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.
We offer physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and exercise physiology in one convenient location and can communicate with your entire healthcare team including doctors and specialists.
Meet The Team at Rehab First
Heather Burns
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 10 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
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.
Naomi Hassim
Naomi is a dedicated and compassionate Physiotherapist with over six years of experience in the UK healthcare system. She has worked across a variety of clinical environments, including musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy, geriatric care, ICU, and respiratory rehabilitation.
Naomi is passionate about helping patients regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that matter most to them. She uses evidence-based, individualised treatment plans that combine hands-on therapy, tailored exercises, and patient education to support each person’s recovery journey.
Outside the clinic, Naomi is an advocate for an active lifestyle, enjoying running, cycling, and exploring the outdoors, a philosophy she brings into her practice to inspire and encourage her patients.
Adam Docos
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
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) and has now completed a masters in Physiotherapy.
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
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.
Alex Drury
Alex completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Exercise & Sport Science) and Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney, bringing a strong evidence-based foundation to his clinical work.
Alex has experience working across a range of areas including diabetes and blood glucose management, osteoporosis, mental health support, back pain and posture correction, as well as general strength training for both children and adults.
These areas have been key professional interests and reflect Alex’s well-rounded approach to exercise rehabilitation.
To further support his clients, Alex has also completed external training in Mental Health and First Aid, allowing him to provide a truly holistic, safe, and supportive environment for everyone he works with.
Alex is passionate about helping people feel stronger, more confident, and empowered in their movement journey.
Jasmin Duffus
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.
Ammara Nadeem
Ammara did her (DPT) Doctor of physical therapy from University of Lahore, Pakistan in 2017. She is an experienced and dedicated physiotherapist with 7 years of private practice clinical experience.Ammara enjoys treating many areas but she takes special interest in MSK including neck, back, headaches, neuropathic pain, rehabilitation ,pregnancy related issues, incontinenc and sports injuries as well as exercise therapy. She has done a lot of trainings in Australia including strapping/taping, Pilates, mobilization, soft tissue techniques, headaches, running assessment. She is also a certified dry needler. Ammara is a Pilates instructor, gold medalist of her batch and the proud recipient of “Dean,s gold badge”
Her expertise extends to peadiatrics, young population, adults and old population with a strong focus on pre and post operative rehabilitation and strength and conditioning. She has worked with a lot of work cover, motor vehicle accident and NDIS clients. She has experience in stroke rehabilitation and hydrotherapy as well. She really enjoys 1:1 hydrotherapy sessions with clients.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys cooking and exploring Sydney with her family.
She can speak English, Urdu,Hindi and Punjabi.
Ammara specializes in helping individuals manage their chronic conditions that impact their quality of life.To book an appointment with Ammara, contact us or book online anytime.
Krupa Kadakia
Krupa is a dedicated physiotherapist originally from Mumbai, India, and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy in 2017. She has worked in private practice in both India and Australia over the past 9 years and during this time completed her Master’s in advanced clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal) at the University of South Australia. She is undergoing post graduate studies is in women’s health at Curtin University in Perth, and is now trained in continence, pelvic girdle pain, menopause, and pre/post-natal management.
Krupa has now joined the team at Rehab First Sans Souci, since 2025 and her passion and focus is on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life through personalised, evidence-based care. She has a special interest in treating shoulder and lower back conditions and is certified in dry needling and experienced complex clinical diagnosis.
Outside of work, Krupa enjoys hiking, going to the gym, exploring new places, and relaxing at home with Netflix. She looks forward to helping her patients achieve their goals.
Book in with Krupa today!
Mathew Khalil
Mathew completed his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of New South Wales, before going on to complete his Master’s degree in Physiotherapy at UTS. This combined background allows him to take an evidence-based approach to rehabilitation, which he applies across a wide range of presentations.
Mathew’s background as a semi-professional football player has provided him with valuable insight into injury rehabilitation and the challenges people face when pain, injury, or ongoing conditions impact quality of life. This experience has shaped his approach as a clinician, allowing him to relate to clients and support them throughout their recovery.
With previous clinical and sporting experience, Mathew works with a diverse range of patients and conditions. He focuses on providing individualised care aimed at reducing discomfort, improving movement, clearly explaining findings, and supporting recovery in a way that feels manageable while taking individual differences into account.
Mathew aims for clients to leave each session feeling better, well informed, and more confident about their condition, feeling reassured, supported, and comfortable with the next steps in their care.
Matt Roussis
Matt graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Rehabilitation with Distinction in 2022. Matt is a registered practitioner with Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA), bringing a solid foundation in exercise physiology and rehabilitation to his work.
