A Few Words About Me
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Professional Skills
What people think about my work
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Hands down the most informative and evidence based approach to strength training for physios
Jonathan Wray
Principal Physiotherapist, Next Wave Therapy -
Merv critiques and synthesises the evidence extremely well. Any physio will benefit hugely from attending the S&C course. Thanks, Merv!
Ruth Chang
Physiotherapist, My Physio Perth -
Merv is so passionate about strength training for physio’s and it’s reflected in his courses. Would recommend 100%
Pip O'Meara
Owner, Platform Physiotherapy -
I went to Merv as a last resort after having a second operation on the same knee. The first being an ACL repair in 2014, second was an arthroscopy in early 2019 which discovered fairly serious structural damage. When we first started it was August/September 2019, and it is now April 2020. I was a few months post op, but my progress had really stalled. In my initial consultation I struggled to quarter squat 60kg. We worked on what range of motion I had and included a lot of single leg exercises over the following months. As my strength grew with a limited range of motion and my knee became more stable we worked on different plans and working in more power work and started introducing some running. After not being able to run for a number of years without having days of swelling I now run three days a week. My 1rm squat is around 200kg with a full range of motion and my 1rm deadlift is 240. I’ve also lost around 25 kg since going to Merv. I couldn’t speak more highly of his methods, he’s an absolute genius in my eyes who I owe a great debt to. He’s given me my life back.
Benjamin Christmas
Patient -
Evidence Based. Practical. Relevant. Brilliant. Thanks Merv (and Cath for the awesome food and hospitality)
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Thoroughly researched course taught with a great sense of humour and enthusiasm. I would recommend optimise rehab to any physios looking to expand their theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
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The beginners strength and conditioning course was amazing. Merv is a great teacher who has synthesised all the latest evidence based research into a jam packed and fun theoretical and practical course. I would highly recommend to any Physio. I’ll be back soon for the advanced course
Zoe Readdy
Physiotherapist, Roar Physiotherapy -
Fun, interesting and highly applicable course. Great evidence basis and caters to all levels.
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The course was excellent and exceptionally well run. The attendees leave feeling confident in their theoretical knowledge and practical application of rehabilitation which is immediately transferable to their clinical practice!
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Excellent course. Merv is a great presenter, providing a balanced amount of theory and practical teaching. Has certainly challenged my knowledge and will change my practice. The homemade sausage rolls get a big tick from me.
Jonathan Tan
Principal Physiotherapist, Lifecare Point Walter -
I recently did the 2 day S&C course. Great review of the current literature delivered exceptionally well. On top of that his wife Cathrine spoiled us with delicious food and snacks! Thank you and all the best!
Elena Von Rosenberg
Senior Physiotherapist, George Street Physiotherapy & Pilates -
Fantastic course which explored the current literature whilst also demonstrating the application of strength and conditioning for physios. Merv was an excellent presenter and I can’t recommend his course enough!!
Paul Harcus
FIFO Physiotherapist, Biosymm -
Extremely well researched, comprehensive course. Pitched appropriately at physios and plenty of practical components. Highly recommend this to physios of any level of experience. Merv and Catherine dedicated to making this course a top quality experience.
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I would highly recommend this course to all physios. I left this course feeling well equiped to create good exercise plans individualised for patients. Everything Merv recommended was research based. It’s always great to have that all put together in an easy and efficient way. It’s become something that I feel confident to recommend to my patients, I can now put together an effective plan all within a patients consultation time.Thank you Merv for giving me some great skills that I could apply in the clinic straight away.And Catherine, thank you for the great food and coffee too
Lee-Anne Flugel
Principal Physiotherapist, Physio Fitness Perth -
The advanced S&C course was a brilliant synthesis of evidence-based practice and vast experience in the field.It’s allowed me to think about planning rehab far beyond the acute phase.In terms of practical application, I’ve increased my vertical and horizontal exercise integration and have been writing formal strength programs for patients.I found this course far more useful than the ASCA level 1 although would still consider that or the initial Optimise course as pre-requisite for this course.
Shane Troy
Director, Bibra Lake Physiotherapy -
Merv, Catherine & Lucy are a great team! I strongly recommend these courses. Merv’s knowledge is second to none, and they are immediately applicable to clinical practice.
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Fantastic course this weekend. Definitely money well spent bringing most of the clinical team from our practice along.I think we are all excited about how we can take our clients that little bit further along in their rehab and help them surpass the goals they initially have when they seek our advice.
Dean Newman
Director, Back In Motion Seville Grove -
Excellent delivery of evidence based information with a great mix of the theory and practical components.Thanks Merv
Gaynor Gardiner-Sherwood
Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor, Physio Margaret River Health Centre -
Very knowledgeable with the most updated evidence but applied in such a real world way. Really knows his stuff and is so keen to share his knowledge with others. Thanks Merv
Jessie Jones
Senior Physiotherapist, Pilbara Physiotherapy -
Great presentation, excellent knowledge base and clinically practical. This will change the way we all operate in a really positive way
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Great course for healthcare professionals, and would be my first recommendation for both newly graduated and experienced clinicians. Excellent blend of current best practice evidence and practical application.
Paul Atkinson
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, PROMotion Health -
I highly recommended this course. Merv is a fantastic Educator with stacks of knowledge. There is certainly alot to take away from this course and apply clinically.
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“Couldn’t Recommend Merv’s Courses More!”
Kerryn O'Brien
Physiotherapist, Elite Physiotherapy & Exercise -
Another great course!! Strength and conditioning for physiotherapist had a great spread of theory and practical component to remove the fear of getting patients active in the gym!
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Super applicable course – I’ve been able to apply skills/knowledge straight away in clinic and I wasn’t even able to attend the practical sessions due to covid! Essential knowledge for private practice and stuff that should be in uni curriculum.
Darren Cheah
Physiotherapist, Power Physiotherapy -
Merv’s courses are something I think all physio’s should do at some point if you’re working in the rehab space. He does a fantastic job of translating a vast amount of strength and conditioning literature into what is practical and meaningful to us as physio’s for our patients. Thanks Merv and Catherine!
Cobie Starcevich
Physiotherapist, Life Ready Physio + Pilates -
Just completed SNC for Physio course. Highly recommend. Fun, fact filled, applicable, practical, common sense with evidence base. Cheers Merv, Kathryn and Evan