Clinic Staff

The Clinic Senior Physiotherapists

Are university lecturers on dance injuries and have presented at numerous international conferences.

Have trained in dance and therefore have an excellent understanding of dance technique.

Are involved in dance medicine research at either Masters or PhD level and are therefore well aware of current dance medicine literature, in regards to the causes and optimal treatment of dance injuries.

Have presented their research at the Annual International Association of Dance Science & Medicine Conferences in UK and USA as well as at numerous national Physiotherapy Conferences.

Have experience in treating dancers of all ages who train in many different styles as well as other performing artists.

Are members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Sports Physiotherapy Australia, Dance Physiotherapy Group and the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.

Dr Melinda Purnell, PhD

B App Sc (Physiotherapy Honours 1), University of Sydney

B App A (Dance & Physical Education), University of NSW

Melinda is a Dance Physiotherapist with a first class Honours degree for her research on the causes of adolescent dance injuries and was awarded her PhD in Physiotherapy. Melinda has also completed a degree in dance and physical education and lectures on anatomy and injury prevention to dancers, teachers and allied health professionals. She has been the Australian and NSW Sports Acrobatics Team Physiotherapist, How To Train Your Dragon Arena Show and the High School Musical Live Show Physiotherapist. Melinda is also a Pilates Instructor and Dance Teacher, with 16 years experience teaching classical ballet, jazz, tap and modern/contemporary in the Sutherland Shire. Melinda is a member of the Dance Physiotherapy Group and the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.