Founder & Director · Evolutio Sports Physio Richmond
Alex Drew
Built the clinic. Now leads it.
Alex founded Evolutio Sports Physio in 2013 with a specific idea: that athletes deserve practitioners who genuinely understand their training, not just their injury. Twelve years on, that idea is still the reason the clinic exists.
About Alex
The person behind the clinic.
Physiotherapist, humanitarian advocate, and the reason Evolutio exists the way it does.
Alex graduated from Curtin University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and spent the following years working across Australia and internationally, including Iran and Hong Kong. In 2013 he opened Evolutio in Richmond with a clear idea of what a good sports physio clinic should look like — and what it definitely shouldn't.
He wanted a place where athletes felt understood, not processed. Where practitioners had autonomy and actually loved their work. Where the environment didn't feel like a hospital corridor. Evolutio moved to its three-level warehouse at 11/3 Bromham Place in 2016 and has treated over 7,200 patients since.
In 2022, Alex stepped back from clinical work to complete a Master of Human Rights with First Class Honours at Curtin, working alongside Human Rights Watch, Airwars (investigating civilian casualties in Ukraine, Syria and Gaza), and the Australian Red Cross monitoring immigration detention conditions. He returned to the clinic with a broader perspective on what healthcare is actually for.
In 2025 he founded Ciclo Melbourne, the only headquarters in Melbourne dedicated exclusively to cycling healthcare. Alex is not currently treating patients, but leads both clinics as Director. Read more about Evolutio →
Founding Principles
What Evolutio was built on.
These ideas haven't changed since 2013. They're still the reason practitioners want to work here and patients keep coming back.
Athlete-Centered Care
Practitioners who understand training and competition — not just anatomy. The clinic was built by someone who treated serious athletes and knew what was missing from standard physiotherapy.
A Non-Sterile Environment
Healthcare doesn't need to feel clinical to be effective. Evolutio was designed as a space where patients feel comfortable and at ease — a warehouse clinic, not a waiting room.
Practitioner Autonomy
Good clinicians do better work when they're trusted. Alex built Evolutio so practitioners could develop their own approaches, specialise in what they're passionate about, and genuinely love the job.
Excellence Without Compromise
An unwavering commitment to being really good at what we do. Not box-ticking. Not rushed appointments. The kind of care you'd want for yourself.
Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare
Alex created Evolutio with a specific vision: that practitioners should develop high levels of emotional intelligence alongside their clinical skills, and truly understand and care about patients' lives and their training.
Performance, Not Just Recovery
From 2026, Evolutio is shifting its focus toward performance optimisation. Moving from reactive injury treatment to proactive performance enhancement — the next stage of what the clinic was always heading toward.
Founded 2025
Ciclo Melbourne — Cycling Healthcare Headquarters
In 2025, Alex founded Ciclo Melbourne, the only headquarters in Melbourne dedicated exclusively to cycling healthcare. Physiotherapy, bike fits, dietetics, performance coaching, strength work, and pilates — all aimed purely at cyclists. A natural extension of the work Evolutio has been doing with cyclists since 2013.
Evolutio Sports Physio · 11/3 Bromham Place, Richmond VIC 3121
Qualifications
Background & credentials.
- Master of Human Rights First Class Honours — Curtin University (2020–2022)
- Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) Curtin University (2006–2009)
- CrossFit Coach Certified Strength sports specialist
- Powerlifting Coach Certified Strength sports specialist
- Dry Needling Certified Postgraduate certification
- Humanitarian Work Human Rights Watch, Airwars, Australian Red Cross, Disaster Relief Australia
- Australian Defence Service Medal Military service — peacekeeping operations training
- Commendation in Human Rights Curtin University (2020 & 2021)
- Founder, Evolutio Sports Physio Richmond, Melbourne — established 2013
- Founder, Ciclo Melbourne Cycling healthcare headquarters — established 2025
- Languages English (native), Spanish
Is Alex currently treating patients?
No. Alex is focused on his role as Director of Evolutio and Ciclo and isn't currently in the treating team. The clinic has an exceptional team of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. Call us and we'll match you with the right person for your injury.
What is Ciclo Melbourne?
Ciclo is Melbourne's only headquarters dedicated exclusively to cycling healthcare, founded by Alex in 2025. It offers physiotherapy, bike fits, dietetics, performance coaching, strength work, and pilates — all aimed purely at cyclists. Learn more at ciclomelbourne.com.au.
Can I contact Alex about the clinic?
For clinic enquiries, partnerships, or questions about Evolutio's approach, reach Alex through info@evolutio.com.au or call 03 9100 3798. He's also on LinkedIn.
Who should I see for shoulder or back injuries at Evolutio?
Several practitioners at Evolutio specialise in this. Bayden Campbell is excellent for complex biomechanical cases and back injuries. Phill Danzi is one of Australia's leading practitioners for strength sport and CrossFit injuries. Call us and we'll guide you to the right person.
What makes Evolutio different from other physio clinics?
Evolutio was founded specifically for athletes by someone who understood both physiotherapy and strength sports. The specialisation in sports injuries, a genuine non-clinical environment, practitioner autonomy, and the quality of the team are what set it apart. Read about how to choose a good physiotherapist.
Does Evolutio still treat CrossFit and powerlifting athletes?
Absolutely — this remains a core specialisation. Phill Danzi is one of Australia's top practitioners for Olympic lifting and CrossFit athletes, and Bayden Campbell has extensive experience with strength sports. The clinic was founded with these athletes in mind.
The Team
The practitioners Alex built the clinic for.
Each practitioner at Evolutio was chosen for their clinical skill, their passion for sport, and their fit with the culture Alex started in 2013.