Our Team

The Flex Physio team has been chosen with care to offer a great breadth of professional expertise

Take a look below at the great physiotherapists who make up the Flex Physiotherapy team. No matter what problem you are seeking physiotherapy for, one of our qualified, experienced and caring physiotherapists will be the right fit for what you need. If you can't come and see them in our Murdoch or Mount Lawley rooms (Perth, Western Australia), arrange a Telehealth video consultation instead!

Not just great physios - a great team!

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See Ian at our Murdoch Clinic

Ian Dowley

Director

About Ian

For more than 20 years Ian has had the privilege of working exclusively with upper limb patients. He loves the complexity and challenge offered by the wrist and hand, and enjoys teaching others about this area as well. He runs APA Accredited workshops on the Wrist and Hand each year for physiotherapists, and has been a regular guest lecturer for the Physiotherapy School at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle since 2005.

Many of Ian's patients are referred by other physiotherapists, who recognise his expertise when it comes to elbow, wrist or hand problems that are not improving as expected.  He sees a wide range of injuries and pain problems, from fractures and sporting injuries, to overuse problems, to chronic pain and arthritis. He has made over 40 000 thermoplastic splints in his working life so far, and still enjoys creating custom-fitted, functional, waterproof splints to suit the patient's needs.

Ian graduated from Curtin University in 1993, and worked in public hospital hand therapy clinics from 1997. In 2005 he established Flex Physiotherapy at St John of God Hospital Murdoch, offering his knowledge, expertise and experience to the private sector.

Qualifications and Professional Memberships:

  • BSc Physiotherapy
  • Member Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Associate Member Australian Hand Therapy Association

Hand Therapy Professional Development Sessions

Ian Dowley has provided continuing education sessions in GP clinics and physiotherapy practices throughout Perth, and has a reputation as an engaging and informative presenter

If you would like to arrange for Ian to provide an education session at your practice, please call Flex Physiotherapy during normal office hours on 9332 6422, or email ian@flex.physio

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See Jay at our Murdoch Clinic

Dr Jay-Shian Tan

Senior Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

About Jay

Jay is an expert in helping people manage complex and chronic pain problems. He provides second opinion consultations for people referred from physiotherapists, GPs, orthopaedic surgeons and directly from insurers. Jay has a passion for research-backed, individualised person-centred management, helping them get back to what they value in life. He considers not only the injured or painful body part, but how all aspects of a person's life may influence their recovery.

Over the past decade Jay has developed a reputation as an excellent health educator at Curtin University and Notre Dame University. Currently Jay works with a non-profit social enterprise - Evoolve Pain Care Academy - with Prof. Peter O'Sullivan and Dr JP Caneiro to upskill clinicians in Cognitive Functional Therapy. He continues to train physiotherapists as a consultant educator for Global Specialist Physiotherapy, providing evidence-based professional development and mentoring for physiotherapists around Perth, eastern states and overseas. In 2023 Jay completed his PhD at Curtin University and has published research in the fields of knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, and workers compensation.

Jay has worked at Flex Physiotherapy since 2012 and continues to consult at Flex Physio on a part-time basis. Patients may need to book ahead due to his limited available consulting time.

Clinical Interests:

  • Upper limb conditions (shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand)
  • Trauma (e.g. wrist fracture, sprained ankles)
  • Neuropathic pain (nerve pain, tingling, burning)
  • Spinal pain (neck and low back)
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Neurodivergence
  • Cognitive Functional Therapy
  • Workers compensation

Qualifications:

  • PhD
  • MSc Clinical Physiotherapy - Musculoskeletal Major
  • BSc Physiotherapy (Hons)

Professional Memberships:

  • Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapy
  • Australian Physiotherapy Association
  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia
  • International Association for the Study of Pain
  • Australian Pain Society

Historical Roles:

  • Chair Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia WA
  • WA Delegate Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia
  • Clinical supervisor - Under/post-graduate musculoskeletal physiotherapy
  • Lecturer - Curtin University School of Allied Health
  • Tutor - Notre Dame University

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See Karis at our Mount Lawley Clinic

Karis Brancato

Practice director - Mount Lawley

About Karis

Karis is an expert in the diagnosis and management of upper limb injuries. She has completed additional training to become an Accredited Hand Therapist as awarded by the Australian Hand Therapy Association and a Certified Hand Therapist (USA). This recognises her advanced level of competency in hand therapy.

Karis is experienced with splinting to immobilize fractures and to help regain range of motion following injury, with managing rehabilitation following surgeries and with managing chronic pain conditions. She places particular emphasis on understanding how your injury is impacting your life and what your goals are. She will conduct a thorough assessment, help you understand what is contributing to your pain or injury and then discuss your options regarding how it can best be helped. Karis combines her knowledge of evidence-based research with your individual preferences to find the best solution for you. 

Away from the clinic, Karis also does clinical tutoring for Notre Dame physiotherapy students and teaches in the anatomy labs at Curtin University. She also works in the outpatient hand therapy unit at Fiona Stanley Hospital. She can be found playing with her mischievous Somali cat, training in powerlifting at the gym, and if you're quick enough, you might spot her riding her Yamaha R1.

Accreditations and Titles:

  • Senior Physiotherapist
  • Accredited Hand Therapist AHT
  • Certified Hand Therapist (USA)

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See Alex at our Mount Lawley Clinic

Alex Chia

APA Titled Physiotherapist and Clinic Director

About Alex

Alex is a senior clinician here at Flex and has worked in private practice for over 16 years. He earned his Clinical Masters in Sports Physiotherapy from Curtin University in 2015 and has worked extensively in sport and the arts, including travelling overseas with the Volleyroos (The Australian Women's Volleyball Team), interstate with the Western Flames (WA Softball) and working with the Melbourne City Football Club.

