the sun never stops shining - sometimes clouds just get in the way
Sports Medicine | Massage | Counselling
"the creation of something new
is not accomplished by the intellect,
but by the play instinct" - Carl Jung
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Awabakal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land in which Return to Play medical is located. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, also paying our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the significant place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold in Australia, as the first Peoples of this Nation. We ask all those that walk, work and live on traditional Aboriginal lands to be respectful of culture and traditions.
Sports Medicine | Massage | Counselling
We are built on the philosophy that a person's story and experience is core to their injury, illness, health and treatment.
Our aim is to meet people where they are; and provide the best of each of our services to the people of Newcastle and the Hunter.
Our Team is a part of Your Team
If you already have a team of health care providers, we will work closely with them, to ensure you can continue to grow toward reaching your goals.
Not just for athletes
It is common for many people to feel uncertain about seeing a sports and exercise service, when they may not be a competitive sports person.
Our philosophy is to treat you without reservation and without judgement, walking beside you with the ability and function that you have.
Our Affiliations
Our Team
O'Neil
O'Neil
O'Neil
O'Neil is a Sports Doctor, an ACA accredited counsellor, ACA counselling Supervisor, and educator in both medicine and counselling.
In 2024, O'Neil was appointed as a board member of SMA Sports Doctors.
He has spent many years as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Newcastle; he was Club Doctor to the Newcastle Jets Football Club fro
O'Neil is a Sports Doctor, an ACA accredited counsellor, ACA counselling Supervisor, and educator in both medicine and counselling.
In 2024, O'Neil was appointed as a board member of SMA Sports Doctors.
He has spent many years as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Newcastle; he was Club Doctor to the Newcastle Jets Football Club from 2016 until 2022; and team doctor to the Pararoos through the challenges of 2020.
O'Neil has a vast experience and range of mental health skills, with years dedicated to Psychiatry prior to his many years since, being a Counsellor.
His approach to Sports Medicine is to 'walk beside you'. O'Neil is keen to find out who his patients are beyond their injuries. This ensures that you receive appropriate instruction and have an individualised recovery plan.
Prior to Sports Medicine, O'Neil has a background in Psychiatry, General Practice, Emergency based care and has been an educator since 2006.
Bree
O'Neil
O'Neil
Bree has been a part of the Return to Play family, since its dawn in 2019. She has a keen interest in multiple aspects of health and has been engaged in furthering her knowledge base through several multiple avenues of education.
She provides the administrative core, ensuring there is a continuity in your care. As the first person you wil
Bree has been a part of the Return to Play family, since its dawn in 2019. She has a keen interest in multiple aspects of health and has been engaged in furthering her knowledge base through several multiple avenues of education.
She provides the administrative core, ensuring there is a continuity in your care. As the first person you will often engage with, Bree has become a strong advocate for patient needs and choices. She is the primary representative when liaising with all our affiliated service providers.
Bree's team values and her own health-specific skills and training ensures that Return to Play is always working closely with you, imaging services, pathology services, other providers and insurers.
Andy
O'Neil
Kelly
Andy is a MMA registered and qualified Remedial Massage therapist,
ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach, and an SMA Level 2 Sports Trainer.
He tailors each session to help balance both muscle and soft tissue length and tension which in turn promotes the return of normal joint and muscle function. His massage also promotes the flow of
Andy is a MMA registered and qualified Remedial Massage therapist,
ASCA Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach, and an SMA Level 2 Sports Trainer.
He tailors each session to help balance both muscle and soft tissue length and tension which in turn promotes the return of normal joint and muscle function. His massage also promotes the flow of blood and lymph, particularly around injured areas.
As an experienced Level 2 Strength & Conditioning Coach, Andy is focused on ensuring the physical wellbeing and technical performance of professional athletes, rehabilitation clients, and all who are keen to develop a healthy lifestyle through optimal training programmes, fitness development, rehabilitation programmes, and injury prevention techniques.
As a level 2 sports trainer, he is proficient in providing emergency care for suspected spinal injuries, producing injury prevention programmes, concussion management, wound management, athlete wellbeing and mental health, and advanced taping techniques and application.
Kelly
O'Neil
Kelly
Kelly is a Sport and Exercise Physician Registrar.
In 2024, Kelly was appointed as a board member of SMA Sports Doctors
Kelly has several years’ experience as a game day and club doctor with the Queensland Rugby League, is a member of the medical advisory committee for Australian Tae Kwon Do, and has also covered Rugby Union, AFL, Netball a
Kelly is a Sport and Exercise Physician Registrar.
In 2024, Kelly was appointed as a board member of SMA Sports Doctors
Kelly has several years’ experience as a game day and club doctor with the Queensland Rugby League, is a member of the medical advisory committee for Australian Tae Kwon Do, and has also covered Rugby Union, AFL, Netball and Football.
Kelly enjoys everything relating to Sports Medicine and has a particular interest in concussion management and athlete mental health.
we have moved!
Happy new year!
We welcome in 2025 and wish all our clients, patients and referrers a safe and enjoyable holiday season,
Thank you for a lovely 2024,
Return to Play, has re openned at
220 Brunker Road, Adamstown