Meet The Physiotherapists Leading Complex Care

At Active Physio Mackay

Active Physio Mackay continues to strengthen its reputation for high-quality, evidence-based care, with senior physiotherapists Brayden Gaviglio and Steve Gabriel emerging as key clinical leaders within the practice.

Both Brayden and Steve have recently completed their Masters qualifications in sport and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, a rigorous two-year, full-time commitment that builds on their already substantial professional experience. Prior to their postgraduate study, each had accumulated five to six years of clinical practice following their four-year undergraduate degrees, positioning them as highly experienced clinicians before undertaking further specialisation.

Their advanced training ensures they are fully up to date with the latest research and best-practice approaches, and places them among the most highly trained physiotherapists in the region. They now lead the way in managing complex musculoskeletal and sporting conditions at Active Physio Mackay.

Brayden Gaviglio is a Senior Physiotherapist and Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist (BPhysio, MSportsExPhysio, MACP). He completed elite placements with the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers, gaining experience in high-performance sporting environments. At Active Physio Mackay, Brayden focuses on sporting injuries, performance optimisation and injury prevention, supporting clients who want to recover effectively while reducing the risk of future injury.

Steve Gabriel, Senior Physiotherapist (BAppSc MPhysioPrac), brings a strong clinical focus to spinal conditions, sports injuries and rehabilitation. Following placements with leading specialist physiotherapists in the country, Steve is particularly keen to treat challenging cases involving headaches, neck pain, back pain and jaw-related conditions. His work centres on thorough assessment and personalised rehabilitation strategies.

The clinic’s approach to care is guided by Director and Principal Physiotherapist Danielle Edwards, who works closely with the management team to maintain consistent standards across the practice.

“We continuously improve how we nurture our staff and train our physios to give very high-quality care to 500 patients a week, consistently,” Ms Edwards said.

“Every new patient should receive a written treatment plan to show how we can guide them to their goals.”

She explained that individualised care planning is a must.

“We assess and diagnose, then determine the clients’ goals to work together to strategise what is required.

“Physiotherapists are primary contact practitioners; they are the experts in musculoskeletal injuries- you don’t need a referral. We determine if scans or a referral for medication is required.

“We are like detectives of the human body, trained to find the causes and then put back the pieces of each bodies puzzle, stronger and moving better than before.”

Education and prevention also play a significant role in treatment outcomes. The team frequently sees injuries linked to returning to activity too quickly after injury and not rebuilding strength or mobility adequately. Identifying contributing factors such as balance or strength deficits is a priority, alongside promoting exercise as a key component of long-term health.

Ms Edwards said the most rewarding aspect of working in the Mackay community is seeing long-term change.

“The most rewarding is when we see the success of clients that have had pain or trouble moving for years, achieve their goals. This can be achieved without surgery, they're needing less medication, but with lots of hard work!”

With Brayden and Steve now leading complex sporting and musculoskeletal cases, Active Physio Mackay continues to invest in advanced training, structured care and clinical excellence, ensuring patients receive informed, consistent and goal-focused physiotherapy care.

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