Directors

Ruth Todd Physiotherapist

B.App.Sc. (Phty)

Ruth has been a physiotherapist since 1987 and has a wealth of experience across the specialised areas of Rehabilitation, Women’s Health and Paediatrics.  Ruth commenced working at NGPH in March 1993 and became Manager of Rehabilitation Services in addition to providing clinical skills to the unit.  Since leaving Rehabilitation Services, to establish CPC along with Liz and Michael Ward, Ruth has continued working within the hospital providing services to the Women’s & Children’s health unit.  More recently she has pursued a special interest in dance injury management and prevention.  Ruth is director of Women’s Health and In Patient Physiotherapy Services in this practice and provides a clinical leadership role in the areas of Paediatrics, Women’s Health and Continence, Pregnancy care, Ante natal and Post natal classes and Dance Injury management.

Elizabeth Ward Physiotherapist

B.Sc., PGD (Phty) Masters Public Health, Masters Hlth Sc. (Physiotherapy / Hand Therapy)

Graduating in 1984, Elizabeth worked in the public sector for 10 years as a senior orthopaedic and intensive care therapist, before branching into private practice in 1995, and graduating with a Masters in Public Health the same year.  Together with Michael and Ruth, she opened Coastal Physiotherapy Clinic in September 2000.  Liz is a full member of the Australian Hand Therapy Association (AHTA) after graduating with a Masters of Applied Science (Physiotherapy – Hand Therapy).  Elizabeth is the only physiotherapist on the Central Coast with these combined qualifications in Hand Therapy and Public Health, giving her a unique perspective on optimising injury management.  In 2007, she was elected Vice President of the AHTA, and is currently in her second term in this role.  Elizabeth provides clinical leadership to the practice in the areas of Hand Therapy and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy.  Elizabeth is available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  

Michael Ward FACP Physiotherapist.

B.App.Sc. (Phty), Post Grad Dip (Manip Ther), M.App.Sc (Manip Ther)

Michael is a Specialist Musculo-Skeletal Physiotherapist, having completed post graduate studies in 1988, his Masters in 1996 and more recently specialisation exams.  He has been admitted as a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.  He is an Independent Consultant to WorkCover as well as the Motor Accident Authority, providing advice on best care for injuries sustained at work and car accidents.  His research interests include adaptations to spinal pain as well as rehabilitation of spine pain with manual mobilisation and retraining of the muscle system.  Michael is available Thursdays mornings.

Karen Ritchie Occupational Therapist

B.App.Sc. (Occupational Therapy)

Karen is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 year’s experience, having graduated in 1989.  Karen has extensive experience in Burns and Plastic Surgery rehabilitation through her time working at St Vincent’s and Concord Hospitals before transferring to the private sector.

Karen is an associate member of the Hand Therapy Association and now works exclusively in the area of Hand Therapy.  Her area of expertise includes acute hand trauma care and post hand surgical rehabilitation, hand splinting and burns care as well as and hand writing assessment and retraining

Kathy Strong Physiotherapist

Kathy has a wealth of experience across broad areas of practice.  Kathy had her own practice in Budgewoi for 10 years, treating patients with a variety of musculoskeletal / orthopaedic problems.  After a short break from clinical work due to family commitments, Kathy worked at our Terrigal rooms before commencing in her current role at Coastal Physiotherapy Clinic in 2008.  Kathy now fills a senior role in in-patient physiotherapy services.

Nikki Scott Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist

(B. Exercise & Sports Sc, M.Phty)

Nikki is a physiotherapist and an Exercise Physiologist.  After completing her degree in exercise and sports science, Nikki graduated from Physiotherapy in 2006. Initially gaining experience at Sydney’s Prince of Wales Hospital, Nikki commenced at Coastal Physiotherapy in early 2008.  In addition to providing general physiotherapy services, Nikki’s main area of interest is musculoskeletal physiotherapy, particularly orthopaedics.  She has a special interest in combining her skills in exercise prescription with lifestyle management programmes and is particularly interested in weight control and disease management through the modification of exercise, diet and lifestyle.

Matthew Cranney Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist

(B. Exercise & Sports Sc, M.Phty)