Expert
physiotherapy
and injury
rehabilitation
Specialised assessment and treatment programs tailored to your pain and injuries
Who We Are
Thornton Physiotherapy is the first physiotherapy clinic in the area.
Our goal is to provide the thriving Thornton community with a space that houses exceptional physios trained
to deliver world class physiotherapy and injury rehabilitation. Whether you hurt yourself making the bed
or from being a weekend warrior we understand that each injury and each body is unique.
To this extent you can expect -
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A rigorous assessment that delves deeper than the superficial issues that may be masking the true cause of your injury.
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Treatment that is tailored to your specific injury - at Thornton Physiotherapy we pride ourselves on delivering the best in evidence based medicine to each individual. We believe that no matter your background you deserve the same care, attention, results and healing that we provide to our elite athletes. To that extent our goal is to ensure that we return each patient back to their own personal best.
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A plan designed to keep you at your best - we want to deliver a service that helps you heal and control your own future, not one that relies on constant consults.
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We believe that exercise is the most potent and under utilised medicine.
Underpinning that mantra we have created a purpose built rehabilitation gym and use
exercise to help promote your body's healing response and stimulate it to grow stronger
to resist all future injuries.
Your Physios
Murray Leyland
APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. Masters of Sports Physiotherapy 2016,
B. Physiotherapy with Honors 2009.
Murray has always called Thornton home, growing up in the area and playing for the mighty Thornton Red Backs as a junior.
His passion for sports led him to complete a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle, followed by a Master of Sports Physiotherapy. He has since worked at the highest levels of the game, including his role as Head Physiotherapist for the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.
Murray is one of only few Sports Physiotherapists practicing outside of Newcastle, specializing in lower limb injuries, with a particular focus on hip/groin, knee, and tendon pain. His extensive experience in elite sport gives him a deep understanding of injury management, rehabilitation, and performance optimization.
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Murray’s special interests include:
✔ Football (soccer) injuries
✔ ACL rehabilitation
✔ Rotator cuff pain and shoulder injuries
✔ Injury prevention and performance in swimming athletes
Outside of work, Murray enjoys football (the round-ball kind), swimming, CrossFit, and spending time with his black Labrador, Flo.
If you’re a dog lover, expect plenty of conversation during your consult!
Ellie Hayes
APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. Masters of Sports Physiotherapy 2023,
B. Physiotherapy with Honors 2015.
Ellie has been a proud Thornton local since moving from Coffs Harbour to study Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons). She has since furthered her expertise by completing a Master of Sports Physiotherapy at La Trobe University.
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With years of experience in private practice, Ellie takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation. She is passionate about helping people recover from injuries, regain strength, and return to the activities they love. Whether you're overcoming a persistent tendon issue, recovering from shoulder surgery, or working through ankle rehabilitation, Ellie will develop a tailored plan to support your recovery and performance goals.
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Ellie’s special interests include:
✔ Ankle rehabilitation
✔ Post-operative shoulder recovery
✔ Tendon pain and rehabilitation
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Outside of the clinic, Ellie is actively involved in the football (soccer) community, officiating at NEWFM and NPL competitions, as well as the Westfield W-League as a referee. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the local area and spending time with family and friends.
Leah Newton
B. Physiotherapy 2012.
Leah is an experienced physiotherapist with over 10 years of clinical practice across Newcastle. She has developed strong expertise in exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, and is also a CrossFit Level 2 coach. This unique background gives her a deep understanding of movement mechanics, technique optimization, and injury prevention across a wide range of sports and athletic disciplines.
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Leah takes a personalized, performance-driven approach to rehabilitation, helping athletes and active individuals recover from injuries, enhance movement efficiency, and return to peak performance. Whether you’re dealing with training-related pain, injury setbacks, or looking to optimize strength and mobility, Leah is committed to helping you achieve your goals.
Leah’s special interests include:
✔ CrossFit and gym athletes
✔ Triathlon and endurance sports
✔ Running mechanics and injury rehabilitation
✔ Low back pain and spinal health
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Outside of work, Leah is an avid swimmer, runner, triathlete, and CrossFitter. She’s also a dedicated dog trainer, so feel free to bring in your best (or funniest) dog photos for a chat and a laugh!
Amy Walton
B. Physiotherapy with Honors 2020.
Amy is a highly skilled physiotherapist with experience across multiple clinics in Newcastle, where she has developed a diverse range of assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques. She has a strong passion for Rugby League and has worked with Wests men’s and women’s teams, gaining extensive expertise in acute injury management for contact athletes. Amy takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to rehab, ensuring athletes recover efficiently and return stronger than before.
