Training and Qualifications

Daniel holds a degree in Exercise & Sport Science from the University of Western Sydney and a Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney.

His additional training includes:

• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilisation (DNS) Clinical Course A / Level 1
• DNS Integrative Assessment and Manual Therapy — Robert Lardner & Hans Lindgren
• Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Level 1 & Level 2
• PD Warrior
• Olympic Weightlifting Level 1 — AWF Club Weightlifting / Sports Power Coach Level 1

Areas of Interest

I've always been most interested in the more complex end of musculoskeletal health — persistent or recurring pain, movement problems that don't have an obvious answer, and understanding why someone isn't able to do what they want to do. Over time that interest has broadened into the bigger picture of health: how strength, movement, exercise, lifestyle and someone's overall physical capacity all interact, rather than looking at pain or injury in isolation. That way of thinking has become a big part of how we've tried to build Movement Therapy — helping people not just get out of pain, but get stronger and healthier over the long run.

Why Did You Want to Become an Allied Health Professional?

I definitely wasn't one of those people who knew from school that they wanted to be a physio. I actually started an electrical apprenticeship, realised pretty quickly it wasn't for me, and then chose Sport and Exercise Science because, at the time, they were basically three words I liked. Somewhere through that degree I became fascinated by how adaptable the human body is and how much movement, exercise and lifestyle can change someone's health. I was learning about chronic disease at the same time and couldn't quite believe how much of it could potentially be prevented or improved through relatively simple things like movement and exercise. That was really the seed for Movement Therapy. I went into Physiotherapy because I wanted to understand pain, injury and the musculoskeletal side much more deeply. Over time the idea became bigger than simply treating injuries — what still drives me is helping people use movement to improve what they can do, their health and ultimately their life.

Why Do People Usually See You?

My role at Movement Therapy has changed quite a bit and I'm not currently seeing patients directly. Most of my time now is spent supporting our therapists and the business as a whole. I'm still very involved clinically — mentoring, education, working through difficult cases with the team, helping guide treatment when it's needed, and continually trying to improve the way we assess, treat and rehabilitate people. A big part of my job is taking what I've learnt over the years and making sure it doesn't just sit with me. I want that knowledge shared through the team, while also learning from our therapists and continuing to improve the way we do things. So even though someone coming into Movement Therapy won't see me personally, I'm still very much involved in what happens behind the scenes. I want my fingerprints across the way our therapists think, the skills they develop, the systems we use and ultimately the experience and care people receive. That now feels like the best way I can contribute to our bigger mission of moving communities towards health optimisation.

What Do You Do Outside the Clinic?

Surfing if there's a wave, training, playing guitar, reading, bushwalking and finding good food with Jess. These days a fair chunk of life is also hanging out with Hugh.