Ashleigh Podolak
Background & Experience
Ashleigh is an experienced musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist with a strong foundation in private practice, Clinical Pilates, and high-performance sport. After completing her Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) at Monash University, she began early career in a private practice, where she developed a passion for managing musculoskeletal injuries, evidence-based rehabilitation and personalised client care.
Ashleigh’s professional journey includes a year working with professional football teams in Europe, giving her invaluable insight into elite sport, injury management, and the demands of returning athletes safely and confidently to competition. She has also worked with the VFL and VAFA, further strengthening her experience across sporting populations.
Treatment Approach
Ashleigh takes a comprehensive approach to physiotherapy, combining hands-on treatment with progressive exercise therapy to support long-term recovery. Her treatment style includes:
• Joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy
• Dry needling
• Sports taping
• Strength and conditioning principles
• Clinical Pilates-based rehabilitation
Ashleigh values the role of manual therapy for easing pain and improving movement, alongside progressive strengthening and rehabilitation to support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. Ashleigh’s sessions are collaborative, supportive, and centred around helping clients feel confident in their bodies. She brings a warm, encouraging energy to her work and is committed to helping every client feel supported, motivated, and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Clinical Focus & Special Interests
Beyond managing general musculoskletal and injuries, Ashleigh has a particular interest in:
• Lower limb injuries — both acute and overuse
• Sports injury management and return-to-sport planning
• Strength and conditioning for active individuals
• Clinical Pilates
Ashleigh’s time working with professional footballers has strengthened her interest in load management, sport-specific conditioning, and guiding clients back to the activities they love.
Sports Physiotherapy
Ashleigh thrives in the sports rehabilitation space. Her experience across private practice and elite football has shaped her ability to assess movement, identify contributing factors, and design clear, structured rehabilitation plans. She enjoys working with athletes of all levels — from weekend runners to competitive players — and understands the importance of balancing recovery with maintaining fitness and confidence.
Clinical Pilates
A dedicated Pilates goer herself, Ashleigh uses Pilates principles to design individual client programs to improve strength, control, and functional capacity. She is passionate about providing evidence-informed care to help her clients recover from injury, build confidence in their bodies and return to the activities they enjoy.