Steve is a renowned Physiotherapist with over 30 years experience in the treatment and management of musculoskeletal injury and dysfunction. He is recognised internationally as a leading Clinician and High Performance Manager.
Meet the team at Saunders Physiotherapy.
APA Senior Physiotherapist
Craig has been a Physiotherapist at Saunders Physiotherapy since 2002 having graduated at the University of South Australia in 2000. His friendly and caring nature has been an integral part of the clinic during this time.
APA Physiotherapist
Cooper graduated from the University of South Australia with a Master’s in Physiotherapy. Prior to this he completed a Bachelor of Human Movement (Exercise, Sports Science & Nutrition) while travelling and playing…
APA Physiotherapist
Jonty is a dedicated, empathetic and insightful physiotherapist who graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy degree. He has extensive experience in…
APA Physiotherapist
Henry graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. He is experienced in treating a multitude of conditions across clients of all ages. Henry has experience working with athletes at…
Established in 1990, Saunders Physiotherapy, then known as Saunders Sports and Spinal, has always provided a team of physiotherapists dedicated to alleviating your discomfort and restoring movement. With extensive experience and interest in sports physiotherapy in particular.
Saunders Physiotherapy provides the latest in science-based physiotherapy to treat your pain, injury and movement disfunction. Our patients are from all walks of life, from elite level athletes to non-athletic, and workplace or accident related injuries. Saunders Physiotherapy is the best choice for all your rehabilitation needs.
Our initial examination includes a detailed biomechanical analysis of posture and movement, which helps establish a diagnosis and understanding of the cause of your problem. We also offer specialised strength and conditioning programmes tailored to your individual needs and goals. Whether you want to improve sporting performance, reduce the risk of injury or recover from injury, resistance training is necessary addition to maximise performance and health. Along with dry needling integrated with manual therapy, sound diagnostics and exercise therapy, to get you back in action as soon as possible.
Steve is a renowned Physiotherapist with over 30 years experience in the treatment and management of musculoskeletal injury and dysfunction. He is recognised internationally as a leading Clinician and High Performance Manager. Steve currently consults to numerous elite sporting teams around the world, reviewing complex athletic cases, educating staff and shaping athlete management systems / protocols. Steve is currently the Science and Medical Coordinator for the Geelong Football Club, chief scientific officer and Director of KangaTech and Director of Saunders Physiotherapy.
Steve returned to Adelaide in 2018 after 7 years as High Performance Manager (Director of Sports Science and Medical Services) at the North Melbourne Football Club. He is now reviewing patients at Saunders Physiotherapy, consulting to multiple AFL, NBA, English Soccer and Elite athletes, while undertaking research projects with the University of SA, Flinders University and the University of Victoria.
Steve completed his PhD in 2007 at the University of Queensland investigating the motor control mechanisms underlying control of the lumbo-pelvic region during human locomotion in normal and low back pain subjects. He has published works in internationally peer-reviewed journals and continues to develop management strategies based on scientific evidence-based practice.
Steve’s combined background in scientific research and elite athlete/patient care has facilitated the development of KangaTech, a world leading injury prevention and performance system. KangaTech technology is now being utilised in the AFL, NBA, English Soccer (EPL and CL), NHL, Australian Cricket, extreme sports and research institutions.
Craig has been a Physiotherapist at Saunders Physiotherapy since 2002 having graduated at the University of South Australia in 2000. His friendly and caring nature has been an integral part of the clinic during this time. Craig is available to treat patients ranging from children to the elderly and enjoys treating both sporting and non-sporting injuries.
Craig’s interest in Physiotherapy is the diagnosis and management of sporting and musculoskeletal injuries. He focuses on determining cause and effect with regards to biomechanical reasons responsible for injury. This is specifically applied to dysfunctions of the spine, pelvis, and hip with associated injuries of the lower limb such as hamstrings, knees, calves, achilles, and groins. Craig is also interested in postural issues that may lead to neck dysfunction, headaches, jaw problems, and shoulder injuries.
Craig has developed a strong hands-on approach using a number of manual therapy techniques such as deep tissue massage, joint mobilisation and manipulation, dry needling, craniosacral therapy, and visceral manipulation. He also utilises technology such as KangaTech, real time ultrasound, and shockwave therapy. Exercise therapy is a major component of Craig’s approach that assists with injury management and improving biomechanical dysfunctions.
Craig has worked with organisations such as Athletics Australia, Athletics South Australia, and the North Adelaide Football Club. He has previously been team Physiotherapist for a number of athletics teams touring nationally and abroad such as the Australian Youth Olympic and World Championship teams as well as South Australian state teams. Craig has also presented lectures to a number of groups on varying Physiotherapy topics and has assisted Dr Steve Saunders in running workshops on the lumbopelvic area and running injuries.
