Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists assess you, diagnose the problem and plan your treatment, which may include hands-on care, correcting movement and posture, and guidance on returning to activity.
We're the experts in spine.
The BackSpace team can help you
find out what's wrong, get the right treatment and see a specialist,
quickly and easily.
What makes BackSpace different
Supervised by senior specialists
BackSpace was founded, and is supervised, by spine surgeon Dr Paul Licina and pain medicine physician Dr Brendan Moore. Your rehabilitation is guided by their diagnosis and their decades of experience.
A team that treats only the spine
Physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, a remedial massage therapist, a psychologist and a clinical nurse share one plan for each patient, and meet regularly to review how you are progressing.
Every option in one place
Assessment, physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation, Pilates, stretch therapy and remedial massage, inside a major surgical hospital with imaging, specialists and inpatient care on hand.
Treatments we offer
Every treatment is planned around your diagnosis and coordinated with the rest of your care.
Exercise physiology
Our exercise physiologists design an exercise programme around your lifestyle, your goals and the physiotherapy findings, show you how to do each exercise, and supervise your progress.
Remedial massage
Remedial massage eases painful, tight areas with massage and stretching, working alongside your physiotherapy and exercise programme to reduce pain and speed your recovery.
Pilates
Reformer and clinical Pilates programmes, designed by our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, build strength and control around the spine.
Stretch therapy
Guided stretch therapy improves flexibility and eases stiffness, as part of the programme your exercise physiologist designs for you.
Comprehensive testing
We use specialised equipment to test trunk and limb strength, and carry out functional testing before and after surgery to monitor your progress.
Conditions we treat
We treat all conditions of the spine and will help you find the right treatment for yours.
Postoperative recovery
The right rehabilitation after spinal surgery or an injection procedure is essential to a good result. We design a personal programme, test your strength and function before and after surgery to track your progress, and supervise you through each stage of your recovery.
Sciatica and nerve pain
Sciatica is nerve pain down the leg from a compressed or inflamed nerve in the back; arm pain can arise from the neck in the same way. It may come with numbness or weakness. The usual cause is a disc herniation, but it can also come from degeneration or, occasionally, a more serious problem. Prompt, correct diagnosis means the right treatment, which may include injections or surgery, starts quickly and long-term problems are avoided.
Back and neck pain
Back pain is the most common cause of disability, yet it is often poorly understood and treated. It is usually not serious and settles quickly, but sometimes an underlying problem keeps it going for months. A careful history, examination and often a scan lead to a diagnosis and a plan to ease the pain and restore function as quickly as possible. Neck pain benefits from the same coordinated approach.
Back and neck injuries
Injuries happen at work, in sport or in everyday bending, lifting and twisting. Most are muscle or ligament strains, but some are stress fractures or more serious vertebral fractures. We take into account the type of injury, the pain and the examination and imaging findings. Treatment usually means a short rest, then hands-on care and graded exercise; sometimes bracing or surgery is needed.
Specific spinal disorders
Pars defects, isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy each need expert diagnosis and individual care. Most benefit from coordinated rehabilitation, and if pain procedures or surgery are needed, rehabilitation remains an essential part of recovery.
Meet our team
Allied health and medical professionals dedicated to every aspect of your spine care.
Founded and supervised by two senior specialists
BackSpace was founded by spine surgeon Dr Paul Licina and pain medicine physician Dr Brendan Moore, who were frustrated by how long their patients took to get the right rehabilitation, and by rehabilitation that was not built on a clear diagnosis. They continue to supervise the clinic and work closely with the team.
Dr Paul LicinaSpine surgeon, SpinePlusMBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOA
Adjunct Professor, QUT
Adjunct Professor, QUT
Dr Brendan MooreSpecialist pain medicine physician, AXXON Pain MedicineAM, MBBS, FFARCSI, FANZCA, FFPMANZCA
Honorary Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong
Honorary Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong
Theres
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science, University of Queensland
Theres treats surgical and non-surgical patients with complex spinal problems. Before joining BackSpace, she worked in private practice treating sports and workplace injuries, patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery and people with chronic conditions, and completed hospital placements in musculoskeletal, rural, women's health and vestibular physiotherapy.
Theres assesses each patient and tailors treatment to their goals and lifestyle, using manual therapy, exercise programmes and strapping, and works with the rest of the team to guide them through rehabilitation. As a qualified clinical Pilates instructor, she also designs and teaches goal-based reformer and mat Pilates programmes.
