About.
Form & Practice is the next generation of elite level physiotherapy.
Dandenong Ranges Physiotherapy first opened for business in August 2004, and has since grown to offer four experienced physiotherapists and three myotherapists. Our Olinda practice offers a fully equipped Clinical Pilates studio, customised Orthotic Prescription, Myotherapy, & Occupational Therapy.
Our Staff.
Jerome Higgins
PhysiotherapistJerome began Dandenong Ranges Physio in 2004. After completing his Physiotherapy degree from the University of Melbourne in 1998, Jerome initially worked in hospital rehabilitation settings before embarking on a career in private practice and sports rehabilitation. He has had experience working with elite and not-so-elite athletes across Australia, having worked with high level football and volleyball teams. Jerome has a strong interest in lower limb biomechanics and the prescription of custom foot orthotics, dry needling for acute and chronic pain syndromes and GLA:D assessments and classes for hip and knee osteoarthritis.
Currently Jerome is available for consultation:
Olinda: Tues – Wed – Fri am, Wed evening
Mt Evelyn (Futsal): Tues & Fri pm
Elisabeth (Lis) Coffey
Physiotherapist & Clinical PilatesWith broad experience working in both hospital and private practice settings, Lis has a strong interest in Clinical Pilates and exercise rehab, and the GLA:D program for hip/knee osteoarthritis. Her focus in treatment is on patient goals and she utilises education, hands on therapy such as deep tissue massage & joint mobilisation and exercise to achieve best outcomes.
As a junior, Lis competed in track and field athletics and medalled at a National Level in the 800m, competing also in the 400m and 400m hurdles. She branched out to Marathon running in 2009 and is a keen snowboarder in the winter season. She is now a mum to four young children and a Mount Ev local.
Lis sees physio patients and runs Clinical Exercise (Pilates) and GLA:D classes at Mount Evelyn on Monday and Thursday afternoon/evenings and Saturday mornings.
Tim Hardiman
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Clinical PilatesTim Hardiman has over 25 years of knowledge & experience in sports & spinal physiotherapy. He is a titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with post-graduate qualifications from University of S.A., ran a successful practice in Darwin for many years (where he was Jerome’s boss & mentor!), and has worked in a variety of other settings – from inpatient rehabilitation, to occupational workplace physiotherapy and with junior and senior elite AFL players in Darwin.
Tim has a strong hands-on and biomechanical focus using spinal and joint mobilisation, massage & manipulation where required, dry needling & exercise therapy including Clinical Pilates. Tim also believes in lots of patient education & awareness to enable better outcomes for his patients.
In his spare time, Tim enjoys spending time with his four school aged children, watching/talking football and always researching the latest evidence in musculoskeletal medicine.
Currently Tim is available for consultation Tuesday to Friday all day, as well as Saturday mornings until 1pm.
Liam Gellie
Physiotherapist, Clinical Pilates, Clinical StrengthLiam joined our team in November 2017 after graduating from Monash University, following on from high school at St Joseph’s in Ferntree Gully and a year studying paramedics in between. Liam has a strong interest in sports injuries & Strength & Conditioning for youths, and also practices dry needling and orthotic prescription for lower limb & foot biomechanics issues.
His focus is on bringing up to date treatment & rehabilitation knowledge to the clinic, educating the rest of the team on current best practice. A keen sportsman himself, he is currently the captain of the Upper Ferntree Gully senior football team and an avid golfer.
Liam is available for consultation Monday to Friday all day, and Saturday morning until 12noon. Liam also takes GLA:D assessments and classes for hip and knee osteoarthritis, & Clinical Exercise (Pilates) and Clinical Strength classes.
Jennifer Vardy
Physiotherapist, Women’s and Men’s Health Physio & Clinical PilatesJen graduated from The University of Melbourne in 1996 and has wide and varied experience working in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. She has interests in the management of Hip, Groin and Pelvic injuries, Women’s Health and Clinical Pilates and Exercise groups. Jen enjoys helping both Pre and Post natal Women with their health, wellness and fitness. She takes Birth Position classes with expectant mum’s and their support partners during their third trimester. She can assist with the management of DRAM (abdominal muscle separation), pelvic and lower back pain, pelvic floor weakness, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Jen is a mother of four young children who also enjoys gardening, getting outside and being creative.
