(Myotherapist/Director)
(Osteopath)
(Myotherapist/Lymphatic Drainage/Oncology Massage)
(Osteopath)
(Podiatrist)
(Exercise Physiologist)
(Myotherapist)
(Myotherapist)
(Exercise Physiologist)
Body@Boronia founder, Yvette Copling is passionate about people leading healthy lives in well-functioning bodies.
Yvette’s interest in myotherapy was sparked by her need to understand the complexities and workings of the human body, particularly as she was playing netball at State League level. Her interest led to an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science – Myotherapy from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 1997.
Following graduation, Yvette was privileged to work alongside various practitioners at the Boronia Medical Centre. After 9 years at a private room within the clinic, and a strong client base, Yvette toyed with the idea of her own practice.
Working alongside like-minded health practitioners such as osteopaths, and with an ever-growing client base, Yvette was inspired to set up her own team of health professionals.
“I was getting fantastic results with patients, but I didn’t want to burn myself out because I thoroughly enjoyed helping. This spurred the thought that I can’t just help people on my own, it takes a team to work together. I felt that I found my calling as a practitioner and wanted to help in the long term. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”
Body@Boronia was born in 2004. Yvette was able to consult other practitioners (with patient approval) within the clinic, and, also refer internally if she thought others could help.
Yvette treats various injuries and aches and is continually researching and updating her knowledge of the body. She treats a range of clients, from children to the elderly, from people who struggle to get out of bed to elite athletes. Yvette has a special interest in hip rehabilitation, and particularly enjoys working with her patients with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
“I love being able to look at a person’s circumstances, and with an in-depth knowledge of their history, pain and experience, to nut out the best form of treatment. I love working out the ‘architecture’ of what is actually happening in the person’s body and figuring out the ‘why’ of this pain.”
Yvette understands the importance of having a healthy, functioning body and mind, to be able to lead a productive life.
As well as working alongside the dedicated Body@Boronia team, Yvette practised karate for more than 20 years, including instructing adults and children. She also spends family time with husband Dave, and children, Jordan and Finn doing various activities such as camping, bush walking, bike riding, kids’ sports, and playing with their dogs. Yvette also has a love of horses and music.
Yvette has been a member of MAA (Myotherapy Association of Australia), formally IRMA (Institute of Registered Myotherapists of Australia), since 1998. From 1999 to 2004, she was on the Board of IRMA.
After being taken to an osteopath for a neck injury as a 6-year-old, Sarah was fascinated by this method of treatment. Her interest in osteopathy as a manual therapy for pain relief, was further sparked when she listened to passionate students at a university open day.
Sarah played various sports as a teenager and was actively involved in diving at the Victorian Institute of Sport. Her involvement in sports naturally progressed to an interest in treating sports injuries, and the complexities involved.
Sarah graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Science (complementary medicine – osteopathy stream) from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2005 then obtained her Masters of Osteopathy in 2007.
During her studies, Sarah developed an interest in treating older clients. She enjoys assisting clients to find relief from head, neck and shoulder injuries. Sarah has a special interest in assessing and treating clients with Benign Proxysmal Positional Vertigo, a debilitating condition.
Sarah studied Myofascial Dry Needling at an Osteopathy Australia-endorsed course to broaden her treatment options and gain better outcomes for her clients. Dry Needling can be combined with soft tissue and joint mobilisation, muscle energy techniques and stretching.
Surrounded by various friends and family whom were starting or expanding their families, Sarah developed an interest treating women and their children. Sarah has completed several Osteopathy Australia-endorsed courses focused on treating pregnant and post-partum women, babies and children.
Sarah continues to improve her knowledge and skill set, attending various seminars offered by Osteopathy Australia, of which she is a member.
With strong ties to the community – having grown up in Boronia – Sarah is connected to many local GPs, helping provide a better holistic approach to individualised care.
Sarah’s interest in animals also led her to complete a postgraduate in Canine Osteopathy. She used her skills to treat her rottweiler, Stella, including during the dog’s knee surgery rehabilitation.
Susanne assists clients with their rehabilitation from pain and injury, toward improved physical health. She uses a combination of soft tissue, neurological and mobilisation techniques that help realign the skeleton and improve biomechanics.
Susanne uses her Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy) training to assist clients with conditions such as sciatic pain, carpel tunnel, and tennis elbow.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle technique used to support the lymphatic system so it can function effectively and improve immune health. MLD may be used on patients with acne, anxiety, bronchitis, tonsillitis, chronic fatigue, headache, irritable bowel syndrome, lethargy, migraine, fibromyalgia, persistent swelling, post-surgery swelling, sinusitis, treated cancer (may be modified to suit lymph node status) and palliative care.
Studies have shown MLD may have a positive effect on neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Trained in fascial release and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Susanne uses this knowledge to help treat injury, and a variety of conditions; and support patients in recovery from surgery.
Susanne is a Lymphoedema Practitioner, treating patients with all grades of lymphoedema, a condition that results in abnormal accumulation of water and proteins within the tissues. Currently, there is no cure but may be managed using Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which combines the Casely-Smith method of manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy (bandaging &/or compression garments), decongestive exercises and skin care.
