Ellie Atkins – Rowing, AFL & Running Injury Physiotherapist
Ellie Atkins is a highly skilled and incredibly warm and loving physiotherapist at Evolutio Sports Physio in Richmond, Melbourne, bringing elite-level experience from her time with the Brisbane Lions and Essendon Football Club. With dual qualifications in Exercise Science (Exercise Physiology major) and Physiotherapy, Ellie combines her knowledge, her incredible observation skills with your body.
Ellie specialises in ACL rehabilitation, rowing injuries, running-related problems, triathlon injuries, shoulder issues, and ankle rehabilitation. Currently expanding her expertise in Women's Health Physiotherapy, Ellie is passionate about creating a space where female athletes and everyday individuals can receive specialised, individualised care.
If you're a rower dealing with persistent back pain, a runner chasing a PB while managing injury, recovering from ACL surgery, or a triathlete, Ellie's your physio.
You can book in with Ellie below.
About Ellie Atkins
Ellie Atkins is what happens when you combine an incredible analytical mind (think Joan Clarke, the legendary WWII codebreaker) with a physiotherapist who genuinely cares about uncovering what's really going on beneath the surface of your injury.
At Evolutio, we love Ellie because she always goes that extra yard to investigate the underlying factors contributing to your problem. She doesn't just treat symptoms – she digs deeper to understand the biomechanics, training errors, and contributing factors that keep you stuck in the injury cycle. As Bayden's "young padawan" at the clinic, Ellie has learned from one of Melbourne's best when it comes to complex lower limb problems and biomechanical analysis.
Ellie's professional journey has taken her through elite Australian football, working as a physiotherapist for both the Brisbane Lions and Essendon Football Club. This experience treating professional athletes at the highest level has shaped her approach: thorough assessment, evidence-based treatment, and progressive rehabilitation that respects the demands of your sport.
Beyond AFL, Ellie has worked extensively with elite rowers across Melbourne. As a former competitive rower herself, she intimately understands the repetitive strain patterns, biomechanical demands, and unique injury profiles that come with the sport.
Ellie's approach is built on connection and individualised care. There are no cookie-cutter rehab plans here. She combines soft tissue work, active release techniques, dry needling, and strength programming that's actually tailored to what YOU need – not what worked for the last person with a vaguely similar injury.
Currently diving deeper into Women's Health Physiotherapy, Ellie is passionate about creating a space where female athletes and everyday women alike can get the specialised care they deserve. This commitment to women's health reflects her broader philosophy: everyone deserves treatment that considers their individual circumstances, goals, and body.
Whether you're a rower, a runner chasing a personal best, recovering from ACL surgery, or dealing with a shoulder that's decided to stage a rebellion, Ellie's your person. She's got a particular soft spot for lower limb injuries, post-surgical knees, ankle problems, and triathletes who insist on doing three sports when one would be plenty (we see you, and we support your ambitious chaos).
Specialisations & Expertise
Ellie's areas of clinical expertise include:
ACL Injuries & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation ACL rehabilitation is one of Ellie's core specialties. Her experience with AFL athletes at Brisbane Lions and Essendon FC, combined with her Exercise Science background, means she implements sophisticated, progressive return-to-sport protocols. Ellie understands the physical and psychological demands of ACL recovery and works with you through every phase – from immediate post-operative care through return to full competition. Learn more about knee pain and recovery and find Melbourne's best orthopaedic surgeons if you need surgical referrals.
Rowing Injuries As a former competitive rower who has worked with elite rowers across Melbourne, Ellie brings authentic understanding to rowing-specific injuries. She treats rib stress injuries, lower back pain, shoulder problems, and the full spectrum of overuse injuries common in rowing. Her insider knowledge of rowing biomechanics and training demands makes her exceptionally effective at treating rowers.
Running Injuries & Biomechanics Ellie has a particular interest in running rehabilitation and understands the unique biomechanical demands runners face. Whether you're dealing with shin splints, ankle pain, tendinopathy, or post-operative recovery, she combines soft tissue work, dry needling, and targeted strength programming to keep you on the road. If you're struggling with persistent shin pain, read our guide on why shin splints aren't going away.
Triathlon Injuries & Multi-Sport Athletes Ellie loves working with triathletes (even if she thinks doing three sports simultaneously is admirably ambitious). Her background in both rowing and running, combined with her Exercise Physiology training, means she understands the unique demands of swim-bike-run. She treats overuse injuries, optimises movement patterns, and develops strength programs that support high training volumes.
