--- title: Physiotherapy date: 2026-08-02T22:36:00+10:00 author: Digital Team canonical_url: "https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/physiotherapy" section: Site Content --- [Our Services](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/services) # Physiotherapy with Michelle Garland *"Holistic physiotherapy for complex bodies, curious minds, and diverse nervous systems."* ![Physiotherapy wit Michelle Garland](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Treated-Images/_800x800_crop_center-center_70_none/10631/Physio_pexels-karola-g-4506113_treated.webp) ## About Michelle A physiotherapist who doesn't shy away from complexity. Michelle Garland brings nearly four decades of experience to her work — and it shows not in the length of her career, but in the depth and curiosity she brings to every patient she sees. She has built a reputation for working with people whose health needs don't fit neatly into standard boxes: those with layered, overlapping conditions, those who have been dismissed or misunderstood elsewhere, and those who simply need someone willing to think differently. Her clinical background spans neurodevelopmental paediatrics, orthopaedic manual therapy, acupuncture, persistent pain management, and advanced training in hypermobility disorders through the ECHO Program. She works with a lateral, pattern-seeking mind — and brings a neuroaffirming lens informed by her own AuDHD lived experience, allowing her to recognise sensory, cognitive, and emotional factors that often go unnoticed in traditional physiotherapy settings. Michelle is described by her patients as someone who listens deeply, thinks creatively, and treats them as genuine partners in their care — not passive recipients of a treatment plan. She is a pioneer in the areas she works in, and her practice reflects a simple but powerful belief: when care is co-designed, neuroaffirming, and grounded in genuine human connection, transformative change becomes possible. [ Book ](#book-8) #### **Good to know:** We write to your GP on referral or on request. Written care plans are available after your appointment. Please give 24 hours' notice for any changes. ![Care Icon White](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Care-Icon-White.svg) ### **Michelle Garland** ###### **(38 years of experience)** Physiotherapist · Holistic, Neuroaffirming, Pain Care Practitioner *"I believe that everyone has the capacity to be both healthy and happy. The role of the physiotherapist is to give people the tools to manage their own recovery — and to work with them to achieve these outcomes."* [ Find out more ](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/michelle-garland) ![Michelle Garland](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Team/_2880x2880_crop_center-center_70_none_ffffff/16063/MICHELLE_AKC_2595-copy1.webp) #### Telehealth available Suitable consultations with Michelle can be held via telehealth. Please mention this preference when enquiring. #### Evening appointments Physiotherapy appointments are daytime only. For evening appointments, please see our [**Evening Clinic**](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/evening-clinic) — GP services only. ## Neuroaffirming care What does neuroaffirming mean? Neuroaffirming care is an approach that recognises and respects neurological diversity — the fact that people's brains, nervous systems, and sensory experiences vary significantly, and that this variation is not a deficit to be corrected but a difference to be understood and worked with. ### What this means in practice Care that works with your nervous system, not against it. For neurodivergent people — including those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing differences, or conditions like hypermobility and dysautonomia that often co-occur with neurodivergence — standard physiotherapy settings and approaches can feel overwhelming, confusing, or simply unhelpful. ### **Michelle's practice is intentionally low-arousal, predictable, and flexible.** Sessions are tailored to your sensory needs and preferred communication style. There is no assumption about how engagement looks. You won't be expected to follow a one-size-fits-all programme. Assessment and treatment are co-designed — built around your goals, your strengths, your neurotype, and your life. You are always the expert on your own experience. Michelle's role is to bring clinical knowledge to a conversation, not to impose a protocol. ![Vintage Lanterns – Whole Body Experience](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Treated-Images/_3720x1650_crop_center-center_70_none_ffffff/14112/Vintage-Festival-Lanterns_treated-1.webp) Michelle brings her own AuDHD perspective to her clinical work – giving her an unusual ability to recognise and understand sensory, cognitive, and emotional factors that can profoundly shape how someone experiences pain, movement, and healthcare. This is not a background detail. It is central to how she works. ## **Areas of expertise** Where Michelle excels. Michelle's work covers a broad range of complex presentations. These are the areas in which she has developed particular depth and expertise: ![Icon Sharp Pain Cramps](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Sharp-Pain-Cramps.svg) Pain care #### Persistent & complex pain Spinal, pelvic, and widespread pain — assessed thoroughly and managed using pain neuroscience education, movement, pacing, and personalised strategies. Michelle does not shy away from the complicated ones. ![Icon Bio Feedback Test](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Bio-Feedback-Test.svg) NEURODIVERGENCE #### Neuroaffirming physiotherapy Assessment and treatment adapted to diverse nervous systems — sensory, cognitive, and communication preferences all considered. An affirming environment in practice, not just in name. ![Icon