Gary Nicholls
Gary Nicholls is an APA Titled Sports Physiotherapist with 30 years of experience. Gary has recently become the sole director at Zest Physio Pilates Health. He is guiding the clinic through the battles of business in the pandemic of 2020-21.
Gary has dual qualifications in Physiotherapy (B.App Sci – Physio), and business (MBA), as well as Coaching and Strength and Conditioning credentials. He was awarded a Title as a Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Gary joined the clinic after working in the AFL system for 18 years, with stints as a senior physiotherapist at Collingwood Football Club, Head physiotherapist and consultant at Melbourne Football Club, and President of the AFL Physiotherapist Association.
Having stepped away from full time AFL commitments in order to spend more time watching and coaching his kids’ sporting endeavours, Gary turned his attention to assisting his private practice clients with the knowledge that he has gained with 20 years’ experience working in elite sport.
Gary’s football experience was utilized by the AFL in the inaugural AFLW National Academy. Gary continues to consult to the AFL in this space. He has worked extensively with elite and amateur athletes from a variety of sports including: AFL, athletics, triathlon, squash, soccer and netball, both in Australia and overseas. Gary has worked for 24 years as a senior physiotherapist at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre.
More recently, Gary’s attention has been directed to the many facets of Pain presentation both in acute injuries and with persistent or complex issues. He takes particular interest in working with his clients to identify the multitude of components which may influence a client’s presentation.
Gary has a particular interest in hip, knee, hamstring and groin problems, spinal conditions, and persistent or recurrent calf issues. Gary has a particular interest in complex sporting injuries, and in utilizing elite athlete management principles to assess and treat both the elite and recreational runner and athlete.