Prof Christian Barton
B. Physio (Hons), PhD, Professor Physio (La Trobe University)
Director, Physiotherapist
Special Interests: Osteoarthritis, Tendinopathy, Knee, Running
Hi, I’m Christian.
I am an internationally recognised expert in the management of difficult-to-treat, long-term injuries. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2005 and completed my PhD relating to persistent knee pain, biomechanics and foot orthotics in 2010. I have a particular interest in osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, knee (including patellofemoral pain) and running-related injuries. My main focus is providing individual advice, education and care to empower people to manage difficult to treat injuries and pain, and exercise solutions to help regain their capacity to participate in activities important to them – whether recreation, sport, occupation, or daily life. I tailor treatments to the needs of individuals, and this can include guidance on the many physical and other contributors to their condition, exercise prescription, and manual therapy where indicated. For injured runners, I use running retraining as a key treatment approach; I am a world leader and educator in this area, which is often a missing element in rehabilitation.
Clinical Focus Areas
Christian has advanced experience and specific interest in treating:
- Knee Pain & Osteoarthritis – Patellofemoral pain, patellofemoral osteoarthritis, tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, and post-ACL reconstruction knee pain.
- Tendinopathy – Complex and persistent tendon conditions of the lower limb, including patellar, Achilles and gluteal tendinopathies.
- Running Injuries – Biomechanical assessment, running retraining, and evidence-based management of running-related pain.
- Persistent & Complex Pain – Long-standing musculoskeletal conditions that have not responded to conventional treatment.
Advanced Skills & Methods
Christian utilises specific evidence-based tools to optimise recovery:
- Running Retraining – World-leading expertise in gait modification as a treatment for running-related injuries. International educator and course provider.
- GLA:D Australia Program Lead – Co-lead of the national program delivering structured exercise and education for Australians with hip and knee osteoarthritis.
- TREK (Translating Research Evidence & Knowledge) – Founder. Providing engaging multimedia resources to translate evidence into clinical practice for clinicians and patients.
- Patient Education & Empowerment – Holistic, education-driven approach combining clinical expertise with the latest research evidence.
Research & Publications
Christian is a Professor at La Trobe University and one of Australia’s most prolific physiotherapy researchers, with over 200 peer reviewed publication and 16,000 citations across his body of work. His research is primarily focused on knee pain, osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and running injury management and prevention.
- Co-lead of GLA:D Australia – a national initiative to improve access to exercise and education for Australians with osteoarthritis.
- Founder of TREK – a knowledge translation project providing evidence-based resources for clinicians and patients.
- Associate Editor, British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Career Highlights
- Professor of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University – Leading research into knee pain, osteoarthritis and running injuries.
- Director, Complete Physio Exercise Performance – Clinical Director overseeing world-class musculoskeletal care.
- International Educator – Runs courses on knee pain and running injury management across Australia, the UK, Europe and Scandinavia since 2013.
- MRFF TRIP Fellowship – Awarded competitive national research fellowship aimed at translating research into physiotherapy practice (APP1150439).
Outside the Clinic
Christian is passionate about bringing research knowledge and extensive clinical experience together to help patients of all ages and activity levels get back to doing the things they love. He is frequent runner, enjoying the many trails and Parkruns Melbourne has to offer. He is passionate football (AFL) fan, and enjoys coaching this in juniors and occasionally still trying to play himself.
Nb: Working part-time can make it challenging getting appointments for people at the clinic. If you are having trouble finding a time, please email the clinic here or fill out the form below👇
Briefly let us know what injury or problem you are seeking help with and what your goals are. I will do my best to get you in ASAP.
