Physiotherapists
Our physiotherapists are experts in spinal conditions. They work collaboratively with our medical specialists, exercise physiologists and remedial massage therapists to help achieve the optimal outcome. Our physiotherapists will assess you, diagnose your problem, and formulate a treatment plan which may include correcting biomechanical abnormalities, modifying your movement patterns, improving your posture and developing guidelines for return to normal activity.
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science | University of Queensland
Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Australian Catholic University
Theres treats surgical and non-surgical patients who have complex spinal problems. Her role as a Physiotherapist at Backspace is to make clinical assessments and offer suitable treatment options for a range of back and neck conditions, taking into consideration the patient’s own health goals and lifestyle. Together with the rest of the clinical rehabilitation team, Theres helps guide and support patients through their rehabilitation journey. As a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor, Theres also develops and teaches goal-oriented Pilates programmes to incorporate with other treatment options.
Theres
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) | Sheffield Hallam University, England
Beth treats surgical and non-surgical patients who have complex spinal problems. Her role as a Physiotherapist at Backspace is to make clinical assessments and offer suitable treatment options for a range of back and neck conditions, taking into consideration the patient’s own health goals and lifestyle. Together with the rest of the clinical rehabilitation team, Beth helps guide and support patients through their rehabilitation journey. As a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor, Beth also develops and teaches goal-oriented Pilates programmes to incorporate with other treatment options.
Beth
Exercise Physiologists
Our exercise physiologists specialise in clinical interventions which are exercise-based, provide education, advice and support. There is a strong focus on achieving behavioural change. They will look at your lifestyle and goals, and design an exercise programme taking into account the physiotherapy recommendations. They will prescribe the right exercises, show you how to do them and monitor your progress during your recovery.
Exercise Physiologist
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology | Queensland University of Technology
Felicity is a founding clinician at Backspace and our senior Exercise Physiologist with many years of specialised experience in treating patients with back pain. She is responsible for the design and development of the BackSpace rehabilitation programmes, including Pilates and Stretch Therapy.
Felicity treats surgical and non-surgical patients with complex conditions, tailoring her exercise programmes to patients’ needs, lifestyle and fitness goals. Her approach centres on collaboration, guiding patients toward recovery and sustainable behavioural and physiological changes.
Felicity
Exercise Physiologist
Bachelor of Clinical & Exercise Physiology | Queensland University of Technology
After a successful placement at BackSpace in the final year of her degree, Lily demonstrated her skills in leading evidence-based exercise interventions, including preoperative, postoperative and preventative rehabilitation therapies to support patients’ positive surgical outcomes. With an extensive background in coaching and instructional practice for community, state and national volleyball, Lily understands the importance of collaborative, team-focused care. Under the guidance of our senior Exercise Physiologist Felicity, and Spine Surgeon Dr Paul Licina, Lily has quickly gained the specialised knowledge required to treat our patients.
Lily
Massage Therapists
Our remedial massage therapists are trained to provide specialised treatment for all spinal conditions. They will treat painful and tight areas with massage, stretching cupping, and dry needling, working collaboratively with our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. They will decrease pain, release muscle tension and release tight tissues to decrease pain and speed up your recovery.
Remedial Massage Therapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro
Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy | Australian College of Eastern Medicine
Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy | Mastery Institute Australia
Luan brings to Backspace an extensive knowledge of the human body, having practiced as a Physiotherapist for many years in his native Brazil. His areas of interests include Orthopaedic trauma and sports injury rehabilitation. Luan is working towards his accreditation to practice as a Physiotherapist in Australia, and in the meantime, has obtained qualifications in Remedial Massage Therapy and Myotherapy to continue his work in allied health and rehabilitation. Luan’s clinical background helps him support patients through pain, injury recovery and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Luan
Support Team
As key members of our healthcare team, our clinical nurse serves as the vital link between medical specialists and allied health professionals, supporting the assessment and management of your condition. Our clinic coordinator works alongside patients throughout their rehabilitation, coordinating your care to provide a smooth and supportive experience.
Clinical Nurse
Bachelor of Nursing | University of Sunshine Coast
Calli brings experience from both hospital and clinic settings, enabling her to provide comprehensive medical assessment and clinical management for patients with back and neck pain.
She works closely with the clinical rehabilitation team to guide patients through their journey to recovery, ensuring they feel supported and comfortable every step of the way. Calli also liaises with medical specialists and hospital healthcare professionals to facilitate timely, well-coordinated transitions to any further treatment patients may require.
Calli
Clinic Coordinator
Bachelor of Paramedicine | Griffith University
Naomi joined the BackSpace team with a strong desire to help patients navigate the complex journey to wellness that suffering from back and neck pain involves.
