Michelle Istria

Michelle Istria is a Titled APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist with over 25 years of
experience in high-performance environments. She graduated physiotherapy in the UK in
Manchester, working in professional rugby and ballet before travelling the world with Cirque du
Soleil for 10 years. Upon arriving in Australia in 2013, she completed her Master’s in Sports and
Exercise Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, and worked in private practice, gymnastics,
rugby (GPS and AIC), and professional basketball.

She has held key roles such as Head Physiotherapist in professional Rugby Union and Rugby
League, Physiotherapist for The Birmingham Royal Ballet, and Supervisor of Performance
Medicine at Cirque du Soleil.

Since relocating to Australia, she has continued her work in private practice while providing
physiotherapy support to elite athletes and teams, including Queensland Gymnastics, the
Queensland Academy of Sport Diving Program, National Basketball League (NBL) teams, the
Australian Women’s National Basketball Team, and consultancy work for Cirque du Soleil and
the Youth Olympic Games.

She has a special interest in rehabilitation and return-to-sport programs and has extensive
experience in acute and emergency injury management. To support her professional
development, she completed a three-year mentorship through the APA Specialisation Training
Program, enhancing her clinical expertise.

In addition, Michelle is committed to advancing the physiotherapy profession by delivering
postgraduate education through the Australian Physiotherapy Association and mentoring
aspiring physiotherapists. She is passionate about empowering clients to reach their full
potential and achieve their goals through evidence-based care and tailored rehabilitation
strategies.

Involvement with Sports Teams and Organisations includes:

• • Queensland Ballet
  • Queensland Academy of Sport – Diving
  • Gymnastics Queensland
  • Australian Opals National Women’s Basketball Team
  • Brisbane Bullets NBL Basketball Team
  • Youth Olympic Games – Buenos Aires (2018)
  • Cirque du Soleil – Corteo
  • Birmingham Royal Ballet
  • Sale Sharks Rugby Union Football Club
  • Wigan Warriors Rugby League Football Club