MY STORY: Broken Dreams Rebuilt
Like many teenagers I grew up wanting to represent my country and become a Wallaby. Countless injuries kept me off the field as I watched this dream slowly fade away. At the time the so called ‘expert’ health professionals prescribed me a mix of rest, medication and wait and see advice. Even as a kid I was let down and disappointed by the whole experience as I was left wondering – what’s the point?
Luckily for me me I received some sound advice from a supportive family member:
“Use the disappointment you suffered to make a difference”
It took a while to sink in but I realised they were right. It has not been an easy journey being the first of my family to go on to university and complete a double degree in Physiotherapy and Exercise Science and then taking on the challenge to establish my own practice. But as we know nothing good comes without struggle.
My goal of bringing the best pain and injury management to everyone has now been realised. I now have 2 practices at Tingalpa and Stafford with some amazing like-minded physios offering the best care for pain and injuries to everyone.
DAVID SANDISON
Managing Director
Physiotherapist & Accredited Exercise Physiologist —
Tingalpa & Stafford
We fix patients pain fast and help them feel great!
We don’t want to see anyone’s dream suffer at the mercy of bad treatment.
Let our family help yours
SCOTT HAYES
Team Leader
Physiotherapist – Tingalpa
About Scott
Scott has more than 10years experience as a Physiotherapist after completing a Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University. Previously, Scott has also completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science from Griffith University in 2009. Scott has additional training in treating neck and back pain, sporting injuries, workplace injuries and is qualified in western acupuncture and dry needling.
Scott enjoys helping his patients of all walks of life to recover from injury and get back to what they enjoy doing. Whether it be walking again after a fracture, getting back on the sporting field or achieving things they never thought possible.
Scott is an avid sports fan, and enjoys watching rugby league, basketball, tennis, horse racing and cricket. He hails from NSW originally and enjoys heading over the border to catch up with family and friends when he can.
SAMUEL NORTON
Team Leader
Physiotherapist – Stafford
About Samuel
Samuel has more than 5years of experience after completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Australian Catholic University.
Samuel (or Sam as he prefers) grew up and attended school in Wellington Point and is an avid basketball player and fan.
Sam loves working collaboratively with his patients. He is committed to creating great relationships that assists his patients to achieve lasting health benefits. “I’m here to help at every step of the way on my patient’s journey to recovery.”
EMILY PHILLIPS
Clinical Lead
Physiotherapist – Tingalpa
About Emily
Emily has more than 5years of experience after completing a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Australian Catholic University and is currently a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Emily has a special interest in movement disorders and enjoys finding the origins of patient pain so she can assist them to be pain free quickly and stay there. Emily has additional training in Pilates and enjoys implementing exercise modalities into her treatment on an individual and group basis. She also enjoys treating headaches, neck and back pain and injuries of the upper and lower limb
Emily grew up in Brisbane and in her spare time she is a soccer and futsal star.
ABIN VARGHESE
Physiotherapist – TINGALPA
About Abin
Abin has been working as a physiotherapist for almost 9years, he completed his physiotherapy degree in 2014, and has a keen interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation. Abin has worked across a variety of different health sectors including hospitals, sports rehabilitation centres and private practices.
He has a special interest in patients presenting with shoulder, back, hip and knee injuries, and is highly skilled in many treatment approaches such as sports and deep tissue massage, muscle energy and functional release techniques, dry needling, kinesio-taping, and cupping therapy. Abin has a very ‘hands-on’ approach towards assessment and treatment but also consolidates this with exercise prescription and he is known for giving lots of homework (aka exercises) to his clients.
Quirky and friendly by nature, Abin always tries to balance out clients’ needs with realistic goals. He is a passionate physiotherapist and is determined to help his clients reach their full potential and improve their quality of life. Outside of work Abin loves exploring new eateries, and watching football and is a hard-core supporter of Manchester United. His other hobbies include cooking, powerlifting, cycling and callisthenics.
