Physiotherapists
Our physiotherapists are experts in spinal conditions. They work collaboratively with our medical specialists, exercise physiologists and remedial massage therapists to help achieve the optimal outcome. Our physiotherapists will assess you, diagnose your problem, and formulate a treatment plan which may include correcting biomechanical abnormalities, modifying your movement patterns, improving your posture and developing guidelines for return to normal activity.
Theres
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science | University of Queensland Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Australian Catholic University
Theres treats surgical and non-surgical patients who have complex spinal problems. Her role as a Physiotherapist at Backspace is to make clinical assessments and offer suitable treatment options for a range of back and neck conditions, taking into consideration the patient’s own health goals and lifestyle. Together with the rest of the clinical rehabilitation team, Theres helps guide and support patients through their rehabilitation journey. As a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor, Theres also develops and teaches goal-oriented Pilates programmes to incorporate with other treatment options.
Xanthe
Physiotherapist & Clinical Researcher
After making a decision to change her career from Law and enter the health services sector, Xanthe has completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Masters in Physiotherapy. She has always been interested in human movement and injury rehabilitation. The satisfaction of helping people recover from injury and the learning opportunities that each patient offers has also motivated Xanthe to be part of the clinical research team. She has contributed greatly to many studies including the ReActiv8 study.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | University of Queensland Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science | Griffith University Masters of Physiotherapy | University of Queensland
Exercise Physiologists
Our exercise physiologists specialise in clinical interventions which are exercise-based, provide education, advice and support. There is a strong focus on achieving behavioural change. They will look at your lifestyle and goals, and design an exercise programme taking into account the physiotherapy recommendations. They will prescribe the right exercises, show you how to do them and monitor your progress during your recovery.
Felicity
Exercise Physiologist
Felicity is a founding clinician at Backspace and our senior Exercise Physiologist with many years of specialised experience in treating patients with back pain. She is responsible for the design and development of the BackSpace rehabilitation programmes, including Pilates and Stretch Therapy. Felicity treats surgical and non-surgical patients with complex conditions, tailoring her exercise programmes to patients’ needs, lifestyle and fitness goals. Her approach centres on collaboration, guiding patients toward recovery and sustainable behavioural and physiological changes.
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology | Queensland University of Technology
Massage Therapist
Our remedial massage therapists are trained to provide specialised treatment for all spinal conditions. They will treat painful and tight areas with massage, stretching cupping, and dry needling, working collaboratively with our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. They will decrease pain, release muscle tension and release tight tissues to decrease pain and speed up your recovery.
Luan
Remedial Massage Therapist & Myotherapist
Luan brings to Backspace an extensive knowledge of the human body, having practiced as a Physiotherapist for many years in his native Brazil. His areas of interests include Orthopaedic trauma and sports injury rehabilitation. Luan is working towards his accreditation to practice as a Physiotherapist in Australia, and in the meantime, has obtained qualifications in Remedial Massage Therapy and Myotherapy to continue his work in allied health and rehabilitation. Luan’s clinical background helps him support patients through pain, injury recovery and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Veiga de Almeida University, Rio de Janeiro Diploma of Remedial Massage Therapy | Australian College of Eastern Medicine Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy | Mastery Institute Australia
Support Team
As key members of our healthcare team, our clinical nurse serves as the vital link between medical specialists and allied health professionals, supporting the assessment and management of your condition. Our clinic coordinator works alongside patients throughout their rehabilitation, coordinating your care to provide a smooth and supportive experience.
Cali
Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Science | University of Queensland Bachelor of Physiotherapy | Australian Catholic University
NurseTheres treats surgical and non-surgical patients who have complex spinal problems. Her role as a Physiotherapist at Backspace is to make clinical assessments and offer suitable treatment options for a range of back and neck conditions, taking into consideration the patient’s own health goals and lifestyle. Together with the rest of the clinical rehabilitation team, Theres helps guide and support patients through their rehabilitation journey. As a qualified Clinical Pilates instructor, Theres also develops and teaches goal-oriented Pilates programmes to incorporate with other treatment options.
