GOLD COAST'S RUNNING PHYSIO — TREATING THE CAUSE, NOT JUST THE SYMPTOM
As a physiotherapist and running coach, Dave Coombs brings a rare depth of understanding to running injury — getting you back on your feet faster, and keeping you there.
MOST PHYSIOS TREAT YOUR INJURY. DAVE TREATS WHY YOU GOT INJURED
There's a difference between a physio who treats runners and a physio who is a runner — and who coaches runners for a living.
Dave doesn't simply identify the structure that's causing your pain and treat it in isolation. He examines your unique posture, strength, flexibility, biomechanics, and running technique to uncover the underlying reason the injury developed in the first place.
Because if the root cause isn't addressed, the injury will come back. And most runners know exactly what that feels like.
Dave has been a practice partner at Physiologic, Robina for over 15 years and has helped literally thousands of people get back on their feet after injury. He is a proud member of the wider Gold Coast and South East Queensland/Northern NSW endurance sports community.
COMMON RUNNING INJURIES DAVE TREATS
Lower Limb
Plantar fasciopathy (plantar fasciitis)
Achilles tendinopathy
ITB syndrome
Patellofemoral pain (runner's knee)
Shin splints & stress fractures
Calf, quad, hamstring & glute strains
Hip, Spine & Upper Body
Hip and glute injuries & imbalances
Lower back pain
Neck & shoulder pain related to running
Postural issues affecting running economy
You don't have to be a runner to see Dave — he applies the same thorough, biomechanically-driven approach to all patients, whether you've injured your back at work, twisted an ankle playing sport, or simply want to move and feel better.
THE COOMBS RUNNING PHYSIO APPROACH
ASSESSMENT
STEP 1: A comprehensive assessment of your injury history, movement patterns, posture, strength, and flexibility — going well beyond the site of pain to understand the full picture.
BIOMECHANICAL & TECHNIQUE ANALYSIS
STEP 2: Where relevant, Dave assesses your running technique to identify movement faults and inefficiencies in your running that are contributing to your injury.
TARGETED TREATMENT
STEP 3: Hands-on physiotherapy treatment and exercises addressing both the injury itself and the underlying causes — combining manual therapy, dry needling, and evidence-based rehabilitation.
RETURN TO RUNNING PLAN
STEP 4: A structured, progressive return-to-running programme that gets you back training as quickly as safely possible — and keeps you injury free going forward.
THE COACH-PHYSIO ADVANTAGE
Most runners who see a physio are told to rest. Dave's goal is the opposite — to keep you running wherever it's safe to do so, and to use your time off the road or trail productively when it isn't.
As both a physiotherapist and an AA Level 3 Running Coach, Dave understands training load, race calendars, and the psychological reality of being an injured runner in a way that a physio alone simply cannot.
Above all, Dave is also a runner (who has had his fair share of injuries), and he gets how important running is in your life!
NOT JUST FOR RUNNERS
Dave's thorough, biomechanically-driven approach to physiotherapy applies to any injury or movement problem — not just running-related conditions. Whether you've injured yourself at work, on the sports field, or in everyday life, Dave brings the same depth of assessment and care to every patient. He has 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist and has extensive experience working in private practice in Australia. Conditions treated range from simple or complex orthopaedic rehabilitation - for example recovery from ACL surgery or shoulder reconstruction - to sports injuries in junior athletes, and work-related conditions, aches and pains.
HOW TO BOOK
Physiotherapy appointments with Dave are held at Physiologic, Robina on the Gold Coast. To book, contact the Physiologic team directly:
📍 Physiologic Robina 334 Scottsdale Drive, Robina, Queensland 4226
📞 07 5578 7155
COMMON QUESTIONS
Q: Do I have to stop running when I'm injured?
Not necessarily — and Dave's strong preference is to keep you moving wherever it's clinically safe to do so. Many running injuries can be managed without a complete break from training, and Dave will always look for ways to maintain your fitness while you recover.
Q: Is Dave's physio only for runners?
No — Dave treats all patients regardless of whether their injury is running-related. His thorough approach to biomechanics and movement applies equally to any musculoskeletal injury or condition.
Q: Can I see Dave for physio and coaching at the same time?
Absolutely — and this combination is one of the most effective ways to not only recover from injury but to prevent it recurring. Your training program and rehabilitation are managed as one integrated plan.
Q: Does Dave use dry needling?
Yes — dry needling is one of several treatment techniques Dave uses where clinically appropriate, alongside manual therapy, exercise prescription, and movement retraining.
Q: Are physio appointments covered by health insurance?
Physiotherapy is covered by most Australian private health insurance policies with extras cover. Please check with your provider for your specific level of cover.
Q: How do I book an appointment?
Contact Physiologic directly on 07 5578 7155 or visit physiologic.com.au to book online.
READY TO RUN PAIN FREE?
Don't let an injury define your running. Book an appointment with Dave at Physiologic Robina and take the first step back to running your best.
Questions first? Contact Dave directly: coach@davecoombs.com.au