About Me

Meet Your Physiotherapist

19 years of Experience.  Personalised Care.  A Passion for Improving People's Quality of Life.

Hi, I'm Carly, the physiotherapist behind Stepping Out Physiotherapy.

I knew from the age of ten that I wanted to become a physiotherapist, and almost 2 decades into my career, I still LOVE what I do.  

My passion has always been rehabilitation.  There is something incredibly rewarding about helping people regain the ability to do everyday things that so many of us take for granted.  Whether its being able to get out of bed independently, walk to the letterbox, make a cup of tea, or go to the toilet by yourself!  To the other end of the spectrum learning how to run again after serious injury or illness, returning the sport you loved, or back to work.  These achievements can make an enormous difference to someone's quality of life.  

It's these meaningful achievements, whether big or small, that have kept me passionate about physioherapy throughout my career.  Helping people build their capacity, maintain independence and participate in the actviites that matter most to them is what I find most rewarding.

My Experience

I graduated from the University of Queensland in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons), following an earlier Honours degree in Microbiology and Biomolecular Science.

Over the past 19 years, I've developed extensive expereince in neurological and community rehabilitation, working with people living with stroke, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, limb amputation, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Central and Peripheral Vesitbular disorders, multi-trauma, as well as a wide range of other physical and neurological conditions. 

My clinical experience extends beyond traditional exercise-based physiotherapy.  I have extensive experience in mobility and functional assessments, rehabilitation planning, assistive technology presciption, falls prevention, prosthetic and amputee rehabilitation, functional capacity assessments and report writing.

Througout my career I have worked closely with individuals, their families, carers, doctors, support coordinators and multi-disciplinary teams to identify meaningful goals, build functional capacity and support greater independence and participation in everyday life.  

Ongoing Professional Development

Throughout my career, I've maintained a strong commitment to continuing professional development, regularly undertaking additional training to expand my clinical knowledge and skills.  

I've also been fortunate to work alongside some exceptional physiotherapists, particularly early in my career, whose knowledge, experience and mentorship have played an important role in shaping the clinician I am today.

I beleive that combining clinical experience, ongoing learning and current research is essential to providing high-quality, evidence-based physiotherapy.

My Approach to Physiotherapy

I beleive physiotherapy should be practical, individualised, evidence-based and focused on what matters most to each person.

For some people that might mean improving their walking or balance.  For others, it may be transferring more independently, returning to sport or work or being able to maintain their current level of physical function.

There is no one-size fits-all approach to building capacity and improving quality of life.  

I take the time to understand each person's circumstances, goals and environment, developing realistic, evidence-based strategies that support functional independence and meaningful participation in everyday activities.  

My approach is collaborative, working alongside participants, families, carers, support workers and other health professionals to ensure interventions are relavent, achievable and aligned with each person's goals.

Why I Started Stepping Out Physiotherapy

The idea for Stepping Out Physiotherapy first began in 2020, thanks to a former client from my previous workplace.   Having served in the Army, he affectionately nicknamed me 'Sarg'.   Apparently because my approach to rehabilitation reminded him of his military days!

Despite my reputation for putting him through his paces, he repeatedly asked through his support coordinator whether I would consider becoming his physiotherapist through his NDIS plan.  

His persistence planted a seed.  It made me realise that the clinical knowledge, experience and skills I'd developed over the years could make a meaningful difference to people in their own homes and communities.    

I believe people living with disability deserve access to physiotherapy that goes beyond generic exercise programs.  They deserve thorough assessment, experienced clinical reasoning and individualised interventions that reflect their needs, goals and circumstance.

The idea eventually became Stepping Out Physiotherapy - a mobile physiotherapy service focused on building physical capacity, promoting independence and supporting people to participate in the everyday activities that matter most to them.