Meet The Practitioners


Felipe Montoya, BPT, PT

Pronouns: he, him

Holistic Physiotherapist and Movement Specialist

Meet Felipe – Redefining Recovery and Performance

Felipe Montoya is a highly skilled physiotherapist with over a decade of experience in physiotherapy, fitness, and functional rehabilitation. Originally from Colombia, Felipe earned his physiotherapy degree from CES University and has since cultivated an impressive career that spans clinical practice, academic instruction, and personalized training.

Felipe’s approach blends evidence-based treatment techniques with a deep understanding of functional movement, making him a sought-after expert in injury rehabilitation, athletic performance, and overall physical wellness.

Certifications and Training

Felipe’s advanced training ensures he stays at the forefront of physiotherapy:

  • Functional Rehabilitation: Functional Physical Rehabilitation and High Performance (CES University)

  • Teaching and Leadership: Information and Communication Technologies in Teaching (CES University)

Professional Highlights

  • Felipe’s focus is individualized rehabilitation programs for clients of all ages, conducting functional movement assessments

  • Felipe’s real passion is designing personalized training regimens for clients, addressing performance optimization and injury prevention with tailored strategies.

  • Best Physiotherapist Rated by Users, 2022 – Mottiva IPS

areas of focus

  • Expertise in:

    • Functional movement assessments

    • Return-to-play planning for athletes

    • Personalized rehabilitation programs

    • Injury prevention and performance optimization

A Holistic Approach to Healing and Performance

Felipe’s philosophy emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the injury. By combining advanced physiotherapy techniques with tailored strength and conditioning programs, he helps clients recover efficiently and achieve their fitness and performance goals. Whether rehabilitating an injury or maximizing athletic potential, Felipe’s clients benefit from his commitment to excellence and innovation.

Beyond the Clinic

When Felipe isn’t empowering clients through physiotherapy, he enjoys staying active and exploring new techniques in movement science. His passion for teaching, learning, and connecting with others is evident in every interaction.


Cindy Escobar, BPT

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Holistic Physiotherapist and Movement Specialist

Meet Cindy – Your Partner in Holistic Physiotherapy!

We’re thrilled to welcome Cindy to The Physio Doctor team! Originally from the vibrant city of Medellin, Colombia, Cindy brings a wealth of expertise and a fresh perspective to holistic physiotherapy. She earned her physiotherapy degree from CES University and holds a diploma in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, along with a variety of advanced certifications. Her journey to Melbourne in 2022 fulfilled a lifelong dream, and we’re lucky to have her passion and skill here with us.

Recognitions

Cindy is known for her whole-body approach to care, blending traditional physiotherapy with innovative techniques like fascia and nervous system assessments. Her expertise spans musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, sports massage, myofascial induction, cupping, taping, joint mobilizations, and more. Whether it’s addressing sports injuries, workplace wear-and-tear, or gym-related dysfunctions, Cindy’s holistic strategies are designed to empower your body’s natural healing processes.

With a rich background in rehabilitation centers, clinics, and hospitals, Cindy has worked with diverse populations, including elderly clients, adults, and children. In Colombia, she even combined her physiotherapy skills with her passion for speed skating, helping athletes prevent and recover from injuries.

Certifications and expertise

  • Manual Therapy Specializations: Orthopedic Manual Therapy, joint mobilizations, and manipulations

  • Movement and Recovery: Myofascial induction, cupping, taping, and sports massage

  • Holistic Care: Personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs

Areas of Focus

  • Chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain

  • Sports injuries and athletic rehabilitation

  • Functional mobility for active individuals and athletes

  • Myofascial induction

  • Cupping therapy

  • Taping techniques

  • POP rehabilitation

  • Joint mobilizations and manipulation

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Cindy’s philosophy is centered on understanding the root causes of pain through a whole-body assessment. By blending manual therapy with innovative techniques, she helps clients recover, prevent future injuries, and achieve their movement goals.