RACHEL CHAN
Physiotherapist – Tingalpa
About Rachel
Wing Tung “Rachel” Chan – M.Phty
Rachel holds a Master of Physiotherapy Studies from the University of Queensland and a Master of Sports Medicine and Health Science from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. With a strong academic background and multiple scholarships, she combines expertise in musculoskeletal, sports injury, and rehabilitation care.
Rachel takes a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual goals and lifestyles. She integrates the latest research into her practice, ensuring evidence-based care for a wide-range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain management.
Outside the clinic, Rachel is a dedicated athlete with a history in competitive running. She has represented Hong Kong at the national level in athletics and continues to enjoy running, cross-training, and exploring Brisbane’s scenic trails.
PAULO VICTOR GONCALVES BARBOSA DA SILVA
PHYSIOTHERAPIST – STAFFORD
About Paulo
Paulo Da Silva – B.Phty
Paulo is a dedicated senior physiotherapist with over 10 years of experience in musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory physiotherapy. He holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, postgraduate qualifications in acupuncture, and comprehensive training in Clinical Pilates and biomechanics. His holistic approach integrates manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, Pilates, and acupuncture to support patients in achieving their health, mobility, and quality of life goals.
Paulo’s passion lies in helping people move better, manage pain, and regain confidence in their bodies. He has worked across a variety of settings, from private practice to aged care, and has extensive experience treating patients of all ages, from those recovering from injury to those managing chronic conditions.
Originally from Brazil, Paulo moved to Australia in 2022 seeking a balanced lifestyle and new professional opportunities. When he’s not helping patients, Paulo enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring Brisbane’s coffee culture, and discovering everything Australia has to offer.
ADAM TRAMA
Physiotherapist – STAFFORD
About Adam
Adam Trama M.Phty & B.Sp.Ex.Sc
Adam brings his unique experience from both the sporting arena and military service to his role as a Physiotherapist at Activate Physiotherapy. His path to becoming a Physio was shaped by his years in the Army, where he not only experienced firsthand the importance of rehabilitation following operational injuries, but also worked alongside Physiotherapists in training and supporting recruits and soldiers. These experiences inspired his passion for helping others restore function, strength and confidence after injury.
Adam believes that every patient has a story, and that understanding that story is key to creating individualised, meaningful rehabilitation programs. He has a particular interest in musculoskeletal injury management among athletes of all levels and members of the armed forces and police services.
Outside the clinic, Adam enjoys riding motorbikes, surfing and spending quality time on family holidays. A former national-level swimmer and Ironman lifesaving champion, Adam still carries a competitive spirit and has been known to have a few impressive dance moves when the occasion calls for it. With a personality “bigger than Big Ben,” Adam brings energy, empathy and a genuine connection to every patient he works with.
CASSIE SANDISON
General Manager
Physiotherapist & EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
About Cassie
Cassie Sandison MBA, B.Phty & B.Ex.Sc
Cassie brings more than 15years of experience as a dual-qualified Physiotherapist and Exercise Physiologist to Activate Physiotherapy, having completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science at Griffith University in 2006. Cassie is also passionate about business management and completed her MBA in 2021.
Cassie has completed additional training in therapeutic Pilates and has a special interest in incorporating Pilates principles into managing client conditions facilitating long term improvements in injury and overall health.
Growing up Cassie was a state level swimmer and long distance runner, she was also a competitive Irish dancer. Cassie still enjoys playing netball and spending time with family.
Our Support Team
MEREDITH MULLALY
RECEPTION TEAM LEADER
ELLA HAWES
Receptionist – STAFFORD
HUNTER BROWN
Receptionist – Tingalpa
GRACE DORASH
Receptionist – Tingalpa
AMELIA SILIGAN
Receptionist – Tingalpa
MELINDA LUCAS
Receptionist – Stafford
EMILY RODGERS
Receptionist – Stafford
HANNAH LEISEMANN
Receptionist – Tingalpa
Tingalpa
Twin Parks Shopping Village
Shop 2, 1534 Wynnum Rd
Tingalpa QLD 4173
Stafford
Stafford City Shopping Centre
93/400 Stafford Rd
Stafford, Qld 4053