Outside the clinic, Theres volunteers at St Vincent's Private Hospital, spending time with palliative care patients and their families.
Xanthe
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Laws (Hons), University of Queensland
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Griffith University
Master of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland
Xanthe's path to physiotherapy began in an unexpected place. While working with Dr Paul Licina at SpinePlus in the medico-legal field, where her background in law proved invaluable, she found herself increasingly fascinated by human movement and injury rehabilitation, so much so that she went back to study physiotherapy.
Since graduating in 2025, Xanthe has become a valued and much-loved member of the BackSpace team, treating patients before and after surgery, as well as those living with chronic pain. She is also part of the BackSpace clinical research team, carrying out functional testing for research participants and for other patients who need it.
Felicity
Senior 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' experience treating people with back pain. She designed and developed the BackSpace rehabilitation programmes, including Pilates and stretch therapy, and tailors exercise to each patient's needs, lifestyle and fitness goals.
A former gymnast, Felicity is a keen sports fan with a passion for Formula 1.
Yolanda
Exercise physiologist
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Queensland University of Technology
Yolanda is an accredited exercise physiologist with six years' experience in the health and fitness industry. She graduated in 2025 with a Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, and has particular strengths in exercise for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, clinical assessment and functional testing.
A qualified Reformer Pilates instructor, Yolanda has worked alongside physiotherapists and exercise physiologists to deliver clinical Pilates, including programmes for people living with Parkinson's disease. She is known for her attention to detail and warm, patient-centred approach, designing individualised exercise programmes that help patients restore function and confidently manage their own health.
Outside the clinic, Yolanda competes in enduro at state and national level and loves functional fitness events such as Hyrox.
Luan
Remedial massage therapist
Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy (in progress), Mastery Institute Australia
Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy, Australian College of Eastern Medicine
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro
Luan has been passionate about health since childhood and began his career as a physiotherapist in Brazil in 2013, going on to complete postgraduate studies in trauma-orthopaedic and sports physiotherapy. He has treated athletes across a wide range of sports, from football, volleyball and surfing to cycling, running and martial arts, and founded his own physiotherapy and Pilates clinic, where he was senior physiotherapist and technical manager.
Since moving to Australia, Luan has qualified in remedial massage and is completing his studies in myotherapy. He combines his physiotherapy background with hands-on techniques, including sports and remedial massage and myofascial release, bringing a detailed understanding of the body and injury rehabilitation to the BackSpace team.
Calli
Clinical nurse
Bachelor of Nursing, University of the Sunshine Coast
Calli joined BackSpace in the clinical nurse role after 12 months working for Dr Paul Licina as his clinical assistant. The training and experience she gained in that role have given her a thorough knowledge of the management of back and neck pain.
Calli's primary role is to identify concerns, and to coordinate and facilitate the best options for treatment.
Grace
Receptionist
Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy, Q Academy
Grace is often the first person patients meet at BackSpace, and brings a warm, organised approach to the front desk. She has worked in reception and administration at a physiotherapy clinic, managing bookings, billing and claims, and supporting patients across Medicare, DVA, NDIS, CTP and WorkCover pathways.
Grace has also studied remedial massage therapy with a focus on sports and rehabilitation, giving her a good understanding of the care patients receive. Before moving into healthcare, she worked in customer service and supervisory roles, where she trained staff and developed strong communication skills.
Photo to come: Ciaran
Ciaran
Psychologist
Patrick
Research coordinator
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours), University of the Sunshine Coast
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Rehabilitation, Australian Catholic University
Doctor of Philosophy candidate, The University of Queensland
Patrick leads and coordinates the research projects run jointly by SpinePlus and the BackSpace Clinic. He is finishing his PhD, which looks at how the deep muscles of the lower back change after restorative neurostimulation (ReActiv8), and how those changes relate to changes in pain. Beyond his PhD, he wants to keep exploring what shapes a person's recovery from pain, and what can be done to help, before or after surgery, or without surgery at all.
He works closely with surgeons, allied health professionals, patients taking part in the team's studies, university research departments and spinal implant companies, and enjoys supervising the research students who complete placements with the team. He also presents the team's research to medical colleagues at conferences in Australia and internationally.
