Expert
physiotherapy
and injury
rehabilitation
Expert 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 a few Sports Physiotherapists practising outside of Newcastle, with a strong focus on lower limb injuries, particularly hip and groin, knee, and tendon pain. His extensive experience in elite sport gives him a deep understanding of injury management, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation.
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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.
David Butlin
M. Physiotherapy 2024.
David is a warm, experienced physiotherapist with a strong background in sports rehab, exercise science, and active recovery. Before becoming a physio, David spent years working with elite junior footballers at the Central Coast Mariners, supporting young athletes through injury and return-to-play.
Since graduating with a Master of Physiotherapy, David has worked across private practice and NDIS, treating everything from tendon and joint pain to post-operative rehab and workplace injuries. He brings a calm, reassuring presence to each appointment and loves helping people move better and feel confident in their rehab journey.
David has a special interest in:
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✔ Knee and hip overuse injuries
✔ Football and martial art injuries
✔ Back and Shoulder pain
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Outside the clinic, David is a dad of five, a lifelong surf lifesaver, and a former martial arts and football coach. He’s practical, thorough, and passionate about helping people get strong, stay active, and feel better for the long haul.
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 works closely with female athletes, providing tailored injury management and performance strategies to support their individual needs. She also has extensive experience managing 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 2024.
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
Injuries can happen to anyone — whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply trying to stay active. At Thornton Physiotherapy, we provide high-quality physiotherapy care for people of all ages and activity levels.
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Our treatment approach combines hands-on therapy, clear diagnosis, and structured rehabilitation exercises — with a focus on helping you return to the activities that matter to you.
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You’ll work with your physiotherapist for the full appointment, and we’ll give you a clear plan from day one.
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Our rehab gym is available for people of all levels to build strength, capacity, and confidence as part of their recovery.
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We provide physiotherapy services for WorkCover, DVA, CTP and Medicare. Please bring any required paperwork to your appointment.
Sports Physio
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to suffer an injury - but you should still have a clear plan and high-quality care.
At Thornton Physiotherapy, we bring a performance-based approach to rehabilitation for everyday active people. our Head Physiotherapist, Murray, holds a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy and has experience working with professional athletes. He also understands the mindset of active people who want to keep training - not to be told to stop.
If you want a structures rehab plan to help you return to training and perform with confidence, book your appointment today.
Football Specific Physio
Do you love football? Are you injured? Are you avoiding physio worried they will get you to stop playing?
At Thornton Physiotherapy, we understand the demands of football. With experience working in elite environments - including Murray's time as Head Physiotherapist for the Central Coast Mariners (A-League) - we help players manage injuries with a clear plan that prioritises safe return to training and match play.
If you want a structured approach to rehab your football injury and get back to playing with confidence, book an appointment today.
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Crossfit injury &
technique management
Have you been told to “just stop CrossFit” after an injury? You’re not alone.
At Thornton Physiotherapy, we understand CrossFit and the demands it places on your body. Murray is an active CrossFit athlete, and we take a practical approach to rehabilitation — helping you stay training where it’s safe to do so, while progressively rebuilding strength, capacity and confidence back toward full training.
Our goal is to help you return to your daily WOD with a clear plan and a structured progression.
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If you’re looking to improve your lifting technique, movement efficiency, or identify mobility restrictions that may be limiting your performance, book a Crossfit Injury Prevention Screen.
This appointment includes:
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a detailed assessment of your Olympic lifts
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movement and mobility screening
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practical drills and exercises to improve control, range and technique
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a clear plan for what to work on next
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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