Epping Muscle Joint Bone Team

Mr PETER GAVALAS

B.HSc, Masters Physiotherapy
DIRECTOR AND SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Peter is our Director and highly respected Senior Physiotherapist. Pete has experience as both an athlete and a practitioner. He completed a season with the Melbourne Victory as a goal keeper and has also worked closely with the Green Gully Soccer Club. Having practiced for almost 10 years, Pete has experience treating people at all stages of life, from young kids to older adults. When he is not working or watching his beloved Melbourne Demons (lose mostly) Pete enjoys training, motorbike riding, fishing and spending time with his family.

Dr JARROD ALIVIZATOS

B.Sci (Clinical Sci), M.Hs (Osteo), M.A.O.A
DIRECTOR

Dr Jarrod Alivizatos, founder of Northern Spinal & Sports Injury Clinic and Muscle Joint Bone, strongly believes that through his work he can assist with the body’s inherent capacity to heal itself. His sheer dedication to wellbeing and unparalleled industry knowledge, make him one of our greatest assets. Jarrod has previously worked in rehabilitation programs for two major AFL clubs.

Dr JASON TSAKMAKIS

B.HSc, B.AppSc (Osteo)
OSTEOPATH

From a young age Jason has had a respect and passion for the human body. During his years spent playing competition basketball, Jason received treatment and rehabilitation for numerous injuries where he recognised the true potential of the body. He enjoys empowering and educating patients to allow them to have an active role in their recovery. With experience in athlete welfare at Northcote City Soccer Club, Jason enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints from patients from all walks of life. His strong appreciation for the body’s ability to self-heal really strives him to be better each day.

DR LETICIA KEMP

B.HSc, Masters Osteopathy
OSTEOPATH – CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Leticia completed her Masters of Osteopathy at Victoria University in Melbourne. Leticia’s motto is “health for life”. She enjoys being able to assist a patient’s pain and movement throughout their lives to achieve their health goals and get them back to doing what they love.

Leticia provides individualised treatment and management programs involving both hands-on treatment and exercise rehabilitation. She enjoys empowering patients to have an active role in their recovery by providing strategies that they can implement for injury management, recovery and general wellbeing outside of the consult.

MR LIAM JOHNS

B.ExSc, Masters Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Liam has completed his Masters in Physiotherapy at Swinburne University, following a Bachelor of Exercise Science at LaTrobe University.

Coming from an exercise science background allows Liam to combine hands on treatment with evidence based exercise rehabilitation to focus on long-term results.

Liam has worked for multiple years in the football community, including currently working for the Essendon Football Club as a trainer. He has a strong interest in sporting injuries and is passionate about helping people get back to doing the things they love as soon as possible.

Outside of the clinic, Liam enjoys playing local cricket and travelling.

MR MATT RAE

B.ExSc, Masters Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Alongside his masters of Physiotherapy, Matt also has a degree in exercise science which enables him to combine his knowledge of exercise and manual therapy skills to provide ongoing long term outcomes for his patients.

Matt has a strong interest in sport having played basketball competitively at a high level when he was younger. He has a particular interest in rehabbing sporting injuries and developing ongoing injury prevention strategies. Matt has also previously worked with Northcote city fc attaining a strong understanding of the requirements of high level sports.

Matt is also passionate about treating everyone and helping others reach their goals no matter how big or small.

Outside of the clinic Matt enjoys going to the gym, playing basketball and watching the Essendon bombers.

MR NAM PHAN

B.HSc, Masters Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Nam Phan graduated with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Physiology) from the University of Melbourne before moving on to complete his Master of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney.

Nam adopts a holistic approach when treating patients, where he utilizes manual therapy, targeted exercise programs and exploration of lifestyle factors to face the injury from all fronts. Having reached an elite level of competitive powerlifting, Nam has dealt with an extensive list of his own injuries that allows him to empathise with his patients and provide great insight into the recovery process and further preventative measures.

Outside the clinic, Nam enjoys training, spending time with his family and friends and his newfound hobby of baking sourdough bread.