Dr Paul Licina
Spine surgeon, SpinePlus
MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Orth), FAOA
Adjunct Professor, QUT
Dr Paul Licina is a spinal surgeon at Brisbane Private Hospital. He qualified as an orthopaedic surgeon in Queensland and then undertook further spinal training under world-renowned spinal surgeon John Webb in Nottingham, England. He worked as a consultant in the Spinal Injuries Unit at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Scoliosis Unit at the Mater Children's Hospital before moving to private practice.
His primary interest is degenerative spinal conditions, in particular back pain. He helped establish the AO Spine Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, holds the title of Adjunct Professor at QUT, and established the Brisbane Private Hospital Spine Research Group. With Dr Brendan Moore, he founded BackSpace.
Dr Brendan Moore
Specialist pain medicine physician, AXXON Pain Medicine
AM, MBBS, FFARCSI, FANZCA, FFPMANZCA
Honorary Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong
Dr Brendan Moore is a specialist pain medicine physician and anaesthetist. His practice provides comprehensive, individualised care, and he is a leading expert in interventional spinal therapies, including radiofrequency ablation, steroid injections, spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal drug therapy.
With Dr Licina, he founded BackSpace. He continues his leadership role in the Faculty of Pain Medicine, holds an Honorary Associate Professor position at the University of Hong Kong, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to anaesthesiology and pain medicine.
Are you in severe pain?
If you have severe back, neck or nerve pain but don't need an emergency department, contact us. Our clinical nurse will discuss your problem that day or the next business day, and arrange an appointment as soon as possible.
Not sure what you need?
If you have a back or neck problem and want to discuss the best treatment, contact our clinical nurse, who will ask you a few questions, talk to our clinical team, and book you the right appointment.
Need another appointment?
To see one of our therapists again, or to book another Pilates or stretch class, go to our booking page.
Want to refer a patient to us?
Doctors and other health professionals can refer patients by email at back@backspace.com.au or by phone on 1300 222 577.
Medicare-funded care plans
BackSpace accepts the following care plans.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). For patients whose condition has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more, including chronic back and neck pain. With a GPCCMP and a GP referral, patients can claim a Medicare rebate for up to five allied health sessions each calendar year with our physiotherapists or exercise physiologists.
Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). For patients whose pain is affecting their mental health. With an MHTP and a GP referral, patients can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions each calendar year with our psychologist. The GP reviews the plan after the first six sessions.
Sending a referral. When referring under a plan, please name BackSpace and the service in your referral, and send it to us before the patient's first appointment. Allied health professionals who think a patient would benefit from a care plan can suggest the patient ask their GP for one.
Questions about our practice
Answers to the questions we are asked most often, from rebates to where to park.
No. You can contact us directly. If you want to claim a Medicare rebate under a care plan, you will need a care plan and a referral from your GP.
With a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, you can claim a Medicare rebate for up to five sessions a year with our physiotherapists or exercise physiologists. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you can claim for up to 10 sessions a year with our psychologist. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, your fund may also pay a rebate; please check with your fund.
If your surgery is at Brisbane Private Hospital, the BackSpace team begins your rehabilitation on the spinal ward, and it continues at BackSpace after you go home.
Your Medicare card and private health insurance card, your referral or care plan if you have one, any recent scans and reports, and comfortable clothes you can exercise in.
Please give us at least 24 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled with less notice, or missed, may be charged a cancellation fee.
Hospital car park. Beneath Brisbane Private Hospital, entered from Birley Street or Lilley Street off Wickham Terrace. It can be full by 8.30 am, so please allow time.
Nearby car parks. Wilson Car Park, Bartley Street off Wickham Terrace (200 m); Wickham Terrace Car Park, corner of Upper Edward Street (500 m); Astor Terrace Car Park, 28 Astor Terrace (500 m).
Street parking. Metered parks surround the hospital. The CellOPark app lets you extend your time without returning to your car.
Hotels. Tower Mill Hotel, 239 Wickham Terrace (100 m); Soho Brisbane Hotel, 333 Wickham Terrace (150 m); Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill, 345 Wickham Terrace (150 m); Hotel Grand Chancellor, 23 Leichhardt Street (250 m); The Inchcolm, 73 Wickham Terrace (450 m).
Apartments. Quest Spring Hill, 454 Upper Edward Street (150 m); Mantra on Edward, 166 Wickham Terrace (200 m); The Astor Apartments, 35 Astor Terrace (350 m).
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The Back Page
Articles from our team on spinal health, pain and recovery.
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