Administration
Amy Gorton
Receptionist
