Alex Drew – Founder & Director of Evolutio Sports Physio

Alex Drew is the founder and director of Evolutio Sports Physio (established 2013) and Ciclo (established 2025), bringing a unique blend of physiotherapy expertise, business innovation, and humanitarian advocacy to Melbourne's healthcare landscape. He created Evolutio with a specific vision: to provide high-level athletes with an environment where practitioners develop high levels of emotional intelligence to add to their clinical skill sets and truly understand and care about patients’ lives and their training.

With over 15 years of experience as a physiotherapist working in Australia and internationally, Alex built Evolutio on core principles that remain central to the clinic today: genuine care for athletes' training, a non-sterile environment where patients feel comfortable, individual practitioner autonomy so Physio’s can genuinely love the job, and an unwavering commitment to being really damn good at what we do. In 2025, he founded Ciclo, Melbourne's only headquarters dedicated exclusively to cycling healthcare.

While Alex is not currently treating patients, his vision, values, and leadership continue to shape every aspect of both Evolutio and Ciclo. His diverse background includes military service training soldiers for peacekeeping operations, disaster relief coordination across Australia, humanitarian work investigating civilian casualties and monitoring immigration detention conditions.

After completing a Master of Human Rights with Distinction/First Class Honours (2020-2022) and working with Human Rights Watch, Airwars, and the Australian Red Cross, Alex returned with renewed perspective on health, wellbeing, and what truly matters in healthcare.

For clinic enquiries, partnerships, or to learn more about Evolutio's approach:

About Alex Drew

Alex Drew is a passionate human rights advocate, business owner, and physiotherapist with keen interest in creative solutions to health and humanitarian problems. He founded Evolutio in 2013 to create an environment where high-level athletes could receive care from practitioners who truly understood their training, and in 2025 founded Ciclo, Melbourne's only headquarters for cycling healthcare.

These founding principles remain at the heart of both businesses:

  • Athlete-centered care – Practitioners who understand training and competition

  • Non-sterile environment – Comfortable spaces where patients feel at ease

  • Practitioner autonomy – Supporting clinicians to develop unique approaches

  • Excellence without compromise – Commitment to highest standards

With 15+ years of physiotherapy experience in Australia and internationally (Iran, Hong Kong), Alex has worked with Melbourne's top CrossFit athletes, powerlifters, and previously with North Melbourne Football Club. He loves analysing future healthcare trends and developing exceptional practitioner teams.

Humanitarian Work: Master of Human Rights with Distinction/First Class Honours (Curtin University, 2020-2022) with Commendations in 2020 & 2021. Extensive work with Australian Red Cross (Immigration Detention Monitoring), Airwars (civilian casualty investigation in Ukraine/Syria/Gaza), Human Rights Watch, Disaster Relief Australia (leading bushfire/flood recovery), and Cambodian Kids Can..

Languages: English (Native), Spanish

Today, Alex focuses on leading Evolutio's and Ciclo's vision and values, ensuring both clinics provide exceptional care while supporting the teams who make it happen. He's thoughtful, questioning, and unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

Connect with Alex: LinkedIn Profile |

Evolutio's Philosophy & Approach

Under Alex's leadership, Evolutio has become known for:

Specialised Sports Physiotherapy The clinic specialises in sports injuries with particular expertise in ACL rehabilitation, CrossFit and powerlifting injuries, running-related problems, and complex shoulder and back cases. This specialisation reflects Alex's background and vision for what elite-level rehabilitation requires.

Evolution Towards Performance (2026) In 2026, Evolutio will shift its focus towards performance optimisation for athletes. While maintaining excellence in injury rehabilitation, the clinic will increasingly emphasise helping athletes maximise their potential, prevent injuries before they occur, and achieve peak performance. This evolution reflects Alex's vision of moving from reactive injury treatment to proactive performance enhancement.

Practitioner Excellence Alex built Evolutio around the principle of attracting exceptional practitioners who are passionate about sports and committed to ongoing development. The team includes physiotherapists with AFL experience, national-level athletes, and specialists in areas from diabetes management to rowing injuries. Learn more about choosing a good physiotherapist.

Evidence-Based Innovation While respecting evidence-based practice, Alex encourages practitioners to think critically and question conventional approaches when they believe there's a better way. This balance of science and clinical reasoning leads to innovative solutions for complex cases.

Athlete-Centered Environment The clinic environment reflects Alex's belief that healthcare doesn't need to feel clinical to be effective. Evolutio is a comfortable space where athletes feel understood, whether they're professional competitors or weekend warriors.

Community & Culture Alex fostered a team culture where practitioners support each other's development, share knowledge, and genuinely care about patient outcomes. This collaborative environment benefits every patient who walks through the door.

For information on sports injuries and rehabilitation, explore our blog resources covering topics from CrossFit shoulder injuries to powerlifting physiotherapy.

Qualifications & Professional Background

Education:

  • Master of Human Rights with Distinction/First Class Honours – Curtin University (2020-2022)

  • Bachelor of Science - Physiotherapy – Curtin University (2006-2009)

Professional Certifications:

  • CrossFit Coach Certified

  • Powerlifting Coach Certified

  • Dry Needling Certified

  • Introduction to Humanitarian Operations

  • BSAFE (Humanitarian Security Training)

  • Child Protection in Humanitarian Action

  • Psychological First Aid for Children

Awards & Recognition:

  • Commendation Human Rights – Curtin University (2020 & 2021)

  • Australian Defence Service Medal

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Ciclo?

A: Ciclo is Melbourne's only headquarters dedicated exclusively to cycling healthcare. Founded by Alex in 2025, it offers comprehensive services for cyclists including physiotherapy, bike fits, dietetics, performance coaching, programming, strength work, and pilates – all aimed purely at cyclists. Learn more at the clinic or contact us for details.

Q: Is Alex currently treating patients?

A: No, Alex is currently focusing on his role as Director of Evolutio and is not treating patients. However, Evolutio has an exceptional team of specialised physiotherapists and exercise physiologists who can help with your injury. Call the clinic and we'll match you with the right practitioner for your needs.

Q: Can I still contact Alex about Evolutio?

A: Absolutely. For clinic-related enquiries, partnerships, or questions about Evolutio's approach, you can reach Alex through info@evolutio.com.au or by calling the clinic at 03 9100 3798.

Q: Who should I see for shoulder or back injuries at Evolutio?

A: While Alex specialised in these areas, several Evolutio practitioners excel with shoulder and back injuries. Andy Chalmers is excellent for post-surgical shoulder rehab, Bayden Campbell for complex biomechanical cases, and Harry Ngoo for shoulder problems in athletes. Call us and we'll guide you to the right practitioner.

Q: What makes Evolutio different from other physio clinics?

A: Evolutio was founded specifically for athletes by someone who understands both physiotherapy and strength sports. The specialisation in sports injuries, the exceptional practitioner team, the non-clinical environment, and the genuine care for training goals set Evolutio apart. Read more about how to choose a good physiotherapist.

Q: Does Evolutio still treat CrossFit and powerlifting athletes?

A: Absolutely! This remains a core specialization. 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.

Q: What's Alex's role at Evolutio now?

A: Alex serves as Director, focusing on the clinic's vision, values, team development, and overall direction. While he's not currently treating patients, his leadership ensures Evolutio continues to provide the exceptional, athlete-centered care it was founded to deliver.

Q: Can I book a consultation to discuss Evolutio's approach?

A: For patient bookings, call 03 9100 3798 or book online. We'll discuss your needs and match you with the right practitioner. For partnership or business enquiries, contact info@evolutio.com.au.