Our Physiotherapists - Southside Physio Tuggeranong
Siobhain Hennessy
Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology) University of Canberra, Graduate Certificate (Human Movement Science) University of Canberra, Master of Physiotherapy University of Canberra.
Siobhain completed her Master of Physiotherapy degree in June 2010 and has trained further in cervicogenic headache techniques, Kinesio tape, Clinical Rehabilitative Pilates, the Sarah Key method, dry needling, and Trigenics.
Siobhain has an interest in treating musculoskeletal problems from the athlete to the office worker, pre and post-natal issues, back and neck pain, headaches, muscular imbalances, and post-operative rehabilitation. Siobhain likes to treat holistically and to meet patient goals so that her clients can be their best.
Siobhain grew up as an elite swimmer and dancer. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, swimming, dancing, running, hiking, climbing, going to the gym, and travelling all over the world.
Christopher Bacchus
Physiotherapy, Canada
Chris is a senior consultant musculoskeletal physiotherapist at Southside Physiotherapy. Born and trained in Canada, he has worked with us since 2000.
Chris's professional interests include manual therapy, manipulation, movement rehabilitation, exercise prescription, dizziness, vestibular rehabilitation and concussion. He is proficient in the physical diagnosis and treatment of low back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries and concussion. Chris has completed extensive training in concussion assessment and management with Complete Concussion Management Inc.(TM) This training allows Chris to perform initial pre-season multimodal baseline testing and concussion treatment and rehabilitation, including the treatment and rehabilitation of post-concussion syndrome. Chris will work closely with your GP to co-manage your concussion, helping you to safely return to learn, work and sport.
Chris also lectures at the University of Canberra in the Master of Physiotherapy program where his clinical experience and knowledge is a valuable asset in the education of the profession's future physiotherapists.
On a personal note, Chris enjoys swimming, camping and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Bjarne Kragh
Physiotherapy, Denmark
Bjarne (BJ) is the Principal physiotherapist at Southside Physiotherapy. He was born and trained in Denmark, and came to Australia in 1994. He worked in various private clinics until taking over as Director of Southside Physiotherapy in Tuggeranong in February 1998. The clinic has steadily grown since then with Bjarne expanding into Woden as a Director of our affiliated clinic, Woden Integrated Physiotherapy, on 1 July 2010.
Bjarne's areas of professional interest include temporomandibular (jaw) pain, spinal and pelvic dysfunction, treatment of arthritis and chronic pain management. In his spare time, Bjarne has changed his fitness routine from running after a round ball (football), to thoroughly enjoying raising money for charity in long distance bike riding events. He loves his job and sees himself more as a life coach - helping clients to optimise their wellbeing.
Alicia Jackson
Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Exercise Science (Applied Science), University of Canberra. Master of Physiotherapy, University of Canberra.
Alicia graduated from the University of Canberra with a Masters of Physiotherapy, after completing a Bachelor degree in Sport Coaching and Exercise Science. Alicia has experienced treating a large range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries through her participation as a Netball Development Officer for Netball A.C.T, an Australian Institute of Sport Coach for the A.C.T Junior Athletics Talent Squad for Athletes with a Disability and whilst working with first grade AFL teams throughout A.C.T.
Throughout her career Alicia has worked both in the hospital setting and throughout the community of Canberra. After working within The Canberra Hospital’s antenatal and postnatal wards she has developed a passion for the area of Women’s Health and has undertaken further training in this field. She is now studying to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physio. Her specific interests include antenatal and postnatal care, the assessment and treatment of pelvic pain, the pelvic floor and incontinence, as well as running hydrotherapy and land based exercise classes for these clients.
Alicia is also an Associate Investigator for the University of Canberra’s Indigenous Women’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Project: ‘Heart Time’, promoting supervised exercise and a healthy lifestyle to Canberra’s Indigenous women.
Alicia is a firm believer that for everyone, exercise, education, well-being and a positive mindset are the best medicines. Alicia focuses on how to assist clients to return to what they love, providing them with self-management strategies for a healthy life and to minimise risk of re-injury.
Alicia loves the outdoor and sporting worlds. Outside of the clinic, you will find Alicia enjoying a social game of Squash or Netball and in the warmer months she is a keen water skier.
Heather Bond
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney
Heather graduated from the Cumberland College of Health Sciences (now known as University of Sydney Faculty of Health Sciences) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy). She gained experience at Sydney and Woden Valley Hospitals before venturing into the world of owning and operating her own private physiotherapy practices with her twin sister, Carole. Between them, they operated a practice at the Phillip Health Centre from 1985-1993 and the Gowrie Medical Centre from 1986-2009. In 2009, the Bond sisters closed their clinic and Heather joined the team at Southside Physiotherapy.
Over the years Heather has been an active member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and has served on the Continuing Education Committee, the Sports Physiotherapy Group (both locally and nationally), the Private Practitioners' Group and most recently the Aquatic Physiotherapy Group (again both locally and nationally). She served as the Chair of the National Management Committee of the Aquatic Physiotherapy Group in 2012 and 2013.
Heather has experience working with sports teams, having provided physiotherapy coverage to Royals Rugby Union Football Club for many years and having toured with the ACT Womens' Rugby Union team. More recently, her passion for netball has led her to provide physiotherapy services to Master's netball teams and teams at South Canberra Netball Association (SCNA). She also toured New Zealand with representative teams from SCNA in 2012 and 2014.
Heather has a professional interest in aquatic physiotherapy (hydrotherapy) and completed her Level 3 training in 2010 attaining her Certificate of Hydrotherapy. She runs our Aquatic Physiotherapy Programs at the 'Safer -Faster') (formally Kingswim pools) at Deakin and Calwell, and treats a wide range of conditions in the pool in the more buoyant water environment.
David Witheridge
Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology) University of Canberra 2011, Master of Physiotherapy University of Canberra 2014
Dave graduated with a Master of Physiotherapy in 2014, before commencing work in private practice in Queanbeyan. He has since done further training in Kinesiotaping, dry needling and western acupuncture, the Mulligan concept, and Clinical Pilates.
Dave has an interest in treating all musculoskeletal conditions, from the sporting field to the office, to the worksite. He has a special interest in bouldering, rock climbing and powerlifting injuries and rehabilitation, and believes that movement is a powerful medicine!
Dave grew up practicing western fencing and Chinese martial arts, and currently enjoys bouldering for fitness. In his spare time he enjoys woodworking and spending time with his wife and young daughter.
Nia Southwell
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Canberra.
Nia joined the southside team in 2019 after graduating from UC and working as a physiotherapist in both aged care and private practice. Her special interests include sporting/gym injuries, physiotherapy throughout pregnancy and working with kids and teens.
She has a FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine and is qualified in advanced dry needling techniques and Pilates. She has done further courses specifically in shoulder injuries, neck pain and pain management. She is experienced in treating sciatica, lower back pain, neck pain and headaches. Regardless of your problem or injury, Nia will work with you to come up with a specific treatment plan to meet your personal goals.
When Nia isn't at work she is most likely spending time with her baby girl. She loves football and has been refereeing on the W-League and in Canberra's local competition for several years.
Cameron McDonald
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons.), University of Canberra
Cameron joined the Southside Physio team in 2017, after graduating from the University of Canberra in 2016 with first class honours. Cameron has developed a keen interest in sports, and injury prevention with additional training in dry needling. Cameron is currently the Physiotherapist for NPL side Woden Weston FC and has a special interest in treating football injuries across all ages.
Cameron enjoys treating all cases and conditions from our office workers with lower back pain or neck pain and headaches, to the weekend warrior with any running, hamstring or ankle injuries.
In a session with Cameron, you will learn why you may have pain, find the root cause for your condition and then collaborate to make goals - helping towards a to a full recovery. Cameron uses a variety of manual therapy techniques including myofascial release, mobilisation, manipulation and dry needling. He will always follow up with therapeutic exercsies that will be sent straight to your phone or email.
Cameron believes that movement is medicine, and targeted exercise is King, and regularly posts exercise tips and tricks on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Outside of work, Cameron is loves spending time with his daughter, playing disc golf and enjoying the outdoors and cooking with friends!