She guides patients through every step of their care at BackSpace, coordinating appointments and ensuring seamless communication between patients and clinicians. Naomi also supports our clinical team, helping them manage their schedules and workflow efficiently. Her exceptional organisational skills and dedication ensure the clinic runs smoothly, allowing patients to feel supported and confident as they work toward restored health.
Naomi
Clinical Nurse
Bachelor of Nursing | Queensland University of Technology
Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Perioperative Stream) / University of Tasmania
Isabella joins BackSpace with years of clinical nursing experience. She is skilled in surgical preparation, aseptic technique, and post-anaesthesia care.
She possesses strong clinical judgement, calmness under pressure, compassion and competence with excellent interpersonal skills.
Isabella’s problem-solving abilities and patient-centred approach to care enhances the patient experience across the perioperative journey and aligns perfectly with the BackSpace philosophy.
Isabella
Clinical Researcher
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | University of Queensland
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science | Griffith University
Masters of Physiotherapy | University of Queensland (to be completed 2025)
After making a decision to change her career from Law and enter the health services sector, Xanthe has also completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science with the view toward completing a Masters in Physiotherapy. She has always been interested in human movement and injury rehabilitation. The satisfaction of helping people recover from injury and the learning opportunities that each person offers explains why Xanthe was drawn to clinical research. She has contributed greatly to many studies including the ReActiv8 study.
Xanthe
Clinical Research Assistant
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) | University of Queensland
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours 1A) | University of Queensland
As a Biomedical Science graduate, Maia has a solid foundation in the biological and physiological mechanisms of health and disease, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Her Honours in Biomedical Education focused on improving educational practices in the sciences. She presented her research at the Australasian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (ACSME), exploring strategies to enhance tutors' self-efficacy when working with diverse learners. This blend of biomedical knowledge and educational research has honed Maia’s communication skills and her ability to convey complex concepts effectively.
Maia
Clinical Research Coordinator
Katherine
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology | University of Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | University of Queensland (to be completed 2028)
Katherine heads up our research team with hands-on experience in all aspects of clinical research. She is skilled in administrative support, data collection, program delivery, and communication with diverse stakeholders. She is currently undertaking a PhD in public health promotion at the University of Queensland, investigating a student-led model of the ‘Small Steps for Big Changes Diabetes Prevention Programme’. This PhD aligns with Katherine’s passion for accessible, sustainable health interventions and commitment to contributing to research that informs real-world practice in chronic disease prevention.
Clinical Research Liaison
Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science | Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Science (Honours) | University of the Sunshine Coast
Doctor of Philosophy | University of Queensland (to be completed 2027)
Patrick leads and coordinates BackSpace’s research team and their projects. He is currently working hard to complete his studies and intends to gain acceptance into the post-graduate Bachelor of Medicine degree with a desire to become a doctor. His role involves liaising with medical professionals, allied health professionals, research participants, university research departments, and spinal implant companies. Another key aspect of Patrick’s role is the presentation of the team’s research at medical conferences around Australia and the world. This has led to wonderful travel and professional development opportunities, including integral involvement in the ReActiv8 study.
Patrick
Research Team
Led by Spine Surgeon Dr Paul Licina, our research team conducts clinical research relating to surgical rehabilitation, improving spine surgical outcomes, investigating non-surgical spine rehabilitation, and back and neck pain. Their work furthers the mission of BackSpace by researching and developing evidence-based approaches that enhance recovery and patient care. One study in particular is the ReActiv8 system, an implantable neurostimulation therapy that stimulates the nerves of the muscles responsible for stabilising the lumbar spine. The therapy is designed to restore lumbar muscle control and interrupt the back’s cycle of pain, degeneration, and loss of function. Through these research initiatives, the team contributes to advancing BackSpace’s clinical practice and improving outcomes for patients.
Dr Angus Forbes
Occupational Physician
Dr Sami Ahmad
Specialist Pain Medicine Physician
Dr Brendan Moore
Dr Paul Licina
Spine Surgeon
Specialist Pain Medicine Physician
Spine & Pain Specialists
We are proud to be affiliated with SpinePlus and AXXON Pain Medicine, bringing together medical specialists with extensive experience in spinal care. Our founders, Dr Paul Licina, Spine Surgeon, and Dr Brendan Moore, Specialist Pain Physician, have treated patients with spinal conditions for many years and were motivated to establish BackSpace to provide faster, more coordinated care. They, along with Dr Sami Ahmad and Dr Angus Forbes ensure patients benefit from expert assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation in a structured, medically guided environment, where every patient feels supported and cared for throughout their journey to recovery.