Why choose Optimum
We use our hands
Have you ever been to a physio feeling a bit cheated? Maybe they didn’t touch you at all or just didn’t get the right spot?
We do it differently here. Our primary focus is to use our hands not only to treat, but also diagnose. We know that a manual approach works.
We love what we do
We’ve all been to businesses where you can tell the staff are miserable and don’t want to be there! That’s why we work hard at Optimum to make sure we all genuinely enjoy what we do.
We understand that the journey to recovery can be challenging, and a little laughter can go a long way in making it a more enjoyable experience.
We make you feel at home
We know how frustrating it can be when someone is talking AT you or just using jargon you don’t understand.
We put effort into listening to your story, explaining what is going on in everyday language and welcome any questions you may have. This means you will be much more engaged in your rehab and reach your goals quicker.
We get really good results
We pride ourselves on doing an in-depth assessment to really get to the root of the problem. Then we work hard to make sure the issue goes away and stays away.
There’s no point just doing a patch job and you having to boomerang back to see us for the same issue a few months later. Check out our Google reviews to see our results for yourself.
Who we are
Joe Moran
Owner and Principal Physio
Our head physio and director, Joe Moran, has over 15yrs experience both with elite athletes and the lay population alike. He has an excellent track record in getting people better and educating them on how to stay better. Joe has worked with a range of sporting teams all over the world including British Gymnastics, Super League (rugby league) and World renowned cyclists to mention only a few. As a very highly respected and successful physio, Joe has fine tuned his massage skills over the years having gained extensive experience with a blind masseur in the UK. Joe realised early on that this approach to treatment is imperative for high success rates.Although Joe has an obvious penchant for sports injuries stemming from his professional rugby league career, he is equally adept in a range of physiotherapy areas including paediatric, post surgery rehabilitation, biomechanical analysis, respiratory and neurological conditions. Joe has a character which lends itself to building rapport with all clients and is an excellent listener
Dr Anna Moran
Group Physio and Clinical Pilates Director
Anna qualified as a physiotherapist from the University of Sydney in 2001 and received her PhD in 2009 from the University of Sheffield in England. She has worked in clinical and academic positions in Australia and the UK. Anna completed her clinical Pilates matwork training in the UK from the Australian Physiotherapy Pilates Institute and currently provides clinical Pilates group and one on one therapy to Optimum physiotherapy clients. Anna is passionate about rehabilitation and exercise prescription to assist recovery from injury. Anna also provides research and academic services to the health industry and is currently working with the Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria), Gateway Health Promotion and Speech Pathology Australia. She has published over 18 peer reviewed journal articles.
Kylie Whitehead
Physiotherapist
Kylie has lived in the North East area since she was 7 years old. Growing up in Chiltern with her Grandparents, she attended local schools in Chiltern and Wodonga before attending CSU in Albury to complete her Physiotherapy degree, graduating in 2017. Kylie then worked for a local company for 3 years in the areas of aged care and disability, servicing nursing homes in Albury and Corowa, as well as visiting people in their homes. Kylie also attends the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS) one day a week, working with the local Indigenous community which is a passion area of hers. Kylie joined Optimum in mid-April after wanting a change in career and a new challenge. She has a keen interest in sport, having swam competitively for 10 years and playing netball growing up. She now plays lawns bowls, travelling around the countryside competing at state and national level, and learning to knit while she drinks her cup of tea. Kylie recently bought a house in Wodonga which she hasn’t burnt down yet, and enjoys cuddles with her cat Ollie and cooking up some delicious vegetarian meals. Kylie is always up for a yarn and a laugh, and loves hearing about peoples interests and any good restaurant recommendations.
Sarah McKelvey
Physiotherapist (Group Clinician)
Since qualifying from CSU in 2005 Sarah has worked in numerous roles and settings with eclectic clients; from pre and post-natal mums’ to elderly rehabilitation, palliative care to manual musculoskeletal therapy. Over the last 9 years much of Sarah's work has been with clients presenting with complex needs. This has enabled her to fine tune her skill mix, enhance her problem solving strategies and gain expertise in wide-ranging conditions and treatments. As a mother of 3 young children, and following a pregnancy complication of her own, she began to slowly rehabilitate herself using Pilates’ exercises. Following dramatic improvements, this quickly turned into a desire to utilise this in her own work. Sarah’s formal Pilates training has now enabled her to incorporate these techniques into her everyday consultations. Sarah is passionate about empowering people of all ages to self-manage their health and to maximise and maintain their strength and independence. We are very excited to have Sarah on the Clinical Pilates’ team!
Hannah Merkel
Physiotherapist (Group Clinician)
Hannah grew up in Albury/Wodonga, completing her studies locally at CSU in 2011. She worked in private practice for 3 years with a wide variety of clients before starting a family with her husband. After her daughter was born, she returned to work in the field of geriatric rehabilitation, while also gaining experience in clinical pilates. Hannah aims to empower her clients, partnering with them in their recovery from pain and dysfunction to independence and strength. She provides pilates-informed group exercise classes at Optimum, and is also looking forward to returning to her work in rehab soon. Outside of work Hannah enjoys being a mum of two, spending time with her family and friends, reading, cooking, pilates and jogging.
Olivia Roennfeldt
Practice Manager
Olivia is an Albury local who is passionate about the health and medical Industries having had extensive medical administration and reception experience in general practice prior to joining us. Olivia started here in 2016 as our receptionist and has continued to grow in the business to become our Practice Manager. Olivia brings with her a professional, yet bubbly personality and customer service which is second to none.
Olivia completed a Diploma of Tourism and is a keen traveller, but has swapped out the travelling days to start her family, welcoming her Daughter in 2022. Outside of work Olivia enjoys exercising, shopping and spending time with her family camping. We are privileged to have this happy and enthusiastic all rounder on the Optimum Team.
Jess Gillam
Admin/Reception
Jess has stepped into our busy reception and administration role here at Optimum, bringing along her medical expertise having previously worked in the healthcare industry in the local area. She is passionate about customer service and always wants to go above and beyond. Jess has grown up in Wodonga where she met her husband Brenden. They are now building their first home together with their three children. Jess enjoys going camping, online shopping, staying active at the gym, but most importantly, spending quality time with her family.
Trish Alexander
Admin/ Reception
Trish is an Albury (kind of) local, having grown up in a small country town just outside of Urana. She completed a degree in environmental science at Charles Sturt University and is passionate about helping people and making them smile. Outside of work, Trish enjoys bushwalking, camping, outings with friends and family, and running around after her four children.
What you should know
No, a GP referral is not required unless you are seeing the physiotherapist in relation to:
- Workers' compensation claims
- Motor accident claims (CTP, TAC)
- Medicare scheme (CDMP)
- DVA
Your initial assessment will be between 40 and 60 minutes. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early in order for you to complete paperwork prior to your appointment.
Treatment should not cause undue discomfort. If any painful and tender areas require hands on treatment, we will check with you as the treatment is in progress to ensure you are comfortable. Occasionally your symptoms may worsen following your treatment. This is completely normal and should subside within 24hrs.
Treatment should not cause undue discomfort. If any painful and tender areas require hands on treatment, we will check with you as the treatment is in progress to ensure you are comfortable. Occasionally your symptoms may worsen following your treatment. This is completely normal and should subside within 24hrs.
Depending on the area of your body requiring treatment, your therapist may ask you to undress to your underwear. Gowns are available if required. Please bring a towel to aid with our hygiene policy.
Yes, we can refer for X-rays, ultrasound and MRI scans. We can also issue medical certificates.
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