Isabella
Clinical Nurse
Isabella joins BackSpace with years of clinical nursing experience. She is skilled in surgical preparation, aseptic technique, and post-anaesthesia care. She possesses strong clinical judgement, calmness under pressure, compassion and competence with excellent interpersonal skills. Isabella’s problem-solving abilities and patient-centred approach to care enhances the patient experience across the perioperative journey and aligns perfectly with the BackSpace philosophy.
Bachelor of Nursing | Queensland University of TechnologyGraduate Certificate in Nursing (Perioperative Stream) / University of Tasmania
Naomi
Clinic Coordinator
Naomi joined the BackSpace team with a strong desire to help patients navigate the complex journey to wellness that suffering from back and neck pain involves. She guides patients through every step of their care at BackSpace, coordinating appointments and ensuring seamless communication between patients and clinicians. Naomi also supports our clinical team, helping them manage their schedules and workflow efficiently. Her exceptional organisational skills and dedication ensure the clinic runs smoothly, allowing patients to feel supported and confident as they work toward restored health.
Bachelor of Paramedicine | Griffith University
Research Team
Led by Spine Surgeon Dr Paul Licina, our research team conducts clinical research relating to surgical rehabilitation, improving spine surgical outcomes, investigating non-surgical spine rehabilitation, and back and neck pain. Their work furthers the mission of BackSpace by researching and developing evidence-based approaches that enhance recovery and patient care. One study in particular is the ReActiv8 system, an implantable neurostimulation therapy that stimulates the nerves of the muscles responsible for stabilising the lumbar spine. The therapy is designed to restore lumbar muscle control and interrupt the back’s cycle of pain, degeneration, and loss of function. Through these research initiatives, the team contributes to advancing BackSpace’s clinical practice and improving outcomes for patients.
Patrick
Clinical Research Coordinator
Patrick leads and coordinates BackSpace’s research team and their projects. He is currently working hard to complete his studies and intends to gain acceptance into the post-graduate Bachelor of Medicine degree with a desire to become a doctor. His role involves liaising with medical professionals, allied health professionals, research participants, university research departments, and spinal implant companies. Another key aspect of Patrick’s role is the presentation of the team’s research at medical conferences around Australia and the world. This has led to wonderful travel and professional development opportunities, including integral involvement in the ReActiv8 study.
Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science | Australian Catholic University Bachelor of Science (Honours) | University of the Sunshine Coast Doctor of Philosophy | University of Queensland (to be completed 2027)
Xanthe
Physiotherapist & Clinical Researcher
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | University of Queensland
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science | Griffith University
Masters of Physiotherapy | University of Queensland (to be completed 2025)
After making a decision to change her career from Law and enter the health services sector, Xanthe has also completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science and a Masters in Physiotherapy. She has always been interested in human movement and injury rehabilitation. The satisfaction of helping people recover from injury and the learning opportunities that each patient offers has motivated Xanthe to join the clinical research team. She has contributed greatly to many studies including the ReActiv8 study.
Spine & Pain Specialists
We are proud to be affiliated with SpinePlus and AXXON Pain Medicine, bringing together medical specialists with extensive experience in spinal care. Our founders, Dr Paul Licina, Spine Surgeon, and Dr Brendan Moore, Specialist Pain Physician, have treated patients with spinal conditions for many years and were motivated to establish BackSpace to provide faster, more coordinated care. They, along with Dr Sami Ahmad and Dr Angus Forbes ensure patients benefit from expert assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation in a structured, medically guided environment, where every patient feels supported and cared for throughout their journey to recovery.
Dr Paul Licina
Spine Surgeon BackSpace Co-Founder
Dr Brendan Moore
Specialist Pain Medicine Physician BackSpace Co-Founder
Dr Angus Forbes
Occupational Physician
Dr Sami Ahmad
Specialist Pain Medicine Physician
