Errol Sreet Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy

"We don’t just treat the problem that someone has when they come to visit us - we also try to prevent it from happening again."

Errol Street Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy has long been the go-to physiotherapists in the heart of North Melbourne. It started with a small operation inside a local gym and then a shopfront opposite the old Auction Rooms. Since 2013, its home has been at 52 Errol Street.

Ben Smith, along with his business partner Shane O'Sullivan, have been the lead physios at the helm of this local practice since 2005.

"I’ve always wanted to be a physio. It’s an interactive, people-related job and it feels good when you’re helping people.”
“Once I knew that I wanted to be a private practice physio long term, clinic ownership became part of the bigger picture," Ben reflects. “I was already an employee at Errol Street so it made sense to take it over when the opportunity came up.”

Now their team of eight physios is renowned for their unique blend of general physiotherapy and specialised sports care. Ben and Shane are still deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations of the practice.

Due to patient demand, Ben and Shane opened a separate sports medicine clinic called ‘Life Performance Health’ in West Melbourne in 2023. The team now split their time between the two locations.

“As well as physiotherapy, our practice now offers podiatry, massage therapy and a sports doctor. That means we can see everyone from everyday people who have a sore back to athletes recovering from injury.”

The clinic's commitment to preventative care is embodied in its rehab facility, a space designed to facilitate comprehensive in-house treatment.

“We will still offer pilates and lighter rehab at the North Melbourne site, but Life Performance Health has a fully equipped rehab gym and it means we can help patients better, from a sports medicine and sports physio standpoint.”
“Our team is a hundred percent passionate about helping people to achieve their best health outcomes - we really care about our patients’ long-term well-being.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio