Kharis Jayawardhana is a dedicated Physiotherapist with a background in high-performance sports medicine, most notably serving as the Head Physiotherapist for the Queensland Reds Rugby Union Super W team. Her career is defined by extensive experience providing medical coverage for elite athletes across a diverse range of disciplines, including professional and club-level Rugby Union, semi-professional Tennis, and various Football (Soccer) clubs. Kharis’s extensive experience also extends to the performing arts, having supported dancers of all levels and the Queensland Theatre Company.
Clinically, Kharis identifies as a practitioner who “loves rehabilitation” and thrives when working with elite athlete populations. She has a clinical interest in comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation and the management of complex ACL injuries, utilising a variety of conservative, surgical, and cross-bracing protocols. Her clinical focus is particularly sharp regarding the management of stress fractures, gym and lifting-related injuries, and tendon rehabilitation for both the upper and lower limbs. Kharis is also highly skilled in treating the neck, upper and lower back, including SIJ related low back pain.
Kharis’s professional journey is rooted in a deep understanding of movement, having begun her career as an acrobatics and dance teacher and athletics coach. This foundational knowledge of biomechanics informs her current practice, where she integrates advanced clinical services such as Dry Needling, strapping, and 1:1 or double Pilates sessions to support the recovery process. As a former track and field athlete and dancer herself, she brings an authentic, first-hand perspective to the physical demands placed on her clients.
Clinical Areas of Interest
- ACL Rehabilitation (Surgical, Conservative, and Cross-bracing protocols)
- Post-operative Rehabilitation (all areas)
- SIJ and Low Back Pain
- Tendinopathy and Tendon Rehab (Upper and Lower Limb)
- Stress Fracture Management
- Gym and Lifting Injuries
- Running injuries
Representative Team Experience
- Head Physiotherapist – Queensland Reds Rugby Union Super W
- Rugby Union (Professional and Club level)
- Track and Field (All levels)
- Tennis (Semi-professional)
- Football / Soccer Clubs
- Queensland Theatre Company
When she isn’t helping athletes return to the field, Kharis stays active through her own Hyrox training, HIIT, and resistance training at the gym. A self-described coffee connoisseur, you’ll find her enjoying a cold brew in the summer or a double-shot latte during the winter months, ideally paired with a surprise sweet treat. Whether she’s out for a run or following the Rugby League and Union, Kharis brings a high-energy, personable approach to everything she does.
Get To Know Kharis Jayawardhana
What I enjoy most is helping people navigate those big recovery milestones. I spend a lot of my time working through ACL and post-op rehab, as well as the trickier long-term stuff like tendon issues and stress fractures. Whether my clients are dealing with stubborn back or SIJ pain, or just trying to get back to the barbell after a lifting injury, my focus is always on building a plan that actually fits their life and gets them back to doing what they love.
On the weekends, I’m almost always on the move, whether I’m out for a run or training at the gym. I love the energy of a good HIIT session, but I balance it all out by scouting the best coffee in town. If you have a favourite local cafe recommendation, I’m all ears!
I’m a big follower of both Rugby League and Rugby Union, so I love catching a game whenever I can.
I grew up as a competitive track and field athlete and spent years as a dancer and acrobat, which gave me a firsthand understanding of how the body moves (and how it heals!). These days, I’ve traded the track for the Hyrox circuit!
My first jobs were as an acrobatics and dance teacher and an athletics coach. I’ve always loved the process of teaching people how to move better, whether they’re on the track, in the studio, or now, in the clinic.
A major career highlight for me was serving as the Head Physiotherapist for the Reds Super W.
My order definitely changes with the weather! You’ll find me with a double shot latte in the winter and a cold brew in the summer. As for food, I can never say no to a surprise sweet treat!
Book An Appointment with Kharis Jayawardhana Online Now
Kharis treats at both our Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba clinics. Use the “Book with Kharis Now” button to select your preferred location and session time.