Dr CHELSEA KEMP

B.HSc, B.AppSc (Osteo)
OSTEOPATH

Chelsea is an Osteopath who completed her Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) at RMIT University. Chelsea embraces a holistic approach with her patients and believes treating the body as a whole is substantial to achieve optimal results. Chelsea employs a range of techniques including soft/ deep tissue massage, MET, HVLA, dry needling, and cupping.

Coming from a competitive netball background, Chelsea is passionate about treating and rehabbing sporting injuries and getting her patients back to what they love. Having worked as a sports trainer for Macedon FNC, Chelsea has seen a wide variety of injuries and has worked alongside athletes during their rehabilitation. Chelsea also enjoys treating complaints of the neck and low back and helping her patients implement strategies for injury management to achieve long-lasting results.

Mr DAVID BAYLDON

B.HSc (Physio)
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

A recent arrival to Australia from Hong Kong where he had practiced as a Physiotherapist for 27 years. David has always had a strong interest in sports, and have had the opportunity to gain extensive hands-on experience covering a wide variety of sports.

In Hong Kong he worked with national teams representing Hong Kong in Tennis, Cricket, Hockey, and Rugby at competitions in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan, UAE, Brunei, Thailand, and the Philippines. David has also covered APGA golf tournaments and ATP tennis tournaments in China, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

When not on a sports field David works closely with orthopedic surgeons in rehabilitation of clients with conditions and injuries from head to foot.

Experience has taught him to pay attention to more than only the obvious problem in front of him. David has learned to take a holistic approach to all clients in treating the whole person and working with them to achieve their best.

Outside of the clinic David enjoys spending time with family and long walks exploring the countryside.

Dr STEPH PARAS

B.HSc (Rehab), B.AppSc (Osteo)
OSTEOPATH – CLINICAL PILATES INSTRUCTOR

Stephanie is an enthusiastic Osteopath who prior to her career in osteopathy completed a Bachelor of Health Science at La Trobe University majoring in Rehabilitation Counselling. Having worked in the health and fitness industry for many years, she strongly believes ‘exercise is medicine’ and empowers her patients to play an active role in their rehabilitation journey.

Stephanie believes in a holistic approach to healthcare, and works closely with her patients to ensure her treatments align with their needs and values. She is passionate about helping people make meaningful improvements in their pain and function using, a combination of osteopathic techniques, education, Pilates based rehabilitation and self-management strategies. She enjoys treating a wide range of conditions and also has a keen interest in women’s health, back & neck pain and postural/work related strains.

Stephanie enjoys exercising in the form of running and Pilates, and regularly participates in sporting charity events. Self-care for her involves meditating, reading novels, listening to music and surrounding herself with good company.

MR RYAN LY

B.ExSc, M.ClinExPhysio
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

Ryan completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Health Science at the Australian Catholic University followed, by a Masters of Clinical Exercise Science and Rehabilitation from Victoria University.

Ryan has an interest in Brazilian jiu jitsu and resistance training, achieving his black belt in 2022, as well as a black belt in Taekwondo in 2012. Coming from a martial arts background, Ryan has a great understanding of how injuries occur during training, allowing for a quicker and more specialized treatment.

Ryan believes in using exercise as a tool to treat pain and improve function, with exercise being the best way to improve quality of life in the long term.

Outside of the clinic, Ryan enjoys spending his time training, reading/watching manga and anime, and relaxing at cafes.

DR SAVIO ABLAHAD

B.ExSc, B.SSc, Masters Osteopathy
OSTEOPATH

Savio is a passionate Osteopath who completed 8 years of study at University level, including a Bachelor in Exercise Science (Sport Practice), a Bachelor’s in Science (Osteopathy), and finally a Master’s in Health Science (Osteopathy).

With almost a decade of experience as a Personal Trainer, Sav strongly believes in exercise rehabilitation as a key ingredient for healing.

Alongside his education, Sav has experience as an athlete in premier division football and has worked with semi-professional athletes in the VFL. He has experience treating people at all stages of life and strives to empower others to play an active role in recovery.