Beyond the Clinic

Outside the clinic, Cindy is a lover of movement and culture. She enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring new places. An avid athlete, she plays Ultimate Frisbee, squash, and continues her lifelong love of speed skating. Cindy’s active lifestyle helps her connect with clients who share her passion for staying fit, healthy, and pain-free.

Cindy is excited to help you achieve your health and wellness goals with a personalized, whole-body approach. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply aiming to move better, Cindy is here to guide you every step of the way.


 

Dr. Jillian Zitny, PT, DPT, ATS, MBCT, MNLP

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Holistic Physiotherapist and Movement Specialist

Meet Dr. Jillian – A Leader in Holistic Physiotherapy and Movement Medicine

Dr. Jillian Zitny’s journey into physiotherapy began with personal experience. After recovering from sports injuries through dedicated physical therapy, her passion for helping others move better and live pain-free lives was ignited. By volunteering in physical therapy clinics during high school and later working at clinics while completing her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physical Therapy: Kinesiology at California State University of San Marcos (CSUSM), Jillian gained invaluable hands-on experience. Her academic career also included studying abroad at Victoria University, where she worked alongside AFL teams under a former Western Bulldogs trainer, building her expertise in sports physiotherapy.

Jillian went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in California in 2013, solidifying her foundation in evidence-based practice and manual therapy.

Certifications and Expertise

Neurological Certifications:

  • LSVT BIG (Parkinson’s Disease)

  • LSVT LOUD (Parkinson’s Disease)

  • Neuro Linguistic Programing (NLP) Practitioner Certification

  • Masters of NLP

Functional Movement Certifications

  • ATS – Advanced Training Specialist

  • Clinical Pilates - DMA Pilates

  • Movement Based Classification & Treatment (MBCT) Certification - DMA Pilates

Manual Therapy Mastery

  • S1 - Spinal Evaluation & Manipulation: Impairment Based, Evidence Informed Approach

  • S2 - Advanced Evaluation & Manipulation of Pelvis, Lumbar & Thoracic Spine Including Thrust

  • S3 - Advanced Evaluation & Manipulation of the Cranio Facial, Cervical & Upper Thoracic Spine

  • S4 - Functional Analysis & Management of the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex

  • E1 - Lower Extremity Evaluation & Manipulation

  • E1 - Upper Extremity Evaluation & Manipulation

  • E2 - Extremity Integration

  • Myofascial Manipulation

  • Intermediate Cranio Facial

  • Advanced Cranio Facial

  • State of the Art Cranio Facial

Energy Healing

  • Human Design Certification

  • Health & Energy Healing - Currently pursuing a graduate diploma in Health & Energy Healing through Embodied I Ching.

Areas of Focus

Dr. Jillian’s advanced training reflects her commitment to offering cutting-edge care that integrates traditional physiotherapy with holistic approaches:

  • Chronic and acute back, neck, and shoulder pain.

  • Headaches and craniofacial dysfunctions.

  • Sports injuries, including AFL, dance, soccer, and swimming.

  • Functional mobility challenges in athletes and non-athletes alike.

  • Strength and conditioning with body weight, gym equipment, Pilates, and Barre.

professional affiliations

Registered with AHPRA, APA, Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, APTA, and OPTA

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Dr. Jillian’s approach emphasizes whole-body assessment, including fascia and nervous system evaluations, empowering patients to address root causes of pain and achieve optimal function. Her blend of manual therapy, movement-based strategies, and mind-body techniques ensures a personalized plan for every patient.

Beyond the Clinic

When she’s not helping patients, Jillian enjoys spending time outdoors biking, hiking, and swimming, practicing yoga, dancing, and crafting. She also loves playing guitar, exploring the arts, and traveling the world.

Whether you’re looking to recover from an injury, resolve chronic pain, or enhance your athletic performance, Dr. Jillian is here to guide you with expertise, compassion, and a holistic touch.


Meet The Front Office Staff


Meet Alexandra!

Front Office Manager

Pronouns: she, her, hers

Alexandra has a Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management).

Alexandra was a dancer for 14 years (doing jazz, tap & ballet), but has had a change of heart and is now playing footy!

Alexandra cannot wait to travel across Europe & see the world.