Alex is consulted frequently by WA musicians having worked with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) over 8 years, bringing to this role his experience as a pianist (AmusA) and violinist. Alex is dedicated to taking the time to listen to your story and diagnose thoroughly prior to discussing how best to manage your issue.

Away from the clinic Alex enjoys time with his family, playing tennis and music, and tending to his 3 chooks!

Areas of Expertise:

  • Sport related injuries and pain
  • Hand and elbow conditions
  • Persistent pain conditions
  • Musician related pain

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See Nicole at our Murdoch Clinic

Nicole Everett

Senior Physiotherapist

About Nicole

Nicole started here as a physiotherapy assistant while she was studying at Notre Dame University.  When she graduated (with honours) in 2016 she joined the Flex physiotherapy team, and her years of experience really show. She is a true expert in the areas of hand therapy and splinting, especially when dealing with children or teens with hand injuries. Nicole previously studied Musical Theatre, at both WAAPA and the University of Ballarat, and has a special interest in working with performing artists and children.

Nicole has many varied interests outside of her work, including singing, cheerleading, volleyball, windsurfing, cake decorating, cello, and camping.  She is always looking to learn a new skill or planning another adventure.

See Nicole for:

  • All upper limb problems
  • Neck or shoulder complaints
  • Sports Injuries

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See Novak at our Murdoch Clinic

Novak Elliott

Senior Physiotherapist

Biomedical Engineer and Educator–Researcher

About Novak

Novak combines physiotherapy, biomedical engineering and rehabilitation research to help people recover from injury, surgery and persistent pain.

Before becoming a physiotherapist, Novak trained as a biomedical engineer and completed a PhD at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. Alongside his clinical work at Flex Physiotherapy, Novak is a Senior Research Officer in the Curtin School of Allied Health and holds academic appointments across both Allied Health and Engineering at Curtin University, where he teaches, supervises research students and conducts rehabilitation research.

Novak's research combines physiotherapy, engineering and biomechanics and to better understand human movement and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Current projects include joint replacement rehabilitation, wearable movement sensors, neurodiversity and climbing-related injuries. This work helps ensure his clinical practice remains grounded in current evidence and emerging best practice.

Novak enjoys helping people understand their injury and recovery. He believes that education is a powerful part of rehabilitation and works collaboratively with patients to develop treatment plans that are practical, evidence-based and tailored to their goals.

As an avid rock climber, Novak has developed a particular interest in climbing-related injuries and the unique demands they place on the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. He also has a special interest in working with neurodivergent patients and people with hypermobility spectrum disorders or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, adapting rehabilitation approaches to suit individual communication, learning, sensory and physical needs.

Outside the clinic, Novak enjoys rock climbing, hiking, reading non-fiction and sketching. He is passionate about lifelong learning and helping people better understand how their bodies work.

Whether you are recovering from surgery, returning to sport or trying to overcome a longstanding problem, Novak's goal is to help you understand your condition, regain confidence and get back to the activities that matter most to you.

Clinical Interests:

• Hand, wrist and elbow injuries
• Fractures and tendon injuries
• Post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation
• Climbing-related injuries
• Hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Neurodivergent patients
• Complex musculoskeletal presentations
• Biomechanics and movement analysis

See Novak For:

  • Hand and upper limb injuries
  • Orthopaedic rehabilitation
  • Climbing injuries
  • Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Neurodivergent patients

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See Juliette at our Mount Lawley and Murdoch Clinics

Juliette Adamson

Physiotherapist

About Juliette

With a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Juliette brings a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation and injury prevention. Juliette combines a deep understanding of human movement with extensive hands-on experience to help clients recover and thrive in their daily activities.

For the past 12 years, Juliette has worked as a Pilates instructor, guiding individuals of all levels to improve their strength, mobility, and body awareness. In addition, her role as a sports trainer at both the Southern Lions rugby union and Lakeside Lightning NBL1 has equipped her with skills in sports injury management, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. Juliette's approach to physiotherapy is centred around empowering individuals to return to their valued activities, using evidence-based practices and collaborative goal-setting.

Outside of work, Juliette enjoys exercising with her dog Bandit by her side. Pet photos are always welcome and encouraged at her appointments!

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See Claudia at our Murdoch Clinic

Claudia Zilm

Physiotherapist

About Claudia

Claudia joined Flex Physio in 2025 with prior experience in musculoskeletal private practice and sports training roles. She completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Curtin University in 2022 and has since completed further studies in Strength and Conditioning.

Claudia is passionate about taking an active approach to rehabilitation and injury management, working collaboratively with clients to help them get back to doing what matters most to them.

Outside the clinic, Claudia enjoys strength training at the gym, tending to her house plants, and getting outdoors for camping and travel.

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See Jimmy at our Murdoch and Mount Lawley Clinics

Jimmy Truong

Physiotherapist

About Jimmy

Jimmy is a physiotherapist with a strong interest in musculoskeletal and sports injury management. Over the past few years Jimmy has been working across remote and rural communities in Western Australia, gaining broad experience managing a wide range of injuries and helping people return to work, sport and everyday activities.

Jimmy enjoys working with people to improve movement, build strength and develop long term strategies to stay active and reduce the risk of future injury.

Outside of the clinic Jimmy is a keen triathlete and enjoys spending time boating, fishing and camping, usually with his two dogs along for the adventure.