Craig’s sporting background is in Athletics where he competed in 200m and 400m sprinting, high jump, and long jump. He continues to have a passion for treating and managing running injuries at the elite and recreational level. These days, Craig remains fit and active playing golf and tennis as well as attending the gym.
Cooper completed a Master’s in Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia. Prior to this he completed a Bachelor of Human Movement (Exercise, Sports Science & Nutrition) whilst traveling and playing Volleyball. Cooper has been working at Saunders Physiotherapy for over 5 years and enjoys working with people of all walks of like to relieve pain and achieve physical goals.
Cooper has a long sporting history playing Volleyball at an elite level for 12 years, Cooper plays locally and captains the Norwood Bears in the South Australian Volleyball League and Nationally represents the Adelaide Storm. Throughout a long career he has suffered and experienced many injuries which fostered an interest and deeper knowledge of the body, pain and rehabilitation.
In his physiotherapy career he has worked with a variety of clients from all backgrounds including research and development work with the KangaTech platform operating in the AFL, EPL, NBA, MLB, Redbull Performance and much more. Through this work he has developed a depth of experience and problem solving across a variety of elite sports.
He has worked with AFL footballers, Australian volleyballers, Australian swimmers, Marathon runners, Brazilian Jiu Jit Su, MMA fighters, Elite cycling academies, the AISH Football Academy and the Gillespie Cricket Academy. He is the head Physiotherapist at Norwood Volleyball club and has been involved with football clubs across Adelaide including Glenunga Rams and Saint Peter’s Old Collegians.
Cooper leans on a wide variety of skill sets in strength training, massage, joint manipulation, shockwave therapy, real time ultrasound assessment, orthotics, blood flow restriction training ,dry needling, cupping and laser guided cervical proprioceptive re-training. He has a strong exercise background and an approach to rehabilitation which incorporates his prior experience in exercise science, nutrition, and physiology allowing a holistic approach to whole body systems in order to optimise outcomes for clients.
Cooper has special interest in headaches, jaw dysfunction, neck and shoulder injuries and extensive experience with hip and back pain.
Cooper loves adventure and the outdoors especially camping and 4×4 driving, recently completing a trip through central Australia to Alice springs, the Finke desert race, simpson desert, Mount Dare, and the Oonadata track, Lake Eyre and the Flinders rangers. Cooper has traveled extensively for sport and leisure including a recent trip climbing Mount Agung – the highest mountain volcano in Bali Indonesia.
Jonty is a dedicated, empathetic and insightful physiotherapist who graduated from Flinders University with a Bachelor of Health Science and Master of Physiotherapy degree. He has extensive experience in musculoskeletal care, combining a passion for sport and evidence-based practice to help patients achieve their goals. Having worked with teams like the Glenelg Football Club, and national-level SANFL underage squads, Jonty specialises in injury prevention, rehabilitation and supporting long-term recovery from a multitude of injuries.
With a personal background as a football player and coach within the SANFL system, Jonty understands the challenges of staying active and pain-free. This firsthand experience shapes a compassionate and tailored approach to physiotherapy, whether working with elite athletes or helping patients return to everyday activities.
Jonty values building strong relationships through clear communication and patient education, empowering individuals to take an active role in their recovery. Combining his expertise as a strength and conditioning coach with a focus on evidence-based exercise interventions, he ensures treatment plans are practical and effective. Alongside this, Jonty’s strong manual therapy skills play a key role in addressing pain and improving function, ensuring holistic care tailored to each patient’s needs.
When Jonty isn’t busy as a physio, you will find him out for a run, having a coffee or hit of golf, and spending time with his partner.
Henry graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. He is experienced in treating a multitude of conditions across clients of all ages. Henry has experience working with athletes at a national and international level, including AFL and ATP stars. His empathetic, caring nature is valued by his clients and colleagues.
Henry is an insightful, calm and attentive physiotherapist. He is meticulous and refined in his assessment and diagnostic testing. Henry is an avid user of the KangaTech 360 testing platform as part of his assessment. This facilitates realistic and achievable expectations when working towards his patients goals. Henry values transparent communication and education when treating his clients. He has a strong background in manual therapy, dry needling and exercise.
Outside of the clinic, Henry is entering his third year working as a head physiotherapist in the National Premier League (soccer) of South Australia. He thrives in the fast-paced environment and high standards expected of him working at this level. Being a head physiotherapist, he also enjoys the educational role that comes with training new physiotherapists and sports trainers. Henry was lucky enough to work with the likes of Gael Monfils as his physiotherapist during his 2022 Australian tour. He has worked with AFL footballers, the AISH Football Academy and the Gillespie Cricket Academy.
When Henry isn’t busy as a physio, you can catch him out fishing and swimming with his mates.
Are you a new or existing patient?
New patients and current patients can now book their appointments through HotDoc by pressing the appropriate button. Please call the clinic on (08) 8410 5666 if you wish to book a KangaTech assessment and our staff will find an appointment that best suits you.