Matt’s professional journey has been shaped by a wide range of clinical experiences, where he developed a deep passion for helping individuals from diverse backgrounds. He has worked extensively with people living with neurological, physical, and intellectual disabilities, and his expertise also spans areas such as women’s health, post-surgical rehabilitation (including ACL, Total Hip, and Total Knee replacements), chronic pain management, and metabolic conditions. Through these experiences, Matt has gained valuable insight into the complex needs of his clients and the importance of delivering personalised, evidence-based exercise interventions to promote health and well-being.
Throughout his career, Matt has remained committed to professional development and furthering his knowledge in key areas of rehabilitation. He holds accreditation in the BEAT IT Type 2 Diabetes program, Pilates for rehabilitation, women’s health and menopause, intellectual disability, and the NDIS, all of which have further enriched his ability to support clients in managing their conditions and improving their quality of life.
Matt’s passion for exercise physiology stems from a lifelong love of sport and training in the gym. He is driven by the belief that physical activity is a powerful tool for improving mental and physical health. His approach to exercise is not only rooted in science but also in personal motivation and the desire to inspire others to live their best, healthiest lives. Matt understands that everyone’s journey is unique, and he works closely with each client to develop individualised exercise plans that align with their goals, challenges, and aspirations.
As part of the multi-disciplinary team at Rehab First, Matt is excited to contribute his skills and knowledge to support clients in their rehabilitation journey. He is eager to expand his expertise and continue making a positive impact on the community, helping individuals regain strength, confidence, and independence
Alice Scheffer
Hello, I’m Alice!
I graduated in Physiotherapy in Brazil 6 years ago and ever since, I’ve been passionate about helping people feel their very best.
I’m trained in a range of beautiful techniques including remedial massage, myofascial release, sculpting massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, trigger point therapy, Brazilian lymphatic drainage, dry needling, cupping therapy and relaxing hot stone massage.
Whether you’re looking to ease pain, recover from an injury, reduce stress, or simply take a moment to care for yourself, I’m here to support your journey towards health, wellbeing and balance. I’m truly excited to look after you and can’t wait to meet you!
Juliette Menuet
Services We Offer
Testimonials
I first saw Heather for her women’s health Physio before my son’s birth. She was unbelievable in helping me prepare, including breathing techniques and the correct way to push and control my pelvic floor.
My recovery was made so much easier with her guidance and instruction, recovering from prolapse and living symptom free. I am so excited she has moved to a new location closer to me as I continue working with her for future pregnancy preparation.
Could not recommend more highly for any expectant or new mothers.
Sarah Buxton
I first saw Heather for her women’s health Physio before my son’s birth. She was I’ve been seeing physio Heather regularly at Rehab First Mascot for over a year now, as she helped me prepare for and recover from my first half marathon. The new site at Sans Souci is so impressive - fitted out with brand new equipment. Heather impresses me with her knowledge of all things physio - she is always able to pinpoint what is impacting my recovery and show me new ways to look after my body. I can’t recommend this Rehab First enough.
Caitlin
During my first treatment at Rehab First I was very impressed with the clinic, it has such a nice and relaxed feel, plenty of room for treatment/exercises and good street parking. Heather the Physio treating me was personable and knowledgeable in her advice and skill. She treated my troublesome shoulder/neck injury and after 4 sessions including a stretching program with Monica I was able to continue playing the sports I love pain free. I highly recommend Rehab First.
Dave Ryan
I have been going to Rehab First for the past four months following a total hip replacement and have never looked back. Adam’s advanced knowledge of rehabilitation is evident with his focus on strengthening and conditioning. Every session Adam pushes me to get the best out of my physio and to maximise my post-surgery mobility. Thank you Adam for your consistency and commitment
Karen Jury
My husband fell and broke the head of his femur while on holiday. Sean Marquez worked with my husband and his recovery was remarkable enabling us to fly safy back to the UK a few weeks after his operation. I would highly recommend Rehab First.
Susan Harris
Went to Jasmin after 5 months of pain and discomfort. I was put straight back on track, and after a short time have noticed the difference, I’m finally improving, and I don’t think I could’ve done that without Jasmins advice and instruction. I’m so happy, I found this place, and I’m so happy I got the right person
Bernadette McLellan
Sean Marquez has magical hands. He has fixed my stubborn rotator cuff, neck and calves. Listening to his advise on strengthening exercises and stretches to build the muscles back up again never felt so good. After 6 years of no training, I'm back into the gym. Thanks Sean and see you on the next one.
Hüseyin Erbaş
I would not hesitate to recommend Rehab First! Heather treated me for neck pain caused by a netball injury and made a big difference after only 1 hour. Her approach was so thorough and caring. Thanks Heather, I will be back.