Olympic Lifting, CrossFit & AFL

Physiotherapist

Phill Danzi is a Senior Physiotherapist at Evolutio Sports Physio in Richmond, Melbourne, and one of Australia's leading practitioners for Olympic lifting athletes and CrossFit competitors. With over 8 years of experience working with high-level athletes, Phill brings exceptional expertise to strength sports and ACL rehabilitation.

Phill currently works full-time as a physiotherapist at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA) while treating patients at Evolutio on Saturday mornings. His experience with AFL athletes and Olympic lifters makes him uniquely qualified to manage complex injuries in explosive, high-demand sports.

If you're an Olympic lifter, CrossFit athlete, AFL player, or anyone needing expert ACL rehabilitation, Phill is your physio. His availability on Saturday mornings makes him accessible for athletes training during the week.

About Phill Danzi

Phill's last name translates to "hero soup warrior, who cometh and salute the wild flower." According to legend , in the early 8th century, Phill ventured north with the other young warriors to complete his degree in the old Saxon land of East Anglia (Sydney).

All mythology aside, Phill is genuinely one of Australia's top practitioners for Olympic lifting and CrossFit athletes. His combination of Masters-level education in both physiotherapy and clinical exercise physiology, along with extensive experience at Maribyrnong Sports Academy and working with WAFL athletes at the Western Bulldogs, makes him exceptional at what he does.

Phill is professional, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to his patients' success.

Specialisations & Expertise

Phill's areas of clinical expertise include:

Olympic Lifting Injuries Phill is currently one of the top practitioners in Australia for Olympic lifting athletes. He understands the technical demands of the snatch and clean & jerk, how injuries occur in these lifts, and how to rehabilitate athletes back to full performance. Understanding when to see a physiotherapist for lifting injuries is crucial.

CrossFit Injuries & Performance With extensive CrossFit athlete experience, Phill manages the wide variety of injuries that occur in functional fitness: shoulder problems, back injuries, wrist issues, and more. Learn about CrossFit shoulder injury prevention.

ACL Injuries & Rehabilitation ACL rehab is one of Phill's primary specialties. His work with AFL athletes and high-level competitors means he implements sophisticated return-to-sport protocols that prepare athletes for the demands of explosive, change-of-direction sports.

AFL & Contact Sport Injuries Phill works extensively with AFL athletes at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, managing the full spectrum of Australian football injuries including lower limb injuries, shoulder problems, and acute trauma.

Strength Sports Injuries Beyond Olympic lifting, Phill works with powerlifters and general strength athletes, understanding the demands of heavy loading and high-intensity training. Read our article on seeing a powerlifting physio.

Wrist & Hand Injuries With his Olympic lifting expertise, Phill has extensive experience treating wrist and hand injuries common in barbell sports. Explore our guide on CrossFit wrist injuries.

Back & Neck Problems Phill manages spinal injuries in athletes, understanding how to rehabilitate back problems while maintaining athletic capacity.

Qualifications & Professional Experience

  • Masters of Physiotherapy – University of Sydney

  • Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology – University of Sydney

  • APA Sports Physiotherapy Level 1

  • Dry Needling Certified

  • Full-time Physiotherapist – Maribyrnong Sports Academy (MSA)

  • 8+ Years Experience working with AFL athletes, Olympic lifters, and CrossFit competitors

  • Member – Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)

Phill's dual Masters degrees demonstrate advanced training beyond standard physiotherapy qualifications, recognized by the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Phill's main area of specialisation?

A: Phill is one of Australia's top practitioners for Olympic lifting athletes and CrossFit competitors. He also specialises in ACL rehabilitation and works extensively with AFL athletes through his role at Maribyrnong Sports Academy.

Q: When is Phill available at Evolutio?

A: Phill works full-time at Maribyrnong Sports Academy but treats patients at Evolutio on Saturday mornings. This makes him accessible for athletes who train during the week.

Q: Is Phill good for Olympic lifting injuries?

A: Yes, Phill is currently considered one of the best physiotherapists in Australia for Olympic lifting athletes. He understands the technical demands of the snatch and clean & jerk and has extensive experience rehabilitating Olympic lifters.

Q: Does Phill work with CrossFit athletes?

A: Absolutely. Phill is one of the go-to physiotherapists for CrossFit athletes in Melbourne. He understands the varied demands of functional fitness and manages the wide range of injuries that occur in CrossFit training and competition. Phill coached CrossFit for many years in Brunswick over 10 years ago.

Q: Can Phill help with ACL rehabilitation?

A: Yes, ACL rehab is one of Phill's key specialties. His experience with AFL athletes means he implements sophisticated return-to-sport protocols appropriate for explosive, change-of-direction activities.

Q: What qualifications does Phill have?

A: Phill holds Masters degrees in both Physiotherapy and Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Sydney, along with APA Sports Physiotherapy Level 1 and Dry Needling certification. This represents advanced training beyond standard physiotherapy qualifications.

Q: Can Phill help with wrist injuries from lifting?

A: Yes, wrist and hand injuries are common in Olympic lifting and CrossFit, and Phill has extensive experience treating them. He understands the technical demands that cause these injuries and how to rehabilitate athletes back to pain-free lifting.

Q: Is Phill suitable for non-CrossFit/non-Olympic lifting athletes?

A: Yes, while Olympic lifting and CrossFit are Phill's specialties, he treats all types of athletes and general musculoskeletal injuries. His advanced qualifications and experience benefit everyone.

Q: How do I book with Phill?

A: You can book online through our website for Saturday morning appointments or call our Richmond clinic at 03 9100 3798. Phill's Saturday slots are popular with athletes, so booking ahead is recommended.