Outside of the clinic, Sav enjoys his Brazilian jiu jitsu training, going to the gym, and spending time with family.

DR SAM ABDELMALEK

B.Pod, Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry
PODIATRIST

Sam is an expert Podiatrist who helps people by investigating the root causes of their complaints. After diagnosing a problem Sam works with patients to help them return to activity without pain and with increased movement. Sam believes he has a responsibility to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives through his knowledge of biomechanics and sports medicine.

MS SALI GILO

B.AppSc (Physio), Masters Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Sali enjoys working with people from various backgrounds and all walks of life. She takes the time to listen and encourages her patients to share their beliefs and previous experiences. Sali’s positive attitude helps to empower her patients to have a more optimistic outlook on their rehabilitation journey. She believes that ‘things might look dark but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel’.

Sali adopts a holistic approach, which includes hands-on therapy, exercise rehabilitation and education. She has a special interest in different musculoskeletal and spinal pain conditions, and has had great outcomes working with TAC and Workcover clients.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys training at the gym, horse riding, and spending time with family.

MS KERRI TURNER

B.ExSc (Clinical Practice)
CLINICAL PILATES

Kerri is a clinical Pilates instructor and exercise scientist. Having taught Pilates since 2018 to both healthy populations and in a rehab setting she is a big believer in functional movement and helping you find the best movement for you! She believes exercise should be fun and enjoyable with a side of spicy burn!

MR HAYDEN JARVIS

B.HSc, Masters Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

In addition to his Masters of Physiotherapy, Hayden has also completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences majoring in Health and Medical Science allowing him to combine his knowledge of anatomy and physiology into treatment plans.

Hayden has prior experience working as head sports trainer for Diamond Creek Football club where he worked with athletes to assess and treat injuries on match days. Additionally, Hayden has experience working as an allied health assistant for Home Physiotherapy where he completed 1 on 1 home-based treatment sessions for patients who were falls risks and had chronic pain.

Hayden’s ultimate goal is to both assist and empower others to return to doing what they love.

Outside of the clinic Hayden enjoys going to the gym, travelling, and watching sports including football, soccer, and ice hockey.

DR ALVINA QURESHI

B.HSc, B.AppSc (Osteo)
CLINICAL PILATES

Alvina is a certified Pilates Instructor, with a passion for holistic well-being. Alvina possesses a background in Osteopathy, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of musculoskeletal health by seamlessly combining the principles of both disciplines to provide a comprehensive approach to fitness and rehabilitation.

With a keen understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, Alvina guides clients towards improved strength, flexibility, and overall vitality through tailored Pilates programs. Alvina’s commitment to ongoing education and professional development ensures that she stays at the forefront of advancements in both osteopathy and Pilates. With a warm and empathetic approach, Alvina is dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal health and well-being.

MR JAMIE TABACCO

B.HSc (Honours) Masters Physiotherapy
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Jamie completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) followed by a Masters in Physiotherapy from La Trobe University.

He is a firm believer in ‘mindful movement’ being the best remedy for injury management and adopts a holistic approach in order to address physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

His approach to physiotherapy includes a range of exercise modalities and hands-on treatment to restore function to the body.

He has gained valuable experience working with a range of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions. He has had experience working with athletes through affiliation with Hockey Victoria, NPL Victoria and WRFL.

In his spare time you will catch him out in nature, working out in the gym, & listening to jazz.

MR RICHARD HANN

B.HSc (Physiotherapy)
PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Richard completed his physiotherapy studies in New Zealand at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2018. Since completing his degree, he has also completed further studies in dry needling, as well as his CPT qualification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), which has provided him with a range of tools to use in rehab. Richard has a strong interest in sports medicine and injury prevention, having worked with rugby and soccer clubs across Auckland, NZ.

You can find him on the soccer pitch or training and conditioning in the gym to stay fit. He is a firm believer in using movement as medicine and aims to optimise movement quality through the rehab journey to get his patients back to full function.