Shay McLeod

ABOUT SHAY

Shay McLeod graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from The University of Otago in 1999. Since this time, he had worked extensively in private practice originally in New Zealand, followed by a three-year period in the United Kingdom and now at Symmetry Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine.

His special areas of interest include sports and spinal rehabilitation and has completed post-graduate studies in Sports Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2006. In the past he has worked as team physiotherapist for the Pirates Rugby Union Club in New Zealand and has spent time based at Crystal Palace Sports Injury Centre; the headquarters of London Athletics. He has been a guest writer for the ‘The Ski Mag’, and Australia Ski Magazine providing performance exercise programs.

Shay specialises in endurance sports injury management, working with runners, cyclists, and triathletes at all levels. He is himself a high-performance athlete, having competed at the World Multisport Championships and qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii on two occasions.

Alongside his clinic work, Shay has been a treating physiotherapist in a number of published research trials, contributing to studies in low back pain, gluteal tendinopathy, ACL rehabilitation, and proximal hamstring tendinopathy. These have been published in journals including the BMJ, BMJ Open, and the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

Qualifications & credentials

Clinical Research

Shay has served as a treating Study Physiotherapist on five published randomised controlled trials across leading Australian and international research institutions. This work spans low back pain, gluteal tendinopathy, ACL rehabilitation, and proximal hamstring tendinopathy.

Frequently asked Questions

What does Shay specialise in?

Shay specialises in endurance sport injuries, including running-related pain, cycling overuse injuries, and triathlon-related conditions. He also has extensive expertise in low back pain, particularly intervertebral disc injuries, and has participated as a study physiotherapist for clinical research trials in this area. His approach combines manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and evidence-based techniques drawn from over 25 years of clinical practice.

Does Shay work with recreational athletes or elite athletes only?

Shay works with athletes at every level, from weekend runners and recreational cyclists through to elite competitors. He has treated athletes preparing for Ironman events, adventure races, and club competition, as well as patients managing chronic injuries that affect their ability to stay active. If you want to move better and perform better, Shay can help.

What is a bike fit and how is it different from physiotherapy?

A bike fit looks at your position on the bike and adjusts saddle height, reach, cleat position, and other variables to reduce strain on your body and improve comfort and power. A physiotherapy-led bike fit also considers your movement, strength, and any existing injuries or pain. Shay provides bike fits at Hoppers Crossing and integrates them with physiotherapy assessment where relevant.

How long has Shay been at Symmetry Physiotherapy?

Shay joined Symmetry Physiotherapy in February 2005 and is one of the clinic’s longest-serving practitioners. In addition to his clinical role, he is a director of the practice. He has been based at the Hoppers Crossing clinic throughout his time at Symmetry and has built long-term relationships with many patients in the local community.

Has Shay McLeod been involved in physiotherapy research?

Yes. Shay has served as a Study Physiotherapist on five published randomised controlled trials. These include the STOPS trials on low back pain subgroups (La Trobe University), the LEAP study on gluteal tendinopathy published in the BMJ in 2018, the SUPER KNEE study on ACL rehabilitation published in BMJ Open in 2023, and an RCT comparing physiotherapy with shockwave therapy for proximal hamstring tendinopathy published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2025. He also participated in a Worksafe/TAC occupational physiotherapy pilot study published in the International Journal of Disability Management in 2014.

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