📍 Shellharbour, NSW
Dr April Patterson (Physiotherapist) holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Bond University and a Bachelor of Exercise Science from the University of Wollongong.
Her background in both physiotherapy and exercise science supports her approach to assessment, rehabilitation, strength-based care, movement analysis, and long-term musculoskeletal management.
Doctor of Physiotherapy — Bond University
Bachelor of Exercise Science — University of Wollongong
Founder of RX Physiotherapy
Managing Director of RX Physiotherapy
Clinical focus in EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, TMJ dysfunction and complex musculoskeletal care
Dr April Patterson (Physiotherapist) is the founder and Managing Director of RX Physiotherapy in Shellharbour.
April founded RX Physiotherapy in 2019 with a clear vision: to provide exceptional, personalised physiotherapy care for people who need more than generic treatment.
She has a strong clinical focus in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, TMJ dysfunction, persistent pain, and complex musculoskeletal conditions. She also treats a wide range of joint, muscle, tendon, nerve and movement-related issues.
April brings a rare combination of clinical training and lived experience to her work. As someone who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility and TMJ issues herself, she understands how frustrating it can feel to be dismissed, misunderstood, or given advice that does not fit your body.
This personal insight shapes the way she assesses patients, explains conditions, creates treatment direction, and supports long-term care.
April commonly works with people experiencing:
I became a physiotherapist because I have always been drawn to understanding the body deeply — not just how it moves, but why pain, injury and dysfunction happen in the first place.
My own experience with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobility and TMJ issues gave me a very personal understanding of what it feels like to live in a body that does not always respond in a simple or predictable way.
That experience became a major driver behind my work. I wanted to create a clinic where people felt properly listened to, where complex presentations were taken seriously, and where treatment was built around the person rather than a generic protocol.
A lot of people see me because they feel like their condition has not been fully understood.
They may have EDS, hypermobility, jaw pain, recurring injuries, persistent pain, or symptoms that keep moving from one area of the body to another. Many have already tried treatment elsewhere but still do not have a clear explanation or plan.
My role is to understand the full picture, identify what is contributing to the problem, and create a clear direction for care.
That may involve education, hands-on treatment, strength and conditioning, movement retraining, pain management strategies, or a longer-term rehabilitation plan.
The goal is not just to reduce symptoms. The goal is to help people understand their body, rebuild confidence, and know what steps to take next.
It gives me a deeper understanding of how layered these conditions can be.
Hypermobility and EDS are not just about being flexible. For many people, they can affect pain, fatigue, joint control, confidence, exercise tolerance, recovery, and how safe they feel in their own body.
Because I live with these conditions myself, I understand why generic advice often falls short.
My approach is to meet the person where they are, explain what is happening clearly, and build a plan that respects both their goals and their capacity.
My approach is based on clarity, control, strength and long-term function.
For people with EDS or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, treatment may include:
The aim is to help patients feel more stable, capable and confident in their body.
TMJ dysfunction can be complex because the jaw does not work in isolation.
Jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, neck pain, clenching and facial tension can all be connected to how the jaw, neck, nervous system and surrounding muscles are functioning.
My approach is to assess the jaw properly, understand the person’s symptoms, and identify the factors that may be contributing.
Treatment may include education, manual therapy, jaw exercises, neck treatment, movement retraining, relaxation strategies, and collaboration with dentists or other health professionals where appropriate.
April personally conducts many initial assessments to understand the patient’s story, goals, challenges and clinical presentation.
After the initial assessment, April may refer the patient to the most appropriate physiotherapist within the RX Physiotherapy team for ongoing care.
This allows patients to receive structured treatment from the team while still benefiting from April’s clinical direction, leadership and oversight where required.
As Managing Director, April leads the clinical direction and standards at RX Physiotherapy.
She runs weekly team sessions where the physiotherapy team reviews patient progress, discusses complex cases, receives guidance, and continues professional development.
This helps ensure patients receive structured, personalised care across the clinic, not just isolated treatment sessions.
April’s role now includes clinical leadership, mentoring, strategy, and advancing the broader mission of RX Physiotherapy.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy training in the gym, cooking, and spending quality time with my partner, our two dachshunds and our two cats.
Your first appointment with April is designed to give you clarity.
This session is about understanding your full story, not just looking at one painful area in isolation.
April will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, goals, previous treatment, current function, lifestyle, and what you want to get back to.
You should leave your initial assessment with a clearer understanding of what is happening, what needs to change, and what the next step looks like.
If you have EDS, hypermobility, TMJ dysfunction, recurring injuries, persistent pain, or a complex musculoskeletal presentation, April is often the right starting point.
If your presentation is better suited to another member of the RX Physiotherapy team, April can help direct your care appropriately after your assessment.