Shoulder Injuries Ellie treats the full spectrum of shoulder problems including rotator cuff injuries, impingement, instability, and post-operative rehabilitation. Her experience with overhead athletes (rowers, swimmers, AFL players) gives her unique insight into shoulder demands. Check out our article on lifting with shoulder pain for guidance on managing training around shoulder injuries.
Ankle Injuries & Chronic Instability From acute ankle sprains to chronic instability and post-operative rehabilitation, Ellie's approach combines hands-on treatment with progressive strengthening to restore ankle function and prevent recurrence.
Women's Health Physiotherapy Currently completing additional training in Women's Health Physiotherapy, Ellie is developing expertise in pelvic floor rehabilitation, pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain, and post-natal recovery. This emerging specialty allows her to provide comprehensive care for female athletes and women at all life stages. Learn more about women's health physiotherapy from the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Lower Limb Biomechanics Training under Bayden Campbell (Evolutio's Co-Clinic Director and biomechanics expert), Ellie is developing sophisticated skills in lower limb assessment and treatment. She excels at identifying biomechanical factors contributing to chronic or recurring injuries.
Qualifications & Professional Experience
Master of Physiotherapy Studies
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Exercise Physiology Major)
Dry Needling Certified
Women's Health Physiotherapy (currently in progress)
Brisbane Lions Football Club (AFL)
Essendon Football Club (AFL)
Elite Rowing Experience – Working with competitive rowers across Melbourne
Former Competitive Rower – Personal experience in the sport
Member – Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
Ellie's combination of Exercise Science and Physiotherapy qualifications represents comprehensive training recognised by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellie Atkins
Should I see Ellie for my ACL rehabilitation?
Absolutely! Ellie specialises in post-surgical knee rehabilitation, particularly ACL reconstruction. With her dual qualifications in Exercise Science and Physiotherapy, plus her experience working with AFL athletes at the Brisbane Lions and Essendon Football Club, she understands the demands of getting back to sport after surgery. She'll work with you to develop a progressive strength program that gets you back to the activities you love. If you need an orthopaedic surgeon referral first, check out our guide to Melbourne's best orthopaedic surgeons.
Is Ellie the right physio for runners?
Yes! Ellie has a particular interest in running rehabilitation and understands the unique biomechanical demands runners face. Whether you're dealing with shin splints, ankle pain, or post-operative recovery, she combines soft tissue work, dry needling, and targeted strength programming to keep you on the road. If you're dealing with persistent shin pain, you might also find our blog on why shin splints aren't going away helpful.
Does Ellie work with rowers?
Absolutely, rowing is one of Ellie's core specialties. As a former competitive rower herself and having worked with elite rowers across Melbourne, she intimately understands the repetitive strain and biomechanical demands of the sport. She treats everything from lower back pain to rib stress injuries to shoulder problems in rowers.
Can Ellie help with women's health physiotherapy?
Yes! Ellie is currently completing additional training in Women's Health Physiotherapy and is passionate about creating a space where female athletes and everyday women can get specialised care. This includes pelvic floor rehabilitation, pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain, and post-natal recovery. For more information about women's health physio, visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
I'm a triathlete, can Ellie help me?
Definitely! Ellie loves working with triathletes (even if she thinks doing three sports is a bit ambitious). Her background in both rowing and running, combined with her Exercise Physiology training, means she can help with the unique demands of swim-bike-run. She's experienced in treating overuse injuries, optimising movement patterns, and developing strength programs that support your training volume.
What about shoulder and ankle injuries?
Yes to both! Ellie treats shoulder injuries ranging from rotator cuff problems to post-operative rehabilitation. For ankles, she's experienced in everything from acute sprains to chronic instability. Her approach combines hands-on treatment with progressive strengthening to get you moving well again. Check out our blog on lifting with shoulder pain for more insights.
How much does it cost to see Ellie?
Our initial consultation is 45 minutes, and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. For current pricing and to check if you're eligible for private health insurance rebates, visit our pricing page or contact the clinic directly. You can also read about how physiotherapy costs work in Australia.
How do I book with Ellie?
You can book online through our website at www.evolutio.com.au or call the clinic. Check out our guide on how to prepare for your first physio appointment to make the most of your initial session with Ellie.
Does Ellie bulk bill or accept Medicare?
Like most private physiotherapy clinics, we don't bulk bill. However, you may be eligible for rebates through your private health insurance. Learn more about Medicare coverage for physiotherapy in Australia.
What makes Ellie different from other physios at Evolutio?
While all our physios are exceptional, Ellie brings a unique combination of elite sport experience (AFL and rowing), dual qualifications (Exercise Science + Physiotherapy), and a particular focus on women's health. She's also Bayden's young padawan, which means she's learned from one of Melbourne's best when it comes to complex lower limb problems and biomechanics.