Zachary Southern

BPhty , MPhty , MSc Med

M

BIO

Growing up in Rugby League territory on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, you wouldn’t expect Zac to be an Aussie Rules fan, but having a father from Echuca helps. Zac was lucky enough to represent QLD on multiple occasions as a junior, with his one win against Victoria being the coin toss. Coming into his under 18s year, Zac was split between his studies as a physiotherapist, and his training/playing. While he had a couple of years playing in the NEAFL (now integrated into the VFL), he was never able to crack the next level.

While not being able to crack the top level as a player, as a physiotherapist he has been intensely working towards the pinnacle of the profession. Undertaking the Masters of Physiotherapy (Sport) at The University of Queensland in 2019 was the first step, and to this day remains one of the hardest things Zac has undertaken. But he wasn’t finished there. He’s since done further studies enhancing his radiology knowledge, strength and conditioning qualifications, and most recently a further Masters of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) at The University of Sydney. Zac has worked with a number of elite sporting teams, including the Dolphins NRL, and Aspley Hornets in the VFL and QAFL. He has most recently finished some work in South America with Cirque du Soleil, the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. He also has significant working history in Cricket, Netball, Snow Sports and Gridiron. Zac has also contributed significantly to the Academia space, lecturing at both the graduate and post- graduate physiotherapy level as well as having multiple research publications (with some more in pipeline!). Always aiming to improve, Zac’s next goal is to complete the Australian College of Physiotherapy Specialisation Training Program. This is an extremely competitive program, with only 58 Sports & Exercise Specialists in Australia as of September 2024. So how does this impact you?! Zac has a passion for helping people one-on-one. He thinks everyone’s situation is unique, and he’s a big believer that you should be involved in the planning and decision-making of your rehabilitation. He most enjoys the complex patients; patients who have seen multiple practitioners but can’t seem to find the right answers to their problem. So, no matter who you are, from whatever walk of life, Zac is excited to work with you to help you achieve your goals.
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SPECIALIST AREAS

Complex Presentations

Chronic Pain

Strength & Conditioning

2024


Physiotherapist

Cirque du Soleil (Messi10)

2023


Physiotherapist

Dolphins NRL

2022


Head Physiotherapist

Aspley Hornets QAFL

2021


Head Physiotherapist

Aspley Hornets VFL

2020


Australian Country Cricket Championship Physiotherapist

East Asia Pacific Women’s Cricket

2020


Tournament Physiotherapist

National Indigenous Cricket Championship

2018 – 2019


Head Physiotherapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach

Brisbane North Cougars Netball

2019


Tournament Physiotherapist

Australian Country Cricket Championship

2018


Head Physiotherapist

QLD Men’s Gridiron

2017/2018


Head Physiotherapist

Bayside Ravens Gridiron Club

2017 – 2018


Physiotherapist

Aspley Hornets NEAFL

2024


Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management)

The University of Sydney

Melbourne, Australia

2023


Radiology for Physiotherapists (RADI90010)

The University of Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

2020


Masters of Physiotherapy (Sport & Exercise)

The University of Queensland

Melbourne, Australia

2016


Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons)

The University of Queensland

Melbourne, Australia

PUBLICATIONS

“A combined program of education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis: A feasibility randomised controlled trial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 103169.”

Smith, M., Vuvan, V., Collins, N. J., Smith, M. M. F., Costa, N., Southern, Z., ... & Vicenzino, B.

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"From the Field – Case Study | Return to Running Post ACL Reconstruction: How soon is too soon? Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 32, 4.”

Southern, Z.

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AWARDS

Registrar in the Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist Training Program

2027

ASCA Level 2 Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach

2023

APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

2020

APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist

2025

AFFILIATIONS

The University of Queensland (Lecturer and Researcher)

2027

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