If you are looking for physiotherapy care for EDS, hypermobility, TMJ dysfunction, jaw pain, persistent pain or complex musculoskeletal concerns, you can book an initial assessment with Dr April Patterson (Physiotherapist) at RX Physiotherapy in Shellharbour.
Dr April Patterson is a physiotherapist, founder and Managing Director of RX Physiotherapy in Shellharbour. She holds a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Bond University and a Bachelor of Exercise Science from the University of Wollongong.
April treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and has a strong clinical focus in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, TMJ dysfunction, jaw pain, persistent pain and complex musculoskeletal presentations.
Yes. April works with people who have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hypermobility-related concerns. Her approach focuses on understanding the individual’s presentation, improving strength and control, supporting body awareness, and creating a long-term management plan.
Yes. April works with patients who have Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and generalised joint hypermobility. Treatment may involve education, strength training, proprioception, joint control, pacing and movement retraining.
Yes. April has a clinical focus in TMJ dysfunction and jaw-related pain. She works with patients experiencing jaw pain, clicking, locking, headaches, neck pain and jaw movement issues.
Dr April Patterson works at RX Physiotherapy in Shellharbour, supporting patients across Shellharbour, the Illawarra and surrounding areas.
April will take a detailed history, assess the relevant areas, explain what may be contributing to the issue, and create a clear treatment direction. She may then refer the patient to the most appropriate member of the RX Physiotherapy team for ongoing care.
April combines physiotherapy training, exercise science education, clinical experience and lived experience with EDS, hypermobility and TMJ issues. This gives her a deeper understanding of complex presentations and allows her to provide structured, personalised care.
Dr. April Patterson graduated from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree and founded RX Physiotherapy in 2019 with a vision to provide exceptional, personalised care. As a physiotherapist living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), hypermobility, and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues, April brings a rare combination of personal insight and professional expertise to her practice. Her own experiences with these conditions fuel her passion for understanding and treating them, allowing her to empathise deeply with her patients and guide them with authenticity and compassion.
April has a huge passion for in EDS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and TMJ dysfunction, while also treating all joints and musculoskeletal conditions. She personally conducts initial assessments to understand each patient’s story, goals, and challenges before referring them to her highly skilled team for ongoing care. Her holistic, evidence-based approach blends manual therapy, strength and conditioning, pain management, and education to help clients regain function, confidence, and independence.
As Managing Director, April maintains the highest standard of care through weekly team sessions to review progress, provide guidance, and support professional development. This ensures that every patient receives structured, personalised care, while allowing her to focus on leadership, strategy, and advancing the clinic’s mission.
Outside the clinic, April enjoys hitting the gym, cooking, and spending quality time with her partner, her two dachshunds and two cats.
Emily is a senior physiotherapist with extensive experience across musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, women’s health, and paediatric physiotherapy. She has worked in a wide range of clinical settings, including rural outreach programs and allied health leadership roles, which have shaped her holistic, collaborative, and genuinely client-centred approach to care.
Emily is a highly empathetic physiotherapist with lived experience of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), giving her a rare and deeply personal understanding of the physical, emotional, and day-to-day challenges faced by people living with complex and chronic conditions. She has a strong clinical interest in hypermobility (HSD, EDS), TMJ and jaw dysfunction and women’s health, and has completed APA Women’s Health Level 1 training. Emily is skilled in assessing and treating all joints and a broad range of musculoskeletal presentations, from everyday pain to complex, multi-system conditions.
She is passionate about helping clients achieve meaningful, sustainable, long-term outcomes. Emily combines personalised rehab programs, hands-on manual therapy, and targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve function, build confidence, and restore independence. Her care is structured, evidence-based, and highly individualised, ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and actively involved in their recovery.
Outside the clinic, Emily enjoys travelling and exploring new experiences, bringing fresh perspective and energy back into her work. She is known for her warm, calm, and motivating style, helping clients feel safe, understood, and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey.
If you’re living with pain, recovering from injury, or navigating a complex condition such as EDS, HSD, TMJ dysfunction, women’s health concerns, or any musculoskeletal issue, you don’t have to do it alone. Book an appointment with Emily today to receive thoughtful, personalised care and take the next step toward moving with greater comfort, confidence, and trust in your body again.
Laura is a senior physiotherapist with six years of experience across hospital, private practice, community, and sports settings. She began her career at Wollongong Hospital before moving to Sydney, where she expanded her skills in musculoskeletal rehab, neurological rehab, and community-based care. During this time she became a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach and worked with junior representative soccer teams in the St George region. Now back in the Illawarra, she’s excited to support her local community again.
