12 Days of Support. Unwrapping the NAO Village

At Clifton Hill Physiotherapy, we are passionate about supporting women, mothers, and families through every stage of life. We believe that high-quality physiotherapy is more than treatment — it’s about empowering you with knowledge, confidence, and the right tools to care for your body and wellbeing.

Our experienced team offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of women and their families, including Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Paediatric Physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates, Mums and Bubs Classes, and safe pre- and post-natal exercise programs. Whether you are preparing for birth, recovering afterwards, managing a musculoskeletal condition, or supporting your child’s physical development, we are here to help.

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is one of our core specialties. We provide gentle, evidence-based care for concerns such as incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and pregnancy-related discomfort. Our goal is to restore comfort, function, and confidence in your everyday activities.

Our Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists work with clients of all ages to address pain, injury, and postural issues — from back and neck pain to sports injuries and postural imbalances that can occur during pregnancy or while caring for young children.

We also have a dedicated focus on Paediatric Physiotherapy, supporting babies, toddlers, and children with developmental concerns, motor skill challenges, or injury rehabilitation, working closely with families to ensure the best outcomes.

Movement is medicine, and our Clinical Pilates and Mums and Bubs Classes offer a safe, supportive way to build strength, improve posture, and reconnect with your body after birth. All sessions are led by Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists to ensure your exercises are tailored to your needs and safe at every stage.

At Clifton Hill Physiotherapy we are driven by a passion for women’s health and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, individualised care. Our clinic is a welcoming, family-friendly space where you can feel supported, understood, and empowered. We are here to help you move well, feel strong, and thrive — during pregnancy, after birth, and beyond.

Having served the Sydney community for more than 25 years as a General Practitioner, I am passionate about the health and well-being of women, children, parents, and families, and feel strongly a good GP relationship provides a foundation of support, information & education, communication between health practitioners, and care.

I believe it is not only physical and mental health that contributes to our state of wellness, but also the strength of relationships in our lives, and the families and communities to which we are connected.

As a sports woman who runs and swims regularly and a yoga instructor (Sydney Sports Stadium) I am an advocate of preventative and proactive lifestyle choices, and am comfortable combining evidence based medicine with holistic care.

In this regard, I work closely with allied health professionals involved in my clients care including Naturopaths, Chiropractors, Nutritionists etc… and welcome this important aspect of optimising health outcomes. This is particularly important in the areas of child health, fertility, pregnancy and postnatal care, maintaining a modern, fresh, comprehensive and relevant approach.

I’m Joanna, a mother of two and the founder of Sage Nest—a boutique wellness practice based in Newcastle, NSW. My work focuses on supporting women through the transformative stages of pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery with care that is both holistic and deeply nurturing.

I’ve been in clinical practice since 2004 and bring together a unique blend of therapies to support the health and wellbeing of mothers and their families. My approach is integrative and evidence-informed, combining Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and the Body Ready Method® to offer well-rounded care tailored to each individual.

At the Sage Nest, I provide support that spans the entire motherhood journey—from managing early pregnancy symptoms and preparing for an empowered birth, to gentle, restorative care in the fourth trimester and beyond. Each session is personalised to address not just the physical, but also the emotional and energetic shifts that come with matrescence.

Birth preparation is a particular focus of my work. I help women feel physically aligned, emotionally grounded, and mentally ready for labour and birth. My sessions may include acupuncture, bodywork, breath techniques, acupressure, body alignment and partner-inclusive education to build confidence and reduce fear. Whether you’re planning your first birth or looking for support after a previous experience, I create a space where you feel informed, prepared, and supported.

For new mothers needing extra support, I also offer postpartum home visits across the Newcastle region. These sessions bring hands-on care, comfort, and therapeutic treatments to your doorstep during a time when leaving the house can feel overwhelming. It’s a beautiful way to receive nurturing support in your own familiar space while you rest and recover.

I love helping women feel more confident in themselves and their mothering. It’s a privilege to witness mothers reach their goals, feel more at ease, and reconnect with themselves during this powerful life transition. It’s an honour to support that process.