Jessica McDonald
Seeing patients at Sorrento
As an Australian Physiotherapy Association Titled Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, Jessica has worked for over a decade in clinical practice, athlete rehabilitation, and physiotherapy education. Holding a Master of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Exercise Science, Jessica expanded her qualifications with postgraduate studies in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy at Griffith University.
Highly experienced in orthopaedics, sports physiotherapy, and general musculoskeletal rehabilitation, Jessica has a particular interest in the mechanics and treatment of the shoulder, supported by postgraduate certifications and published papers on rotator cuff injuries, including best conservative treatment options.
During her career, Jessica spent two years in Melbourne working alongside shoulder physiotherapy specialists and orthopaedic surgeons treating professional AFL players, deepening her knowledge and treatment of shoulder and elite athlete injuries. She has also worked with the Australian Olympic Kayaking Team, travelling to the European AIS, as well as World Cups and World Championships on the road to Tokyo 2020.
This breadth of experience has given Jessica comprehensive skills in the treatment of upper limb injuries — particularly the shoulder and neck — as well as a special interest in the management of complex lower back pain.
Highly regarded by orthopaedic surgeons and specialists, Jessica provides optimal support for patients requiring pre- and post-surgery assessments and treatment, sporting performance improvement, or workplace injury management. Working alongside specialists, her goal is to ensure the best possible surgical and recovery outcomes for her patients.
Jessica also has substantial experience in the treatment of chronic pain and nerve conditions, as well as migraines and jaw pain. Offering advanced acupuncture and dry needling treatments, she is committed to finding solutions for clients with complex presentations to optimise their quality of life, recovery, and performance.
Driven by a passion for clinical excellence, Jessica combines her dedication to physiotherapy with her background as an elite gymnast to deliver customised treatment plans. In addition to her clinical work, she is a sessional staff member at Griffith University, where she lectures, supervises, and mentors physiotherapy students as a clinical educator.
Jessica is an executive partner of Core Health Care, located at Bundall.
Please note that Jessica’s books are currently closed to new patients. Her practice is focused on Workers’ Compensation clients and patients referred through specialist and surgical teams.