Meet the Physiotherapists Behind Your Care
Dean Thurgood
Principal Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Exercise ScienceDean grew up in the Kempsey Macleay region and completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Exercise Science along with a Diploma of Education.
His own experience recovering from childhood leukaemia played a key role in shaping his interest in physiotherapy and supporting people to improve their health, movement, and quality of life.
Dean works closely with local GPs and specialists and places strong importance on accurate assessment, clear diagnosis, and patient education. He believes people recover better when they understand their condition and the reasoning behind their treatment.
Outside the clinic, Dean enjoys swimming, cycling, snowboarding, and following the NRL.
Clinical focus and interests
- Shoulder, knee, lower back, and hip pain.
- Sports and overuse injuries.
- Dry needling and manual therapy.
- Strength and conditioning for all ages.
- Post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Laura Thurgood
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of PhysiotherapyLaura graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Charles Sturt University in 2020 and has spent most of her life living in the Port Macquarie region. Her background as a professional triathlete and exposure to injury through sport sparked her interest in physiotherapy and helping people return to activity safely and confidently.
Laura enjoys working with people across all stages of life, from athletes recovering from injury to older adults needing support with strength, mobility, and independence. She has experience across both private practice and hospital settings and takes a strong exercise-based approach to rehabilitation.
Outside of physiotherapy, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband Dean, family and friends, and being outdoors swimming, cycling, or running.
Clinical focus and interests
- Sports injuries and return-to-sport rehabilitation.
- Post-operative and orthopaedic rehabilitation.
- Cardiac rehabilitation and reconditioning.
- Clinical Pilates (1:1 and small groups).
- Home visits and exercise programs for older adults.
Shane Butler
Physiotherapist
Shane is a motivated and approachable physiotherapist with a strong background in both private practice and hospital-based care. Before entering physiotherapy, Shane served as a Marine Technician in the Royal Australian Navy, where he developed a strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a calm, team-focused approach.
Since qualifying as a physiotherapist, Shane has worked across private practice, acute aged care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient hospital settings. He enjoys helping people improve movement, manage pain, and regain confidence through practical, evidence-based treatment.
Outside the clinic, Shane enjoys road cycling, running, following rugby league and soccer, spending time with his wife and young daughter, and drinking good coffee with friends.
Specialties
- Knee, hip, shoulder, and neck pain.
- Post-operative rehabilitation, including knee and hip replacements.
- Aged care and mobility support.
- Exercise-based rehabilitation and home programs.
- Neurological and functional movement retraining.