Jen is available for consultation:
Olinda: Monday 12-8pm, Wednesday & Friday 9-5
Jen also runs Clinical Exercise (Pilates) classes on Mondays and Fridays in Olinda.
Janelle Enlund
Reformer Pilates InstructorJanelle is a Mount Evelyn local with a passion for Pilates. After participating in classes intensively over recent years, she decided to take the next step and become a qualified pilates instructor.
Janelle’s classes will help increase your core strength and flexibility, as well as releasing stress and giving you a great workout.
Janelle runs our Wednesday evening, Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon Reformer classes at Mt Evelyn.
Carly Morre
Reformer Pilates InstructorCarly is an avid Pilates devotee. She has been a regular gym-goer for many years and loves being active and fit. She discovered Pilates after the birth of her first child and within months had signed up for her Certificate IV! Prior to her Pilates reincarnation Carly worked as a lawyer!
Carly is passionate about helping clients move more freely and to provide challenges for balance, strength and endurance along the way.
Carly runs our Monday night Reformer classes & Friday night Xpress reformer classes at Mt Evelyn.
Javiera Gavilan
Yoga & Pilates Instructor, PhysiotherapistJaviera is a Physiotherapist and Yoga Practitioner from Santiago, Chile. She is passionate about combining her knowledge of anatomy and evidence based medicine with her Yoga practice. The daughter of a Yoga teacher, Javiera has grown up practising Yoga. She was an elite gymnast for 10 years in Chile & as a result understands the frustrations and concerns of recovering from injuries, trying to get the best out of your body to achieve results and finding all important balance. She enjoys assisting the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and sporting injuries and enjoys working with all ages and in particular the young and young at heart! She is a holistic practitioner who strongly promotes the importance of mental wellbeing and emotional and physical balance.
Javiera is currently awaiting her Australian Physiotherapy Registration. We will keep you updated as she is an excellent manual therapist for those wanting a truly hands on physiotherapy treatment for their injuries and ailments.
Alicia Christie
Yoga & Pilates Instructor, PhysiotherapistAlicia has been with DRP since 2010 and has a cult following in the hills, not literally of course. She excels in deep tissue treatments including massage, trigger point therapy, cupping and dry needling. Alicia’s background in relaxation and spa massage also allows her to indulge clients who are after a more relaxing therapy.
Alicia is available for consultation weekdays except Wednesday, from 9.30 – 3pm.
Eildon Searle
MyotherapistEildon Searle: MyotherapistEildon Searle has worked in home based and private clinics as a remedial massage therapist for 18 years with and as a Myotherapist for the last 2 years. He specialises in deep tissue massage techniques, myofascial dry needling & postural assessment. Eildon has an excellent reputation as a lecturer in remedial massage at WYN Training and VFA (Victorian Fitness Association), teaching students theory and practice, from Certificate IV to Dip in Remedial massage. He even taught one of our very well regarded myotherapists, Alicia Christie, many moons ago! Eildon’s sports massage interest has led him to work with Emerald & Monbulk Football clubs previously, and is at present working with Hallam Football club as a trainer and therapist. Eildon has also been a professional musician through most of his life and has interests in music, trout fishing and camping.
Eildon is available for consultation Wednesday afternoon 2-7pm.
Kate Rae
Accredited Occupational TherapistKate graduated in 1997 from La Trobe University in Carlton and has had vast experience in rehabilitation across a wide range of settings and client groups including major injury. After having traveled extensively, Kate returned to the hills to make a home for herself and her young family. Kate has been working in private practice since 2003 and specialises in community-based rehabilitation for clients with acquired brain injury, in addition to aged care and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Kate provides services to DVA, TAC, VWA, EPC and private clients.
Kate currently works Tuesdays and Thursdays mostly in clients homes and places of residence in the community. Please call or email our clinic with enquiries for O.T.