Meet the Team
Physiotherapy Team
Kirstie Tyson
Principal PhysiotherapistQualifications: Doctor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise Science), Sports Physiotherapy Levels 1–3, SLSA Level 2 Development Coach, NCAS Level 2 Coach - General and Sailing.
Kirstie is the founder and Principal Physiotherapist of SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy, with 15 years of clinical experience in sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Her clinical expertise includes complex musculoskeletal injuries, bone stress injuries, tendinopathy, knee and shoulder rehabilitation, running biomechanics, osteoporosis management and return-to-sport assessment/sports performance enhancement.
Throughout her career, Kirstie has worked with recreational and elite athletes across surf lifesaving, AFL, cricket, sailing, softball, dance and professional circus performance. She has extensive experience in acute sporting injury management, post-operative rehabilitation and complex or persistent musculoskeletal conditions.
Kirstie is a member of the Surf Life Saving Australia Medical Advisory Group and has provided medical coverage at major national and international events, including the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, Lifesaving World Championships, Australian IRB Championships and Coolangatta Gold. She also serves on the Australian Physiotherapy Association's Queensland Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy Committee.
Kirstie is one of a small number of Australian physiotherapists trained in Brain Endurance Training using SOMA NPT technology, alongside advanced training in sports vision assessment, running biomechanics and strength and power testing. She is also an accredited ONERO® practitioner, delivering evidence-based resistance and impact exercise for osteoporosis and low bone density.
Combining her background in physiotherapy, exercise science and sports coaching, Kirstie integrates detailed clinical assessment, hands-on treatment, progressive strength rehabilitation and objective performance testing. As founder of SurfEdge, she has established a purpose-built rehabilitation facility incorporating VALD assessment technology, running analysis and dedicated strength and bone health programs.
Clinical Interests
Sports injuries and complex musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Bone stress injuries, tendinopathy and load management
Osteoporosis and bone health – ONERO®
Knee and ACL rehabilitation
Running biomechanics and gait analysis
Brain Endurance Training – SOMA NPT
Sports vision and concussion rehabilitation
Return-to-sport and performance testing
Brendan Sainsbury
Senior PhysiotherapistQualifications: Master of Physiotherapy Studies, Master of Exercise Science (Strength & Conditioning), Bachelor of Sports Coaching & Exercise Science, ASCA Level 3 Elite Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Brendan is a Senior Physiotherapist at SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy, bringing extensive experience in sports rehabilitation, musculoskeletal physiotherapy and high-performance strength and conditioning. His clinical interests include sporting injuries, lower limb rehabilitation, post-operative rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and return-to-sport performance.
Throughout his career, Brendan has held senior strength, conditioning and rehabilitation roles with elite and semi-professional sporting organisations, including the NSW Swifts, QBE Swifts Academy, Sunshine Coast Falcons, Maroochy Roos, Canberra Demons, Aspley Hornets and Noosa Tigers. His experience spans AFL, rugby league, netball and other competitive sports, working with athletes from development pathways through to elite competition.
Brendan has extensive experience in athlete rehabilitation, physical preparation and performance development, including managing complex sporting injuries and guiding athletes through structured return-to-play programs. His background in high-performance environments provides a strong understanding of the physical demands of competitive sport and the importance of progressive, criteria-based rehabilitation.
With postgraduate qualifications in physiotherapy and strength and conditioning, Brendan combines clinical assessment, hands-on treatment, progressive exercise rehabilitation and objective performance testing to guide individualised management. He has additional training in dry needling, weightlifting and sports power coaching, with extensive experience in strength, power and athletic performance assessment.
At SurfEdge, Brendan applies his combined physiotherapy and high-performance coaching experience to help patients recover from injury, rebuild strength and return confidently to everyday activities, exercise and competitive sport.
Clinical Interests
Sports and musculoskeletal injuries
Post-operative and orthopaedic rehabilitation
Lower limb injury rehabilitation
Strength and conditioning
Running and athletic performance
Return-to-sport testing and rehabilitation
Injury prevention and load management
Reception Team
Sascha Blackwell
Sascha is one of the friendly faces you'll meet at the front desk at SurfEdge Sports Physiotherapy. She helps keep the clinic running smoothly and is passionate about creating a welcoming, positive experience for every patient from the moment they walk through the door.
With a strong background in customer service, Sascha enjoys helping people and takes pride in making every visit to the clinic as seamless as possible. She is always happy to assist with bookings, enquiries and ensuring patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their time with us.
Outside of work, Sascha enjoys keeping active, spending time with family and friends, and making the most of life on the Sunshine Coast with her puppy. She loves being part of the SurfEdge team and helping our patients on their journey back to doing what they love.