Laura’s approach is grounded in understanding the individual—what they value, what they hope to achieve, and how their condition impacts their life. She focuses on meaningful outcomes through a blend of manual therapy, strength training, pain management, patient education, and personalised rehabilitation programs. Her experience spans acute and chronic injuries, post-operative rehab, strength and endurance training, falls prevention, and neurological conditions including stroke and brain injury.
She has a strong interest in working with people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), and she brings extensive experience supporting participants within the NDIS. She also specialises in treating TMJ/jaw dysfunction, helping clients reduce pain, improve mobility, and address the muscular and biomechanical factors contributing to their symptoms. Her calm, collaborative style helps clients feel understood, supported, and confident navigating long-term conditions.
Outside the clinic, you’ll find Laura hiking up mountains, writing music, playing soccer, or training for the occasional triathlon or running event.
Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or navigating a complex condition like EDS, HSD, or TMJ dysfunction, Laura can help with all joints and musculoskeletal concerns, guiding you with structure, clarity, and genuine care.
Trent is a physiotherapist who genuinely cares about people — the kind who listens properly, meets you where you’re at, and helps you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. He has that big brother energy; calm, thoughtful, easy to talk to, and always looking out for you. His focus is simple — helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the things that matter to you, whether that’s training, sport, work, or living life without pain.
He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including shoulder, knee, lower back, neck, and ankle injuries, and works with people of all ages and activity levels. Trent’s approach is hands-on, structured, and tailored to the individual. He’s not about quick fixes or generic programs — he takes the time to understand your body, your goals, and what’s been holding you back, then builds a clear plan to help you move forward with confidence.
Born and raised in Wollongong, Trent grew up immersed in sport. He played soccer with the Woonona Sharks and was involved in everything from tennis and golf to swimming, footy, cricket, and AFL. As a teenager, golf became his focus, earning him a place in the IAS Golf Program and later a college golf scholarship in Abilene, Texas. Experiencing injuries firsthand — and seeing how physiotherapy restored his performance — shaped the way he now supports others through injury, rehab, and long-term recovery.
Outside the clinic, Trent is easygoing, down-to-earth, and approachable. You’ll find him on the golf course, in the surf, or catching up with friends. That same calm, supportive energy carries into his sessions, helping clients feel at ease, understood, and supported every step of the way.
If you’re dealing with pain, injury, or ongoing frustration with your body, Trent is someone you can trust to have your back — and help you move with clarity, confidence, and strength again.
Harrison Smith holds a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy and brings over 10 years of clinical experience to his practice. His philosophy is simple: pain is rarely the real problem — it’s information. He often describes pain as a “check engine light” — a useful warning signal, but not always located where the actual fault exists.
Because of this, Harrison focuses on identifying the true cause of dysfunction rather than chasing symptoms. He performs detailed, full-body assessments to understand how the entire system is working together, then builds clear, targeted treatment plans designed for lasting change — not temporary relief.
His goal is to stand in your corner while you rebuild your body and confidence: reducing pain, addressing long-standing issues, improving body composition, and helping you reach meaningful performance goals. Ultimately, he aims to be the last practitioner you need by giving you both results and understanding.
Alongside Physiotherapy, Harrison has formal training in Sports & Exercise Science and Nutrition, allowing him to take a genuinely holistic approach to recovery and performance.
He has spent over a decade working within women’s sport, supporting teams from Gordon Rugby through to the Norwegian National Team, and has travelled internationally with the FRN Wolverines to Dubai.
Outside the clinic, Harrison lives what he teaches — surfing, freediving, strength training, and snow sports all shape his appreciation for movement efficiency, resilience, and real-world performance.
Reece Nikitaras is deeply passionate about optimising human movement and enhancing quality of life through targeted rehabilitation and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. His journey into physiotherapy was driven by a genuine desire to help individuals overcome physical barriers and reach their full potential.
As an avid runner, Reece brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to the treatment of running-related injuries. He is particularly dedicated to helping runners recover from injury, prevent future setbacks, and elevate their performance. Reece has developed a comprehensive running assessment protocol designed to identify biomechanical inefficiencies and areas of weakness, allowing for tailored interventions that support long-term improvement and injury prevention.
Reece also holds a strong clinical interest in knee rehabilitation, with an in-depth understanding of knee biomechanics and the complex nature of knee injuries. He implements highly specialised, results-driven treatment plans to restore function and accelerate recovery in clients dealing with knee concerns.
Always eager to stay at the forefront of his field, Reece consistently seeks out new knowledge and incorporates the latest advancements in physiotherapy research into his practice. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he delivers the highest standard of care to every patient.
Outside of the clinic, Reece enjoys travelling, spending time at the beach, and playing a round of golf.