REBECCA HARDING

Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)

Career Summary

24 years experience as a physiotherapist. Past 10 years specializing entirely in the treatment of scoliosis – idiopathic and adult degenerative types.  In 2013, founded ‘Scoliosis Physiotherapy’.  Travelled internationally 7 times between 2010 and 2018 for scoliosis specific training, including attending The International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic Rehabilitation and Treatment (SOSORT) conferences and participating in the special interest research components.  In 2016, presented at the Spine Society of Australia’s (SSA) national conference on idiopathic scoliosis.  In 2016 and 2019, presented on the same topic for the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).  In 2019, invited by leading Melbourne scoliosis orthopaedic surgeon to jointly provide a scoliosis service at one of Melbournes Private Hospitals.  Prior to 2010, was heavily involved in the Pilates Industry for 14 years becoming a registered Pilates Instructor course provider and examiner for the Australian Pilates Method Association.  Founded and owned ‘In Sync Physiotherapy and Pilates’ a practice specializing in exercise rehabilitation which grew to a staff of 20 at the time of its sale in 2012.  Between 2000-2004 consultant physiotherapist for the Australian Ballet Co. and School.    

Key experiences and areas of achievement include

• Founded ‘Scoliosis Physiotherapy’ in 2013
• 1 month experience at renowned Rigo Quera Salva Intitute Barcelona
• Presented at the Spine Society of Australia national conference on scoliosis 2016
• Attended SOSORT scoliosis conferences in San Fransisco 2019, Dubrovnik 2018 & Chicago 2013
• Level 1 and Adv Schroth Scoliosis Qualifications in 2010 & 2012 Wisconsin (Beth Janssen & Dr Rigo)
• Level 1 Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS – Italian method) 2016
• Founded In Sync Physiotherapy and Pilates in 2000
• Consultant physiotherapist for the Australian Ballet Company and School
• Regular workshop presenter for the Allied Health professions

Uses experience, knowledge and good judgment to make decisions.  Communicates effectively with specialists and other health professionals.  Is energetic and friendly in nature, professional and hard working.

Key SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

• Extremely strong work ethic and dedication to achieve top quality in all physiotherapy aspects
• Possesses a clear thinking, logic based approach enabling complex problems to be simplified into achievable components
• Ability to apply acquired knowledge in new environments
• Strong personal skills to identify client and staff needs
• Ability to foster good relationships with all staff and mentor them successfully in professional development
• Ability to communicate effectively with agitated clients to produce calm and find solutions
• Ability to effectively converse with specialists and other health professionals in the management of a client
• Energetic, optimistic and positive in outlook

Employment history    1996 – CurrenT

October 2013 – Current   Scoliosis Physiotherapy   Melbourne

Director, Physiotherapist

Responsibilities:

• Scoliosis specific physiotherapy services
• 100% scoliosis/spinal deformity clientele (50% adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, 35% adult idiopathic/degenerative, 15% post scoliosis surgery)
• Frequent communication with scoliosis specific surgeons
• Managing 7 staff including mentoring to 4 physiotherapists and 1 Orthotist
• Frequent lecturing to allied health professionals regarding assessment and management of idiopathic scoliosis

Achievements:

• Established Australia’s first scoliosis specific physiotherapy practice
• Broadened business to employ an Orthotist to provide adolescent idiopathic scoliosis specific bracing and adult degenerative scoliosis bracing
• Expanded to include satellite businesses in Brisbane and Frankston to further assist those with scoliosis
• Invited by Melbourne scoliosis orthopaedic surgeon Mr Gary Nattrass to work along side him in the provision of a new scoliosis service at Cabrini Hospital, Malvern.

May 2000 – January 2013   In Sync Physiotherapy and Pilates P/L    Melbourne

Director, Physiotherapist and Pilates Practitioner

Responsibilities:

• Staff recruitment and development
• Mentor and manager of 20 staff
• Manager of weekly staff meeting and bi-monthly education program
• OH&S Manager
• Provider of In Sync Pilates Instructor Course
• Provider of Physiotherapy services – focussing purely on scoliosis specific physiotherapy from 2010

Achievements:

• Staff growth from 2 to 20 in ten years
• Developed Dance Specialist physiotherapy niche and Pre-point assessment methods and screening
• Consultant Physiotherapist for the Australian Ballet Company and Australian Ballet School
• Developed ‘In Sync Education’, a series of workshops presented by In Sync staff for the Pilates Industry
• Developed skills in real time ultrasound assessment of muscle function and rehabilitation

February 1998 -December 1999   Shultze and Vass Physiotherapy   Sydney

Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor

Part time first six months then full time

Responsibilities:

• Provide physiotherapy services to dance specific population group
• Assist business owner in the development of a Pilates studio
• Provide Pilates instruction

Achievements:

• Acquired skills in Dance specific physiotherapy assessment and treatment
• Gained further qualifications in the Pilates method of exercise
• Assisted training Pilates staff members

February 1998-August 1998  Lovelock Physiotherapy P/L  Sydney                     

Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor

Responsibilities:

• Provide physiotherapy service
• Developed Pilates back care classes
• Took hydrotherapy sessions

Achievements:

• Developed Pilates back care classes
• Gained valuable hands-on physiotherapy skills
• Gained time management skills

Feb 1997 – July 1997     Royal Hospital for Neuro Disability  London

Physiotherapist

Responsibilities:

• Sole physiotherapist for two wards of end stage Multiple Sclerosis sufferers
• Provide neurological in-patient assessments

Achievements:

• Developed great rapport with hospital staff, physiotherapy colleagues  and patients
• Gained appreciation and respect for those less fortunate

Feb 1996 – Feb 1997            Auburn Hospital  Sydney

New graduate Physiotherapist

Three monthly rotations to four positions

Responsibilities:

• Provide out-patient physiotherapy with interpreter for Turkish speaking population
• Provide Cardiothoracic physiotherapy for Auburn Hospital in-patients
• Provide physiotherapy for brain injured patients at Ryde Hospital
• Provide in-patient and out-patient physiotherapy for Temora Base Hospital

Qualifications

Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) Level 1 certified – 2016

Advanced Schroth Scoliosis certified BSPTS – 2010 & 2012

Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Qualification – 2000 & 2002

Australian Pilates Method Instructor Qualification – 1999

Clinical Pilates Qualifications Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4 – 1996 & 1998

B.App.Sc (Physiotherapy) 1996 – Sydney University 

HSC/VCE 1991 –  Presbyterian Ladies College  Melbourne