Why REHAB FIRST?
About us:
Rehab First was created by two physiotherapists in Mascot who identified a real lack of recovery exercise services for their patients after injury. In this current climate of hospital in patient rehab and aquatic centres, there are currently no private physiotherapy and exercise physiology centres that offer private hydrotherapy and specialised allied health care to the public.
Rehab First is a multifaceted rehabilitation centre that offers gym-based exercise therapy, a private hydrotherapy pool for 1 on 1 or group classes and specialized muscle recovery equipment to the public. It was created specifically for these individuals who want to be supervised in their return to safe exercise and want more guidance and understanding of their injuries and rehabilitation than a basic gym can offer.
We utilise physiotherapists and exercise physiologists who have the expertise to support you throughout all stages of injury recovery. They will assess, prescribe specific exercises and supervise you through individualised exercise programs.
Meet the team Mascot San Souci
HEATHER BURNS
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Heather is the principal physiotherapist and Owner of Rehab First Mascot. She graduated from the University of Sydney back in 2015 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy. She has since worked in physiotherapy private practice for the past 9 years. She is very experienced treating a large range of injuries including lower back pain, sports related injuries, post operative orthopedic rehabilitation, pregnancy related pain and postural dysfunctions. She is a certified APPI Pilates Instructor and has undertaken further training in Women's Health, Dry Needling, Taping, running assessments and Hydrotherapy. She has a personal passion for running, skiing, netball and soccer and can help people throughout all stages of their injury rehabilitation as she understands the importance of looking after your body to stay pain free and active! If you have any pain in your body that is holding you back, book in to see Heather today!
NATASHA RENWICK
SENIOR SPORTS & WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Bachelor App Sc (Phty), M Sports PHTY
Since graduating in 2000, Natasha has completed her Masters in Sports Physiotherapy in 2004, and done further study in Women’s Health and Paediatrics.
She was a physiotherapist for the Olympic Winter Sports Institute of Australia and travelled regularly with the Australian half pipe snowboarders and has worked in both hospitals and private practices around Australia and the UK.
In 2006, Natasha became the owner and Principal of Maroubra Dynamic Physiotherapy and has been servicing the Eastern Suburbs community for the past 18 years and has become a well known to local specialist, surgeons and other allied health professionals.
In 2022, she wanted to expand her passion for rehabilitation and access to great facilities for her patients and open the first Rehab First Hydrotherapy and Performance Centre with her colleague Heather burns. Together they have grown the business and established great connections with specialist is post op surgery, pain management, rehabilitation and disability.
With the opening of the second location in2025 at Sans Souci, Natasha will be establishing herself in the St George and Sutherland Shire community also. She will continue to follow her passion in physiotherapy and rehabilitation service, using her specialities in sport injury management, women’s health (post-natal, prolapse or incontinence), Pilates/postural rehabilitation, dry needling, and MSK Paediatrics.
YURENA POLANEN
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Yurena is a physiotherapist who graduated in The Netherlands in 2012. Over the past years she has built up experience working in Aged Care and Geriatrics, as well exercise therapy and rehabilitation. Yurena has an extensive background in sports and has completed her certificate III and IV in fitness. She has knowledge in sports rehabilitation and clinical Pilates and she has also worked as a stretch therapist in which she uses her keen interest in stretching and strengthening as a form of rehabilitation. Besides her passion for sports, having played rugby and competing as an amateur boxer, Yurena also loves dancing and has performed Brazilian Samba while also teaching Afro- Caribbean roots classes.
Bubbly and friendly, Yurena enjoys working with her clients helping them reach their goals . She loves movement and exercise and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and passion for physical health at Rehab First.
