Stay on top of your injuries and improve your quality of life.

We are delighted to welcome Northwest Physiotherapy, who is now providing physiotherapy services at the Health Hub. North West Physiotherapy is a well-established and well regarded organisation with 6 additional locations across North Brisbane.

North West Physiotherapy are now taking bookings for consultations and for Group Physiotherapy classes.

You can make an appointment online or if you would rather speak to our friendly team, please call Northwest Physiotherapy directly on 07 3353 4111.

Services and treatments

Our experienced physiotherapists from North West Physiotherapy work closely with you to achieve optimum health and wellbeing. With in-depth knowledge of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries, they emphasise self-management techniques and individual rehabilitation exercises.

All practitioners have excellent reputations in their field.

  • Sports Injuries
  • Back and Neck Pain
  • Group Exercise
  • Injury Prevention
  • Acupuncture
  • Post-Op Rehab
  • Headaches
  • NDIS
  • Workcover
  • DVA

Group physio

Group Physiotherapy focuses on using deep central muscles to stabilise the core while performing specific movements. These clinical exercises are designed to improve muscle strength, postural balance and tone.

There are numerous benefits of Group Physiotherapy which include decreased pain of daily activities, preventing further episodes of pain, improving and maintaining good posture and improving muscle strength and endurance. Group Physiotherapy is also great at teaching you how to recruit your muscles more efficiently to improve sports performance.

A physiotherapy assessment is required prior to Group Physiotherapy classes so that we can tailor a programme to your individual needs.

North West Physiotherapy is currently taking bookings for Group Physiotherapy classes.

You can make an appointment online or if you would rather speak to our friendly team, please call Northwest Physiotherapy directly on 07 3353 4111.

GLA:D® Australia

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common lifestyle disease in individuals 65 years of age and older, but can also affect individuals as young as 30 years of age. Characterised by joint pain and stiffness, it’s a common and significant chronic disease, reducing mobility and causing considerable impact on quality of life.

Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark (GLA:D®), is an education and exercise program developed by researchers in Denmark for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Research from the GLA:D program in Australia show –

  • An average pain reduction of 36%
  • Reduced use of pain killers
  • Reduction in perceived need for surgery
  • Less sick leave taken
  • Improvement in joint confidence.

This program is unique in that the education and exercises provided can be applied to everyday activities. By strengthening and correcting daily movement patterns, participants will train their bodies to move properly, prevent symptom progression and reduce pain. The cost of the program can vary depending on location and size of the group. You do not need a referral from your Doctor, however you may be eligible for a rebate from Medicare for some of the cost of the program, if deemed appropriate by your GP.

For more information, download the program fact and cost sheet here.

Dietitian services

New Dietetic services are now available at the Health Hub.

We are delighted to introduce Accredited Practicing Dietician, Ally Smith, brought to you by North West Physiotherapy. At the Health Hub, we’re always searching for more ways to help our patients achieve a better health and a better life.

Ally is practicing in Brisbane under her business ACS Nutrition Fitness, as well as out of North West Physiotherapy. She has an ‘everything in moderation’ approach to dietetics and enjoy nothing more than helping my clients achieve their goals, through a client centred approach, encouraging sustainable eating behaviours and using evidence based practice.

What type of Dietetic services are on offer?

If you are lacking energy, struggling to lose weight, facing a chronic disease or simply wanting to make a few healthy changes to your lifestyle, a consultation with a dietitian can make all the difference.

Ally is available on Thursdays at the Health Hub, between 8am – 11am:

  • Initial dietetic consultation (60 mins)
  • Review dietetic consultation (30 mins)
  • MEDGEM assessment (30 mins)

She accepts chronic disease management plan referrals (EPC bulk billed) and private health fund rebates are also available.

It’s never too late to take charge of your health, and by booking an appointment with our Accredited Practicing Dietitian at the Health Hub, you’re already taking the first step.

Book online or call North West Physiotherapy directly on 07 3353 4111 to make an appointment.

Meet our therapists

Physiotherapy team

Roger McIntosh, physiotherapist with North West Physiotherapy at The Health Hub Fortitude Valley
Roger McIntosh: Senior Physiotherapist

Roger McIntosh established North West Physiotherapy in 1996 after working as a senior physiotherapist in both the private and public sectors in Australia and the UK. Since then, the practice has gone from strength to strength, winning acclaim and accolades from the local community.

Roger has worked as a physiotherapist   in the NRL and has since worked as physiotherapist for Queensland Cup Rugby League teams and Brisbane Premier League soccer teams.
A strong believer in developing staff to their full potential, Roger provides leadership and support to all staff at North West Physiotherapy to help them achieve their goals and has been recognized by the Quest Newspaper Business Achiever Awards and the Telstra Business Awards.

