Alicia Rayner

Dr. Alicia Rayner has attained the highest clinical recognition of physiotherapy in Australia after receiving the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist from the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2022. Physiotherapists must exhibit exceptional skills and knowledge in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy to be awarded this title. Alicia becomes one of just 14 Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists in Victoria as a result of this recognition.

Alicia’s expertise is in treating complex issues such as chronic low back pain, thoracic pain, endometriosis-related pain, shoulder and neck pain, and any injury that isn’t resolving.

Alicia regularly sees women of all ages, who have been overwhelmed by multiple pracitioners and diagnoses, never really getting to the bottom of their pain. She is passionate about treating women with multiple sites of pain and understanding the links between hormones, menopause, age-related changes, mental health and how they impact the body.

Alicia endeavours to give an accurate diagnosis and ensure all areas of your issue are addressed and managed. She regularly liaises with rheumatologists, neurosurgeons, pain physicians, psychologists, functional medicine practitioners, naturopaths and GPs to ensure every patient receives the right care for their condition.

Alongside working clinically, Alicia is heavily involved in teaching physiotherapy. She is currently supervising five registrars on their Specialist Fellowship programme, alongside lecturing undergraduate students at RMIT University. She also presents her own courses, including spinal pain (particularly advanced spinal assessment), shoulder pain and thoracic pain.

In addition to her specialist title, Alicia holds Master’s degrees in both Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Sports Physiotherapy. She has worked with a variety of athletes and sports teams, including the Melbourne Stars, Cricket Victoria, Melbourne University AON Women’s 7’s rugby programme, and state hockey teams, and attended the 2018 Commonwealth Games as a physiotherapist. This makes her uniquely situated to treat persistent and complex sporting injuries, especially lower back and spinal pain.

Alicia grew up on a farm near a town of 400 people in Carnamah, WA, giving her a unique insight into the difficulties in accessing healthcare and instilling in her a sense of community and empathy for her patients.

Alicia spends her free time crocheting rugs and scarves for the Melbourne winter, exploring new coffee shops, and strolling through the city’s parks!