Chris Neal

Chris Neal

Physiotherapist

Extensive Private Physiotherapy Experience

Chris graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2008 and has worked within sports physiotherapy clinics in Melbourne and Glasgow for over eight years before coming to Hunter Physio in Newcastle in February 2016.

Physio for Elite Sporting Teams & Organisations

In his physio career, Chris has travelled to Canada as the Head Physiotherapist for the Australian Under 19 Softball team, worked with the Australian National Basketball league teams as a physiotherapist at their scout camps, worked with national and elite level rock climbers, surfers, runners, soccer players, professional skiers and snow boarders at Mt Buller and was recruited by the Scottish Institute of Sport and Scottish National Rowing Organisation to consult on difficult shoulder injuries. Alongside Chris’ sporting involvements, he has also worked with dancers, performing artists and dance companies.

Areas of Expertise

Chris has a particular interest in complex sporting and performance injuries, particularly those relating to the lower limb, shoulder, thoracic spine, lumbar spine and pelvis. Chris’ expertise includes the biomechanical interplay of the entire body and he uses strategic assessments to identify the ‘driver’/ root cause for an injury happening in the first place. He enjoys treating a wide range of people from your weekend warrior to the elite running, climbing and surfing athlete. Chris has completed further training regarding dry needling, the complex shoulder, the foot and ankle, the pelvis, the diaphragm, the cranium and the craniosacral system and the complex interplay between these areas.

Clinical Pilates & Wellness

Chris is a certified APPI Pilates Instructor, having taught Pilates for over 8 years. Chris aims not only to help remedy physical injuries but help you become stronger than before and stop injury happening in the future.

Sporting and Fitness Background

As a junior, Chris competed at State level in swimming, cycling and basketball. He continued his basketball career by playing in the Men’s National Basketball League whilst working as a physiotherapist in Scotland. Chris also has a keen interest in rock climbing and surfing prompting his move to Newcastle to enjoy the beach lifestyle.

Chris’s sporting past has given him insight and awareness into technique specific injuries and allows him to understand the importance of returning to activity as soon as possible. Chris focuses on getting people back to their peak as soon as possible.