Roger’s personable and trusting style is based on mutual respect and open, honest communication. He brings this commitment to all elements of the practice to ensure North West Physiotherapy meets your every need.

Rebecca Stanton Physiotherapist at Health Hub Fortitude Valley
Rebecca Stanton

Rebecca is an experienced Physiotherapist who graduated from the Australian Catholic University, Brisbane in 2015. Bec worked as a physio assistant during her university years before transitioning to working in a private clinic, treating clients of all-ages and injuries. She has experience with reformer Pilates, return to sport rehab, and a variety of taping and deep tissue massage techniques. Bec has also worked across multiple management and leadership roles for one of Australia’s largest Aged Care & Disability providers.

Bec puts particular emphasis on a hands-on approach and is trained in techniques like Dry Needling/Western Acupuncture; with a specific interest in headaches and neck-related pain, diagnostics, and biomechanics. Bec is dedicated to educating clients and establishing achievable targets to reach health and wellness goals.

Alex Young

Alex is a recent graduate from Australian Catholic University, having recently completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy, after previously obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Queensland University of Technology. With a focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, he has a wealth of experience working with high-level sports teams across a variety of codes.

Alex is dedicated to helping athletes recover from injuries and enhancing their performance through individualised treatment plans and a comprehensive, holistic approach to patient care. Staying current on the latest research and advancements in sports rehab, Alex is committed to delivering evidence-based and effective care to all his clients.

Away from work Alex enjoys catching up with friends over coffee, spending time with family, and going camping.

Ally Smith the dietitian in the kitchen cutting vegetables
Ally Smith

Ally is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) practicing in Brisbane under my business ACS Nutrition Fitness, as well as out of North West Physiotherapy. She has an ‘everything in moderation’ approach to dietetics and enjoy nothing more than helping my clients achieve their goals, through a client centred approach, encouraging sustainable eating behaviours and using evidence based practice.

Since graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Dietetics) from the Queensland University of Technology, she has worked as a dietitian in a number of environments, and with a broad range of clients. She currently works with private and Medicare clients as well as NDIS participants and specialise in weight management, chronic disease management, gut health (IBS) and disordered eating.

In addition, she also offers metabolic testing via a MEDGEM machine, which accurately measures metabolic rate and thus allows for the detection of metabolic suppression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are health funds no longer covering Pilates from 1 April 2019?

See answer

Under new government legislation Health Funds can no longer pay benefits for stand-alone Pilates classes.  However, we are allowed to pay for group physio classes with a qualified Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist that includes, but is not made up exclusively of, exercises or techniques drawn from Pilates.  The group classes must be targeted to manage or prevent a specific disease, injury or condition.  For health funds to pay you must have an active treatment plan with your Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist.

What is a Treatment Plan?

See answer

A detailed plan with information about a patient’s condition, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the condition, and the expected length of treatment.

Is the Group Physiotherapy class the same as Pilates?

See answer

Our Group Physiotherapy classes, previously known as Pilates, are tailored to each patient. Your Physiotherapist will assess you and based on your condition they will design a treatment plan for your class. This will include regular review appointments. Our classes have always utilised some Pilates techniques however they are used in conjunction with other exercises under the guidance of a Physiotherapist which differs from a traditional Pilates class.

Why do I need a regular review appointment?

See answer

Reviewing your progress is an essential part of your treatment plan. This involves 30-minute appointments every 3-6 months so your Physiotherapist can assess progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.

I currently do Pilates at The Health Hub. How will I know if I can use my PHI benefits for Group Physiotherapy classes?

See answer

If you attend a current class, please speak with your physiotherapist regarding your treatment plan.

What conditions are eligible for a Treatment Plan?

See answer

Any musculoskeletal condition where evidence shows that exercise-based treatment with a Physiotherapist is recommended.

I am new to Group Physiotherapy. How to get a treatment plan?

See answer

You will need to have an initial appointment with one of our Physiotherapists. In this 30-minute appointment you will be assessed and, if appropriate, a treatment plan will be designed for you.

What should I wear to my appointment?

See answer

As a general guide, it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothing that isn’t too restrictive and allows flexibility in movement.

What should I bring to my appointment?

See answer

For your first visit, it is a good idea to bring a list of any medications and allergies along with your medical & surgical history, any relevant scans or reports and your Private Health Insurance card (if you have extras cover).

What will happen during my first appointment?

See answer

Initially, our therapist will ask a number of questions and allow you to describe the symptoms in as much detail as possible for a subjective examination. Next, you will receive a physical examination so it is important you wear suitable clothing. Following the assessment, the therapist will discuss their findings, cause of the problem and a treatment plan ideal for you. You will then start the treatment for your condition with our therapist and receive a home exercise program to assist your recovery.