Mar 9, 20203 min
With experience as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist working with elite soccer players and as a Physiotherapist working in private practice, Prana Physiotherapy & Health’s newest team member has helped a long list of patients manage, reduce and prevent pain and dysfunction.
Shaun has a special interest in improving awareness, treating and preventing lower back pain as well as lower limb injuries including the foot, ankle, knee & hip.
We sat down with Shaun this week to find out more!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Sydney in a small suburb on the lower north shore called Hunters Hill. I was born in Penrith but my Mum and I moved the Hunters Hill to be closer to her family and I spent over 15 years here. I still love visiting my grandmother in Hunters Hill and I still enjoy running down the streets past the parks I grew up around.
What do you do for exercise?
I've been playing soccer since I was 5 years old - that's 25 years now! My Dad was a goalkeeper in his day and his passion for the sport definitely caught on with me. I have also casually played tennis and still to this day enjoy the odd game. I love the ultimate individual sport as well - running - although I tend more to compete with myself than race.
What does a standard week of movement look like for you?
Currently I am in preseason training for soccer, so I will have one run of about 30-45 mins, one soccer training session for 120 mins, 2-3x gyms session that focuses on large muscle groups and a specific (dreaded) leg day, and finally I'll get a swim in for 20 mins once a week. I've also started really enjoying a good session of table tennis on the weekends with some of the other residents in my complex.
What made you decide to become a physiotherapist?
It was definitely the idea of being able to help the wider community with their health concerns. As physios, we are in a unique position to be able to coordinate with GPs and other health professionals to help people understand their aches and pain. We can help by improving their knowledge and give them ways to manage and reduce or prevent these from occurring. Helping and teaching people has always been a passion of mine and it is through physiotherapy that I can realise this.
Do you have any morning rituals?
Usually watering my plants and either gym or swim. I have a ritual when it comes to soccer that I will always do - I have to clean my boots the night before a match and I dress in exactly the same way when getting ready to play. I'm not superstitious though... mostly!
When it comes to wellbeing, what is your favourite way to unwind?
To unwind I actually really enjoy either swimming in the pool or the beach; or playing my playstation. It's an easy habit I've had since I was a child but now I don't have my parents enforcing that one hour time limit! To be fair, that's all I can usually handle in one sitting anyway!
Do you like to travel?
Who doesn't? I would love to take more time to travel Europe and South America but I've done my fair share of travel around the UK and America. I haven't been to to New Zealand or even Tasmania yet, but these are probably the next destinations on my list. I love travelling on my own but I've had some great road trips with mates, and I'll never forget my first overseas trip to England with my Mum.
We are incredibly excited for Shaun to join our team and he will make a fantastic addition with a diverse range of experience. So, whether you have a sport’s injury, spine-related injury, lower back pain, neck pain or suffer from headaches, make sure you book an appointment with Shaun today!