ADAM DOCOS
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Adam attended the University of Sydney, where he completed his Undergraduate degree of Sport & Exercise Science followed by his Masters in Exercise Physiology, in which he is accredited by Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Adam‘s love and interests for sport – cricket & rugby being his main ones, led to him wanting to pursue a career in exercise and health and further onto attaining advanced knowledge of rehabilitation - more specifically in athletes as well the prevention of complex injuries or conditions. With a strong interest in strength and conditioning, Adam‘s treatment to injury is strongly based around making the body fitter and stronger and improving the quality of life through exercise intervention. Through Adam‘s advanced knowledge of varying conditions and injuries – covering anything from musculoskeletal, mental health, metabolic & neurological, he has continued to broaden his knowledge in these areas to provide the most effective evidence-based practices to ensure that his clients are receiving the best care and approach to manage and better their health and in the long-term live a pain-free and positive lifestyle.
ANDREW HADCHITI
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Andrew attended the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physiology and is currently an Athletic Performance Intern at the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. Andrew’s love for sport and exercise led him to pursue a career in Exercise Physiology, where he is able to use his past sporting experience to assist in injury rehabilitation and athletic development. Andrew played rugby league for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Manly Sea Eagles at junior levels, and is currently involved with Lebanon Rugby League as part of the performance team. Andrew’s experience has helped him develop a knowledge of effective and evidence-based exercise programs for a number of different conditions including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological populations. Andrew takes a ‘Client First’ approach to his programs to ensure each intervention is tailored and personalised to the clients goals. Andrew also has experience in personal training and can assist with weight loss and general health and fitness programs.
Jasmin Duffus
Exercise Physiologist
Jasmin attended the University of New South Wales, completing a Bachelors Degree in Exercise Physiology and is an accredited practitioner with Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA). She has a passion for assisting clients to create sustainable programs to maintain active living and improve health outcomes. Jasmin participated in a range of sports growing up and believes in the positive benefits of exercise to both protect and manage a range of health conditions. She currently enjoys the versatility that pilates offers, and has completed a Pilates rehabilitation course, gaining a certificate for both Matwork and Reformer Pilates. Jasmin takes a ‘client orientated’ approach, in which she delivers her evidence-based exercise knowledge to the client and creates an open discussion to determine a tailored and effective program. She has a strong interest in managing musculoskeletal, metabolic, mental health and neurological conditions to support daily needs and improve overall health and wellbeing.
Sean Marquez
Physiotherapist
Sean completed his studies at the University of Sydney, obtaining a Bachelor of Health Science (Movement Science Major) and a Master of Physiotherapy. His love for street dance first led him into physiotherapy, where he has an appreciation for the uniqueness and individuality of human movement. He continues to train and compete in various dance competitions.
Sean uses his knowledge in muscoskeletal health to restore confidence and strength in the body. He is experienced in treating a wide range of acute, overuse and post-operative musculoskeletal conditions in the upper and lower limbs, neck and back. With a passion for dance physiotherapy - he has a special interest in delivering rehab for dance-related injuries and enhancing performance. He has certification in dry needling.
His treating style advocates for patient-centred care and aims to meet your unique needs and goals. With a commitment to further education, he also aims to integrate the latest evidence to ensure that he is delivering the most optimal health outcomes possible.
MONICA KANTI
EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Monica attended the University of Wollongong, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation and is an accredited practitioner with Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA). With a passion for fitness cultivated through years of personal dedication at the gym, Monica thrives to promote active living and push clients beyond their perceived limits through effective and sustainable programs, helping them achieve personal goals and improve health outcomes.
Monica's experience includes clinical placements at The Sutherland Hospital Mental Health Unit, All Exercise Physiology and Spinal Cord Injuries Australia. From this work, Monica has gained extensive knowledge in proficiency in developing and implementing exercise interventions for a range of cardiovascular, metabolic neurological, psychological and ageing conditions.
Having worked extensively with clients aiming to enhance their overall well-being and exercise capacity, Monica understands the importance of personalised care and tailored exercise programs. Through compassionate support and evidence-based strategies, Monica empowers individuals to surpass their goals and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.