Sleeping](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Sleeping.svg) HYPERMOBILITY #### Hypermobility spectrum disorders Including hEDS and HSD — joint stability, pain management, fatigue, and the complex overlap with neurodivergence and dysautonomia. Advanced ECHO Program training. --- ![Icon Kegel Exercise](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Kegel-Exercise.svg) DYSAUTONOMIA & POTS #### **Postural tachycardia & autonomic conditions** A pioneering area of Michelle's practice — physiotherapy management of POTS and dysautonomia, including graded exercise, pacing, and lifestyle strategies tailored to the individual. ![Icon Postmenopausal Bleeding](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Postmenopausal-Bleeding.svg) PERIMENOPAUSE #### Physiotherapy through hormonal transitions Supporting women through perimenopause with physiotherapy that addresses the musculoskeletal, pelvic, and pain-related changes that this transition can bring. ![Icon Oophorectomy](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Oophorectomy.svg) Peri-operative care #### Surgery coordination & recovery Supporting women before and after gynaecological and pelvic surgery — a time when many feel overwhelmed and out of control. Michelle brings structure, preparation, and a steady presence to the surgical journey. --- ![Icon Lapatoscopy 1](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Lapatoscopy-1.svg) Acupuncture #### Dry needling & Western acupuncture Integrated into treatment where appropriate — for pain management, muscle tension, and complex presentations that benefit from a multimodal approach. ![Icon Fatigue](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Fatigue.svg) Paediatrics #### Neurodevelopmental & paediatric physiotherapy Extensive background in paediatric and neurodevelopmental physiotherapy — supporting children and young people with a gentle, child-led approach. ## What to expect Your appointment, your way. New appointments with Michelle are booked for 40–60 minutes, and review appointments for 30 minutes. Telehealth is available for suitable consultations. Every appointment begins with a thorough assessment — but not a standardised one. Michelle takes time to understand not just your physical presentation, but how you think, how you communicate, what you have tried before, and what matters most to you. From there, treatment and goals are co-designed together. Treatment may include hands-on manual therapy, acupuncture, movement and exercise prescription, pain education, pacing strategies, sensory and functional coaching, and support with self-management tools. Sessions are paced to suit your needs — there is no pressure to move faster than feels right. Where your care benefits from our GP team, Michelle works closely with our Women's Health Specialist GPs — particularly for pelvic pain, peri-operative planning, POTS management, and perimenopause care. Where pelvic floor physiotherapy is part of your care plan, Michelle works in close coordination with pelvic floor physiotherapists — ensuring that care is connected, not fragmented. This is coordinated care, not parallel tracks. #### **Patient-led goals:** Michelle does not arrive with a predetermined plan. She arrives with deep clinical knowledge, a lot of curiosity, and a genuine commitment to figuring out what will actually work for you. Your goals lead. Her expertise supports. ## Preparing for your appointment A few things that help. A little preparation goes a long way. Here's how to get the most from your consultation: 1. Think about what your main goals are — not just your symptoms, but what you want to be able to do, feel, or manage differently 2. Bring a list of current medications and any relevant investigation results, specialist letters, or previous physiotherapy records 3. If your concern relates to pelvic pain or your cycle, download the [**Vagenius Period Diary**](#) and track your symptoms beforehand 4. Let us know in advance if you have any sensory, communication, or environmental preferences — we will do everything we can to make the space work for you 5. You are welcome to bring a support person to any appointment 6. Please give at least **24 hours' notice** if you need to change or cancel — late cancellations will incur a fee ![Old lady with weights treated](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Treated-Images/_2880x2880_crop_center-center_70_none_ffffff/10608/Old-lady-with-weights_treated.webp) ### Make an enquiry We'd love to hear from you. Fill in the form below to enquire about an appointment with Michelle. You can share as much or as little as you like — we'll be in touch to discuss your needs before confirming. ![Whole-hearted Care Icon – Medicine is a science. Caring for you is an art.](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/whole-hearted.svg) ## Part of something bigger Michelle works as an integral part of the Outside the Box clinical team — not as a separate service. For conditions like persistent pelvic pain, endometriosis, POTS, perimenopause, and hypermobility, coordinated care between physiotherapy and our Women's Health Specialist GPs produces significantly better outcomes than either alone. Where pelvic floor physiotherapy is part of someone's care, Michelle works closely alongside trusted pelvic floor physiotherapists — ensuring the right expertise is in the right place, and that nothing falls through the gaps. Where broader team support is needed, we also draw on our trusted network of allied health, mental health, and specialist practitioners. ![Care Team, Health and Wellbeing Practitioners](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Team/_3720x2160_crop_center-center_70_none_ffffff/16337/1TEAM-4_DSC_4232-copy1.webp) ### Meet our Trusted Health and Wellbeing Practitioners [ Meet ](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/care#team-1)