Emma Draffin
B.Physio, B. Health Science, Master Sports Physio
Physiotherapist
Special Interests: Hip and Knee, Pilates, Strength and Conditioning
Hi, I’m Emma.
I am an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with a strong emphasis on exercise prescription and evidence-based treatment.
I completed my Postgraduate Sports and Exercise Masters at La Trobe University in 2024, during which I gained further experience at the Australian Ballet and working with ATP Tennis players on tour.
I hold additional qualifications in Strength and Conditioning and Clinical Pilates, which enhance my ability to design comprehensive, goal-oriented rehabilitation programs.
I place a strong emphasis on staying up to date with current research and continually growing as a clinician. I am passionate about helping my clients return to the activities they love through individualised, exercise-driven care.
Clinical Focus Areas
Emma has advanced experience and specific interest in treating:
- Hip & Knee Rehabilitation – Patellofemoral pain, ACL injury rehabilitation, hip impingement, and post-surgical knee recovery.
- Running & Running-Based Sports – Load management, biomechanical assessment and return-to-running programs for recreational and competitive athletes.
- Foot & Ankle Conditions – Ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and post-operative foot and ankle rehabilitation.
- Netball & Team Sport Injuries – Comprehensive management of acute and overuse injuries common in court and field sports.
Advanced Skills & Methods
Emma utilises specific evidence-based tools to optimise recovery:
- Clinical Pilates – Design of individualised strength and control programs to support rehabilitation and injury prevention.
- Strength & Conditioning – Periodised return-to-sport and performance planning for athletes across all levels.
- Exercise Prescription – Progressive, goal-oriented rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs and sporting demands.
Career Highlights
- Williamstown VFLW – Head Physiotherapist, managing injury across an elite women’s football program.
- Australian Ballet – Clinical placement during Masters program, gaining experience in performing arts injury management.
- ATP Tennis Tour – Physiotherapy support for professional tennis players during tour events.
- State Netball – Physiotherapist for Victoria’s Under 17 and Under 19 Nationals teams.
- La Trobe University (2024) – Completed Postgraduate Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Masters.
Published Research
- Barton, C. J., Dowsey, M., Smith, A., Ackerman, I. N., Ademi, Z., Bunzli, S., Choong, P., Crossley, K. M., Kemp, J., Wallis, J. A., Gibbs, A., Lengkong, V., Ezzat, A. M., Low, J., Orman, Z., Taylor, N. F., Shee, A. W., Lannin, N. A., Roos, E. M., Hau, R., Cochrane, A., Pithie, M., Draffin, E., Mitchell, D., Russell, T., & De Oliveira Silva, D. (2025). Monitoring the health trajectory of patients with knee osteoarthritis referred for orthopaedic opinion: Protocol for the MOTION parallel cohort-implementation study. Osteoarthritis and cartilage open, 7(3), 100622.
Outside the Clinic
Outside of work, Emma enjoys watching and playing all different sports, and continues to play netball to keep active. She loves spending time outdoors and going on new adventures, as well as finding the best coffee in Melbourne.
