Training Day at BeachLife
Alex Barr
Senior Physiotherapist
Frenchs Forest
I understand from personal experience how frustrating it is to be sidelined by pain and injury. I became a physiotherapist to help people strengthen their bodies after injury so they can confidently return to work, sport, exercise and life’s fun day to day activities.
I have always been interested in the rehabilitation of sporting injuries, in particular combat sports injuries. I’m also passionate about working with people who have chronic and complex issues that are challenging to solve.
The physio rehabilitation process really demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of the human body and mind. I strongly believe that we all have far more potential than we think to not only recover, but to physically excel after an injury. It’s so rewarding to help my clients achieve their goals - especially when they may not have thought it possible at the beginning of their treatment.
Outside of physiotherapy, I train and coach Jiu Jitsu and am the proud father of two little legends.
Alex Di Sano
Physiotherapist
Narrabeen
With a background in rugby, I developed a keen interest in physiotherapy after experiencing firsthand how my physios kept me on the field and performing at my best. Now, as a physiotherapist myself, my goal is to help others achieve the same—getting them back to doing what they love.
Having been involved in sports my entire life, I am particularly passionate about working with sporting injuries. I guide individuals through their recovery process, whether they aim to return to the field or simply improve their everyday life.
I also work extensively with the general population, treating a variety of injuries. My goal is to help everyone achieve optimal health and mobility, regardless of their activity level.
I am dedicated to collaborating with my clients to create effective strategies and plans for managing current issues and preventing future injuries. My approach is proactive and personalised, ensuring each person stays injury-free and pain-free.
Outside of physiotherapy, I enjoy surfing, hitting the gym, and watching footy with friends and family.
Alix Waddell
Senior Physiotherapist
Narrabeen
My journey in Physiotherapy began at an early age, as I was actively involved in state-level soccer, athletics, swimming, oz-tag, and tennis, which led to regular visits to physios. This exposure sparked my curiosity and solidified my decision to pursue a career in Physiotherapy.
I hold a Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelors in Sport and Exercise Science, and I am accredited as a Sports Physio level 1. My dedication to my profession drives my passion for treating a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions, and I take pride in helping my clients achieve a healthy and active lifestyle.
Throughout my career, I have contributed my expertise to various sports organisations, including Touch Football NSW and Australia, Softball NSW, Sydney Shield Rugby League, and even had the opportunity to work with NRL players.
Outside of work, I have a passion for running and have already completed two half-marathons. My cherished moments are spent with family and friends. I love traveling to new places as well as regularly making time to visit my grandparents on their farm.
Cassie Armenio
Physiotherapist, Womens Health
Narrabeen
Having a background in sport and exercise science I love treating sports injuries and having a role in helping individuals return to sport and improve their performance.
In particular, having played soccer for over 15 years I have a passion for treating lower limb injuries, having experienced many of them myself.
I became a physio to help people understand/educate them on their injuries/ conditions and work collaboratively to develop the best treatment plan to best help people achieve their goals.
I have recently also developed a keen interest in Women’s health and am continuing my education in the specialty.
Outside of physio I love spending time with my friends and family and enjoy going to the beach, playing soccer and training at the gym.
Dane Hill
Physiotherapist
Frenchs Forest
Hey! I’m Dane, one of the physiotherapists here at BeachLife Physio and my goal as a physiotherapist is to help people lead strong and fulfilling lives.
My background is in Exercise & Sports Science in which I completed my first degree in 2014 and for the next 7 years worked as a personal trainer and finally a strength/powerlifting coach. Through my time as a trainer and coach I became frustrated seeing people being held back by injuries and niggles that prevented them from engaging in the activities they loved and reaching their goals not just in performance but in daily life. I saw so much confusion around what people can and can’t do and a lack of clear communication about paths for people to move forward. So I endeavoured to help change this.
Throughout my studies I have worked with a varied caseload from general musculoskeletal conditions, to orthopaedic and neurological conditions. My area of interest is particularly around helping active populations - particularly the strength training community - understand their injuries, modify their training and get back to doing what they love and achieving their goals whilst avoiding unnecessary setbacks, and I would love to help you get back to yours!
Ed Brown
Sports Chiropractor
Narrabeen
As a Sports Chiropractor my role is to support patients to achieve their goals. I love seeing patients move well, feel their best and physically thrive.
I have been through my fair share of sporting injuries, as a result I have a particular interest in acute pain, then subsequent strategies for recovery and longevity. My personal goal is to train well for as long as possible, I enjoy working with people who share the same aspiration.
Sports Chiropractors combine adjustments, mobilisations, massage, dry needling, and exercise to help patients. We are well known for treating headaches, neck, low back and nerve pain, but we treat all muscular-skeletal complaints.
I have the pleasure of working with all walks of life; from professional athletes and special forces, to desk jockeys and aged care - I endeavour to provide the treatment and action plan best suited to each patient.
Outside of the clinic I love living Dad life and am a keen Jiu Jitsu nerd. This gives me first hand experience in balancing family, career, exercise and recovery.
Erica Wood
Senior Physiotherapist
Narrabeen
I became a physio as I was amazed with the results that my physios achieved for me when I was injured as an athlete competing in swimming and surf boat rowing. I decided that I wanted to be able to provide these benefits to others.
I believe that self management is critical and love to work with people to not only return them to their chosen activity, but work with them to maintain being active in the long term and prevent re-injury. Having had a shoulder reconstruction after a dislocation and various other injuries to my knees and back, I empathise and understand the process from the side of the patient and understand the frustrations of being restricted by injury and pain.
Being active is critical to good health and helps us enjoy life.
I love helping someone restart being active after injury, illness or having children. The first few steps can be difficult and scary, but we can make it much easier with achievable goals and guidance.
I really enjoy working with sports teams and athletes and love working closely with the active population through our connections with the Ocean Thunder Surf Boat Series, CrossFit Conditioning and Narrabeen Sports High School.
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I have an interest in retraining barefoot strength to improve ankle, knee and hip stability for people with chronic and niggly pain in the lower limb.
Outside of physiotherapy I love being active, not only doing strength and conditioning at the gym, but outdoors, going hiking and paddle boarding. When I have time off I love to travel and experience new places.
Jessica Villegas
Physiotherapist
Frenchs Forest
Becoming a Physio is something I always saw in my future from a very young age. Growing up I was a competitive gymnast with an unfortunate clumsy and injury prone nature. I was consistently sidelined from injury and was a frequent flyer in the Physio clinic. I was fortunate enough to be looked after by amazing practitioners who inspired me to one day do the same for others.
Through my studies, I have been lucky enough to work with diverse patient populations including cardiorespiratory acute care and rehab, paediatrics, and elite athletes. With a background in Sport and Exercise Science, I am particularly passionate about utilising strength and conditioning to rehabilitate and prevent injury.
My goal as a practitioner is to collaborate with patients to return them to whatever type of movement is important to them - whether that is elite sport or daily activities. I aim to build self-efficacy in my patients so they leave my care feeling empowered to manage pain flare-ups and return to activities with confidence.
Outside of Physio, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and have found a new love for playing tennis with my friends (or trying to - we aren’t very good).
Natasha Barr (Honeywood)
Senior Physiotherapist, Womens Health
Frenchs Forest & Narrabeen
Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the physio managing various overuse injuries as an elite gymnast. This exposure, combined with my interest in the mechanics of the body, led me to become a physiotherapist.
While I love working with athletes, I also find great satisfaction in treating everyday aches and pains. These are the injuries that can linger and significantly impact someone's mood and daily life.
I have a particular interest in pelvic, upper back, neck, and jaw pain, as well as headaches. I believe it is crucial to look after your body—after all, you only get one. Prioritising its care should be important for everyone, and I enjoy working with individuals who share this outlook.
Before becoming a mother, I grew frustrated with the lack of awareness and resources for continence issues. This drove me to pursue further training in women's health, focusing on pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, constipation, pregnancy, pre and post-natal care, and pelvic organ prolapse.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy running after my toddler and soaking up the adorable smiles my little one gives me. I love spending time outdoors and relaxing at the beach.
Sue Lowe
Massage Therapist
Narrabeen
Hi there! I'm Sue, and I'm incredibly passionate about Remedial Massage. With many years of experience under my belt, I'm here to provide you with relief from sports injuries, muscle strains, tension, poor posture, or any general tightness you may be experiencing.
My expertise doesn't stop there; I also specialise in pregnancy massage, offering much-needed relaxation and support during this special time. If you simply need to unwind and de-stress, I've got you covered with my soothing relaxation massage.
You can find me at our Narrabeen clinic, where I'm dedicated to helping you feel your best and promoting your overall well-being through the power of massage therapy. So, whether you're an athlete in need of recovery or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, I'm here to help. Let's work together to ensure you leave feeling rejuvenated and revitalized!
