the sun never stops shining - sometimes clouds just get in the way
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 wherever they are on their journey;
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 everyone without reservation
and without judgement, walking beside you
with the ability and function that you have.
Our Team
O'Neil
O'Neil is a Sports Doctor, a registered counsellor with ACA, with a Level 4 membership, an 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; O'Neil 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
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
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
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.
James
James is a registered Counsellor with the ACA and has achieved Level 3 membership.
He completed his Master of Counselling in 'Relationships' as well as 'Crisis & Trauma'. In addition, James is an Adjunct Lecturer in Counselling.
Over his career, James has trained in a number of fields, where his focus has always been on serving others. James has worked as a Rescue Paramedic, an Exercise Physiologist, and a business leader in the corporate world.
Overall, James has found that the key to being effective in each of his roles has been to listen and to remain present with each person in moments of joy as well as in their deepest pain.
“I won’t ask what is wrong with you. I want to know what hurt you and then journey alongside you to find your healing.“
Due to our supply of Hyaluronic Acid being manufactured in Israel, we cannot access this treatment.
We are exploring the possibility of other manufacturers and suppliers. We appreciate your understanding, while we determine how we may work through this.