Chris McLachlan
Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy), University of Sydney
Born and raised in Canberra, Chris moved away to study at the University of Sydney, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy). He worked in orthopaedics, aged care and stroke rehabilitation hospitals in Newcastle and Canberra before beginning work in Private Practice in 2011. After a recent stint in Workplace Health, Chris has returned to Private Practice at Southside Physiotherapy.
Chris has completed further training in treatment of the pelvis, thorax, shoulder and knee, mobilisation of the nervous system, and dry needling. Chris is committed to providing holistic, evidence-based management for patients, with the goal to help them relieve pain and recover from injury, and beyond that to achieve optimal physical performance.Chris is married with three small children who occupy almost all of his free time.
Djordje Cudovski
Bachelor of Sports Health and Physical Education, Vancouver Island University. Masters of Physiotherapy, University of Canberra
Djordje (pronounced George) completed his Bachelor of Sports Health and Physical Education qualification at Vancouver Island University, Canada in 2012, and moved to Canberra to pursue his Physiotherapy career. Since graduating Masters of Physiotherapy in 2015 at the University of Canberra, Djordje has worked in private practice within the Canberra region and joined the Southside Physio team in March 2018.
Djordje has a keen professional interest in hands-on musculoskeletal treatment for a variety of conditions including neck pain, lower back pain, sports injuries, post-op rehabilitation and concussion. Djordje has completed extensive training in concussion assessment and management with Complete Concussion Management Inc. This training qualifies Djordje to perform baseline concussion assessments and provide evidence-based concussion management, including the treatment of post-concussion syndrome. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, Djordje can help manage the long-term health and wellbeing of concussion patients to safely return to learn, work and play.Regarding exercise and physical activity as essential components of wellbeing, Djordje views both as important factors in his professional practice and private life. Over the past six years Djordje has worked in a variety of sports settings both in Canada (ice hockey) and Australia (Aussie rules football, rugby league). Djordje is currently working with the Junior Canberra Raiders U16 and U18 squads.
In his spare time Djordje enjoys playing basketball, traveling to the South Coast, annual hiking trips to the beautiful west coast of British Columbia, and cheering for his favorite teams in the NFL, NBA and tennis. Djordje also speaks fluent Serbian.
Caitlin Ironside
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Canberra. Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation), Charles Sturt University
Caitlin completed her Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Canberra in 2012 before graduating with a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation) from Charles Sturt University in 2015. Caitlin has worked in private practice within the Canberra region before joining the Southside team in early 2019.
Caitlin has a keen interest in treating a range of musculoskeletal injuries including sports related problems, lower back pain and a range of neurological conditions and empowering her clients to take an active role in their rehabilitation. Caitlin grew up competing in elite level Irish dancing which gave her an appreciation for sports injury rehabilitation as well as a love for traveling having competed all over the world. This also gave her a love for exercise, strength and conditioning which ultimately led to her passion for exercise physiology and using exercise as medicine for a range of conditions to empower clients to live their best lives.
Outside of work, you can find Caitlin spending time in the sun, going for runs, sitting behind a desk chipping away towards her Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree at the University of Canberra, or patting any dog that she comes across.
Jess Andriolo
Bachelor of Applied Science (Sports Science), University of Canberra. Master of Physiotherapy, University of Canberra
** Currently on maternity leave **
After completing her Master of Physiotherapy degree in June 2009, Jess worked at The Canberra Hospital gaining experience in orthopaedics, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, neurological, paediatrics and women's health physiotherapy. She joined the Southside Physiotherapy team in July 2012.
Jess's main area of professional interest is Women's Health, especially ante-natal and post-natal physiotherapy. She also completed extra training in Pilates for during and after pregnancy, the management of mastitis, sacroiliac joint and pubic symphesis dysfunction, pelvic floor retraining and continence issues. Jess holds Women's Health exercise and education classes at The Canberra Hospital and John James Hospital. When not working, she enjoys going to the gym, swimming, surfing and getting away to the coast...anywhere warmer than Canberra.