Esperance Physiotherapy was established in 1989
In 2001, the clinic moved to its current location at 5 William Street, offering on-site parking, easy access for individuals with disabilities, private consultation rooms, and a gymnasium for rehabilitation and work-conditioning programs. It is in a charming older home, providing a pleasant atmosphere and view. Hydrotherapy services are available off-site.
In 1999, Esperance Physiotherapy won the Esperance Chamber of Commerce (ECCI) award for health education in the rural sector. You can read an interview with the ECCI about Esperance Physiotherapy here.
In 2011, Doug received an award for excellence from the Australian Physiotherapy Association for providing rural and remote physiotherapy services.
In 2009 and 2015, Esperance Physiotherapy was awarded Practice Accreditation by Quality in Practice.
Practice principals Melissa and Doug would like to welcome you to Esperance Physiotherapy and look forward to assisting you to achieve greater physical independence.
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
AHPRA is the national body responsible for regulating medical and allied health practitioners under the legislation. All Esperance Physiotherapy Physiotherapists maintain annual membership and professional development requirements as per AHPRA regulations. Doug provides medico-legal reports for AHPRA.
IT'S A PLEASURE TO MEET YOU......
Our Team of Qualified Therapists
Dr Doug Cary PhD. FACP.
(Practice Principal, Fellow Australian College of Physiotherapy - Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Specialist)
Doug is a highly credentialed Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and the clinical director of Esperance Physiotherapy. Doug holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Acupuncture, and earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Curtin University in 2020. He contributed to national guidelines for safe acupuncture practice and was an invited presenter at the APA biennial conferences in 2011, 2013, and 2019. Doug provides F2F dry needling training and online training via the AAP Education Online Academy worldwide.
Doug’s clinical philosophy is rooted in a simple truth: Sleeping should be natural, and sleep is free—don't let yours be stolen. His unique dual expertise in pain management and sleep medicine allows him to address a frequently overlooked culprit of chronic musculoskeletal discomfort: sleep posture. His landmark research has successfully identified how prolonged, unsupportive nighttime posturing triggers waking spinal stiffness and limits restorative rest.
Through his practice in Esperance and his digital platform, Sleep Mastery, Doug combines cutting-edge clinical assessment with practical lifestyle adjustments—such as sleep hygiene and targeted posture challenges—to help individuals break the cycle of short sleep and morning pain. Details about his research can be found here.
Doug combines hands-on experience, advanced clinical knowledge, and research insight to help patients move better, manage pain, and maintain independence—because he believes everyone deserves to enjoy life to the fullest.
Book an online appointment with Doug
Abbey Stewart (Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist - candidate)
Abbey is a proud Esperance local who completed her Physiotherapy studies at Notre Dame University in Perth and has now begun her professional practice at Esperance Physiotherapy.
Her special interests include women’s health, antenatal and postnatal care, and sporting injuries. These passions grew from hands-on placements in maternity and women’s health, as well as working with various footy clubs across the state. Abbey is furthering her expertise through a Clinical Master's in Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapy at Curtin University.
Abbey enjoys helping people recover from a wide range of injuries and conditions, bringing a friendly and supportive approach to every patient she works with.
Outside of work, Abbey can often be found playing basketball, strapping at the local footy, or walking her dog, DJ, along the beach. Growing up on her family’s farm northeast of Esperance, she loves returning to the farm whenever she can to spend time with her animals.
Book an online appointment with Abbey
Melissa Cary (Practice Principal, Titled Sports Physiotherapist)
Melissa has been helping people move better and live healthier lives since graduating as a physiotherapist from Curtin University in 1986. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Physiotherapy in 1992, earning the title of Sports Physiotherapist, a recognition of her advanced training and experience.
With a lifelong passion for sport, Melissa played State League basketball for the Perry Lakes Hawks and worked as a club physiotherapist for the YMCA Classic League men’s hockey team. She brings this same enthusiasm to supporting Esperance’s active community, whether that means diagnosing and treating sports injuries or guiding people through safe, effective rehabilitation to return to the activities they love.
Melissa is equally passionate about helping older adults maintain their strength, balance, and independence. She believes physiotherapy plays a vital role in keeping people moving well at every stage of life, and she enjoys finding practical ways to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and restore confidence.
Beyond the clinic, Melissa started the Esperance Pole Walking Group, which has been running for over four years and continues to encourage locals to stay active in a fun and social way.
Whether it’s elite athletes, weekend warriors, or older adults wanting to stay active, Melissa brings over 35 years of expertise and a warm, caring approach to every patient she sees.
Tracy Hill (Remedial Massage Therapist)
Tracy has been helping clients feel their best since 2013, bringing a whole-body approach to every treatment to ensure lasting results. She has worked in physiotherapy clinics in Perth and Broome, and has supported athletes at major sporting events, including the Busselton Ironman and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Tracy uses a variety of techniques, including myofascial release, scar tissue work, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and deep tissue massage, to address each client’s unique needs. She also specialises in structural bodywork—a holistic fascial treatment over three sessions designed to restore alignment, balance, and ease of movement, helping clients move pain-free and feel more energised.
Her scar tissue release work uses gentle fascial techniques to soften adhesions from old surgical scars, burns, or post-mastectomy recovery, bringing comfort and freedom back to movement.
Tracy’s approach combines expertise, compassion, and a focus on total-body wellness, helping each person she treats move better, feel better, and enjoy life more fully.
Book an online appointment with Tracy
Administration
Elle (Clinic Manager)
Elle has lived in Esperance since 2023 and appreciates the town’s safe, relaxing, and naturally beautiful environment—a perfect place for her children to grow up. She enjoys life’s simple pleasures, from colourful sunrises and sunsets to spotting the roadside flowers that brighten her day.
Outside of work, Elle loves spending time with her children and enjoying outdoor activities such as walking, riding, and going to the beach.
As part of the team at Esperance Physiotherapy, Elle enjoys meeting clinic clients and providing administrative support. She is dedicated to providing friendly, welcoming support to everyone who walks through the door.