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Amy has a special interest in supporting female athletes, tailoring injury management and performance strategies to meet their unique needs. She also has extensive experience in AC joint injuries, helping patients regain strength, stability, and function following injury or surgery.
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Amy’s special interests include:
✔ Rugby League and contact sports injuries
✔ AC joint injury management
✔ Injury prevention and rehabilitation for female athletes
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Outside of work, Amy continues the tradition of dog-loving physiotherapists and is an avid sports fan—especially when it comes to supporting the Newcastle Knights. She loves a good chat, so expect a relaxed, engaging, and enjoyable consult when you see her.
Kieran Watson
APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist. Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy 2019.
B. Physiotherapy 2012.
Kieran is a Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, a distinction awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, recognizing him as an expert in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries. He is the only practicing Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist in the Hunter, making him an invaluable asset to both our clinic and the local community.
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With extensive experience in running mechanics and injury management, Kieran takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation. He strongly believes in early diagnosis and identifying the root cause of injury to ensure the most effective treatment and long-term recovery. Kieran has worked with professional footballers, elite marathon and ultra-marathon runners in both Australia and the UK, and has provided sports coverage for major events, including the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon.
Kieran has special interests in:
✔ Running-related injuries
✔ Pelvic and spinal conditions
✔ BPPV (vertigo), dizziness, and vestibular rehabilitation
✔ Golf-related biomechanics and injury management
✔ Post-surgical rehabilitation programs
Outside of work, Kieran loves spending time at the beach and making the most of family life with his young children.
Matt Hicking
B. Physiotherapy with Honors 2020.
Matt is a dedicated physiotherapist at Thornton Physiotherapy, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for movement and rehabilitation. With a background as a qualified PE teacher, he combines his love for education with his expertise in sports physiotherapy to help patients of all levels—whether you're training for competitive leagues or simply keeping up with the kids.
Beyond the clinic, Matt has a strong connection to the sporting world. He has worked with multiple teams across Newcastle, including the Newcastle Jets Academy and various NPL clubs. A self-confessed sports tragic, he thrives on keeping athletes performing at their best..
Matt has special interests in:
✔ Football related injuries
✔ Lower limb rehab
✔ Knee Injuries
Matt’s love for travel once took him to the University of Iowa for study, and when he's not pitch-side, you’ll likely find him at the beach or out on the golf course.
What We Do
We know that regardless of activity level everyone hurts themselves one day. We provide high quality care for
injuries of all types, all people.
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We believe our hands have the power to heal and all our treatment plans have a strong hands on approach.
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We use no gimmicks or magic machines that promise healing and deliver nothing. You get your therapist for the full consult.
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Our gym is open to users of all levels to complete what you need to become fit and healthy again.
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WorkCover, DVA, CTP, Medicare - we can provide treatments for all these areas. We ask that you bring all your necessary paperwork please.
Sports Physio
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to suffer an injury. But at Thornton Physiotherapy you can expect a standard of care equal to that.
Our Head Physio Murray has a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy and a wealth of experience managing professional athletes. But importantly being an amateur athlete himself understands the fear of been told ‘you have to stop’. If you want to experience world class rehabilitation, if you want to return your personal best and beyond then book now.
Football Specific Physio
Do you love football? Are you injured? Are you avoiding physio worried they will get you to stop playing? Having been the Head Physiotherapist for the Central Coast Mariners in the A league we take pride in knowing every trick in the book to keep players on the park whilst getting them fit, healthy and back to full performance. If you want to know how to rehabilitate your football injury and get back to saving or scoring goals then book in now.
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Crossfit injury &
technique management
Have you been told by another physiotherapy to just stop crossfit? That is an answer I PROMISE you won’t hear here. Being an avid cross fitter myself, combined with expert knowledge in Olympic lifting and rehabilitation of the complex injuries cross fitters sustain we will get you back to daily WOD with no modifications asap.
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if you are looking to improve your lifting technique, proficiency or to try and find the mobility points limiting you then book a Crossfit Injury Prevention Screen.
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We can offer you a comprehensive assessment of all your Olympic lifts with exercises to improve your mobility and proficiency in these movements.
Contact Us
Call us on 02 49 662 294
Or fill out the contact form below and we will be in touch.
Need to book an appointment? - Click here