Business Details
31 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Medical Care in Melbourne
Established in 1995, our organization has been at the forefront of delivering evidence-based, multidisciplinary healthcare solutions across Australia. Our team of over 45 highly qualified professionals, including physiotherapists, pain physicians, psychologists, and researchers, specializes in addressing complex musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions. We pioneered the STOPS Back Pain approach, a groundbreaking diagnostic and treatment framework validated through extensive clinical research. Our services cater to both private and compensable patients, with face-to-face clinics in multiple Victorian locations and telehealth services nationwide. Accredited by WorkCover, TAC, NDIS, and My Aged Care, we maintain rigorous clinical standards through partnerships with La Trobe University's Low Back Research Team.Our practitioners, many holding PhDs, combine decades of experience with cutting-edge technology like real-time ultrasound and surface EMG to optimize patient outcomes. We emphasize collaborative care, integrating physiotherapy, medical management, and psychological support to address the biopsychosocial dimensions of pain. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our graded exercise programs, hydrotherapy services, and ongoing contributions to clinical research. We operate under strict cancellation and pre-payment policies to ensure service quality, while maintaining transparent communication with patients and referring GPs. With 25 years of operational history, we continue expanding our team to meet growing demand for specialized pain management solutions.
Services
Physiotherapy
Pain Management
Psychology Services
Hydrotherapy
Telehealth Services
Graded Activity Program
Sports Physiotherapy
Chronic Pain Management
Medicare Services
NDIS Services
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have 25+ years of clinical and research experience in musculoskeletal care
- Our team includes 45+ PhD-qualified practitioners specializing in pain management
- We pioneered the STOPS Back Pain diagnostic and treatment framework
- Integrated multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, medical, and psychological care
- Telehealth services available nationwide with evidence-based treatment protocols
Services
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy services address musculoskeletal injuries using evidence-based techniques including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and electro-physical modalities. Practitioners with PhD qualifications specialize in complex back pain management through the STOPS Back Pain framework. Treatment programs integrate real-time ultrasound and surface EMG assessments to optimize recovery outcomes for both acute and chronic conditions.
Pain Management
Multidisciplinary pain management combines medical, psychological, and physiotherapy interventions for complex chronic pain conditions. Led by specialist pain physicians, our programs include medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and graded exercise protocols. The biopsychosocial approach addresses physical, emotional, and social factors affecting pain perception and recovery trajectories.
Psychology Services
Clinical psychologists provide evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions and chronic pain management using CBT and ACT techniques. Services include individual therapy, group sessions, and multidisciplinary care coordination. Medicare rebates apply with GP referrals, and NDIS funding is accepted for eligible participants requiring mental health support.
Hydrotherapy
Supervised hydrotherapy programs utilize heated pools to facilitate low-impact rehabilitation for complex musculoskeletal conditions. Physiotherapists design progressive exercise plans transitioning patients from water-based to land-based activities over 6-10 week programs. This approach improves functional capabilities while minimizing joint stress during recovery phases.
Telehealth Services
Nationwide telehealth services deliver physiotherapy assessments, pain management guidance, and psychological support through secure online platforms. These virtual consultations maintain clinical standards while providing accessible care for patients in regional areas or with mobility limitations requiring specialized musculoskeletal expertise.
People
Associate Professor Jon Ford
Managing Director
A leading musculoskeletal physiotherapist with PhD qualifications, Jon pioneered the STOPS Back Pain approach and heads La Trobe University's Low Back Research Team. He has directed clinical research programs since 1995.
Charles Ruddock
Principal Psychologist
Clinical psychologist specializing in chronic pain management, Charles has developed multidisciplinary treatment frameworks since joining the team in 2005. He coordinates psychological interventions integrated with physical therapy programs.
Dr Shane Pritchard
Director
Occupational health physiotherapist and research fellow with expertise in workplace injury rehabilitation. Shane contributes to clinical research while overseeing operational standards across multiple treatment centers.
Dr Safa Hamza
Specialist Pain Physician
Pain medicine specialist providing medical management for complex chronic pain conditions. Dr Hamza collaborates with physiotherapists and psychologists to optimize multidisciplinary treatment outcomes.
Dr Luke Surkitt
APA Pain Physiotherapist
Specialist physiotherapist with postgraduate qualifications in pain management. Luke implements advanced assessment techniques including real-time ultrasound and surface EMG in clinical practice.
Questions
What services does Advance Healthcare specialize in?
We specialize in physiotherapy, multidisciplinary pain management, psychology services, hydrotherapy, and telehealth consultations for musculoskeletal conditions.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?
No referral is required for private physiotherapy consultations, though Medicare rebates require a GP referral.
Are your services available outside Victoria?
Yes, we offer telehealth services nationwide across Australia.
What payment options do you accept?
We require pre-payment online or by telephone for private consultations, with bulk billing available for eligible Medicare patients.
Can I access NDIS funding for your services?
We accept NDIS funding for self-managed and plan-managed participants only.
What makes your back pain treatment unique?
Our STOPS Back Pain approach combines real-time ultrasound, EMG assessment, and evidence-based protocols developed through 25 years of clinical research.