Patients with fibromyalgia may be treated with fascial release and MLD techniques.
Susanne is also a certified Oncology Massage therapist. Oncology massage is considered a medically safe and gentle form of massage. It is designed to assist the body to cope with the symptoms of cancer, and the side effects of cancer treatment such as pain, fatigue, nausea, constipation and anxiety. Oncology massage may also encourage the body to produce platelets and white blood cells.
Before joining the Body@Boronia team in 2016, Susanne worked in sports and multi-disciplinary clinics for six years in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Susanne enjoys dancing, walking, reading, and spending time with family, friends and her pets.
Dr. Yan Yee Phua is a skilled osteopath with a passion for promoting health and well-being. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, she brings a unique cultural perspective to her practice.
Before embarking on her osteopathic journey, Dr. Phua gained valuable hands-on experience working as a sports trainer for various football clubs. This role allowed her to develop a keen understanding of sports injuries, pain management, and rehabilitation techniques. Her practical experience has equipped her with the ability to effectively assess and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
As the current sports trainer for the VFL Casey Demons and an upcoming sports trainer for the AFLW, Dr. Phua combines her osteopathic expertise with practical experience in treating elite athletes. Her hands-on approach allows her to provide tailored treatment plans for athletes of all levels.
A graduate of RMIT University with a Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy), Dr. Phua is a registered member of Osteopathy Australia. Her academic qualifications, coupled with her practical experience, equip her to address a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Phua’s approach to patient care is personalized and tailored to each individual’s specific needs. She utilizes a variety of osteopathic techniques, including gentle and firm manipulations, to address various musculoskeletal issues. Her commitment to ongoing professional development is evident in her completion of a Level 1 Dry Needling and Cupping course, further enhancing her treatment options.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Phua is a well-rounded individual with a passion for health and wellness. She enjoys staying active through hiking, exploring nature, baking, and traveling. Her fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese allows her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Yan Yee Phua is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care to her patients. Her combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and personal interests make her a valuable asset to the healthcare community.
Elaria initially studied Electronic Engineering at university. Observing her sister, a podiatrist, treat clients, she was inspired to forge a new career path. She graduated from Latrobe University with a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Podiatric Practice.
She has been fortunate to treat various podiatry aspects during her placements, including people with diabetes and other high-risk patients, charcot foot, and wounds. Elaria also worked with an orthopaedic surgeon. She also learned about the biomechanical aspect of podiatry, including observing the National Rugby League’s female players receive injury treatment.
Elaria loves treating patients in all aspects of podiatry, however she has a
keen interest in lower limb injuries.
“I broke quite a few bones in my body when I was a child, and, also because I love sports, I find it fascinating how the anatomy of the lower limb works. I completed additional studies in dry needling and shockwave therapy in order to provide patients with alternative treatment options for lower limb injuries.”
Elaria is keen to expand her knowledge with various treatments by attending seminars. A foot mobilisation course is her next focus study area.
After work you will find Elaria playing sports or spectating at an event. She captains her basketball team, the Bulleen Boomers. Every year she attends as much of the Australian Open as possible.
A fluent Arabic speaker, Elaria is happy to support podiatry clients who need technical details explained in their mother tongue.
As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP), Madeleine helps people alleviate pain, manage long-term health issues, and strengthen their bodies. She creates tailor-made programs for her diverse range of clients; helping them improve their quality of life and achieve desired health, fitness and rehabilitation goals.
“I work with people wishing to manage their back or neck pain, improve their posture, sort out that niggly injury so that they can get back to playing sport or running around with the kids, get back to exercise following pregnancy, improve their strength and balance to have the confidence to walk outdoors, or simply include more physical activity in their lives for general health and well-being without causing injury.”
Since 2008, Madeleine has undertaken various roles in the health and rehabilitation industry. She has developed skills and knowledge to support clients with exercise and lifestyle programs for the prevention and management of chronic conditions and injuries. Madeleine enjoys using corrective exercises for faulty posture and body mechanics and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
‘I believe that exercise is medicine and I’m passionate about assisting my clients to undertake the correct type of exercise for their individual concerns so that they achieve their desired health, wellbeing and fitness goals.’
Her desire to play every sport growing up, is what ultimately lead Madeleine to a career as an Exercise Physiologist. It was this love of sport that sparked her interest in the human body, how it works and how to make it function as optimally as possible.
Madeleine completed a Bachelor of Human Movement at the University of Tasmania in 2006 and in order to pursue her interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation, went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Exercise Rehabilitation at the University of Ballarat (now Federation University) in 2007. She is also a Pilates Instructor (mat and equipment).
Madeleine believes in continual learning and is looking to study women’s health.
Madeleine stays active with Pilates, netball, hiking and sailing. She spends most weekends sailing on Port Phillip Bay and has competed at State, National and World Championship levels. Madeleine loves travelling, dining out and socialising with friends.
Samantha Scott is a qualified Myotherapist with an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy and a Diploma of Remedial Massage, both completed through the Australian College of Fitness and Bodywork. With over 15 years’ experience working in the healthcare industry, Samantha brings a deep understanding of patient care and a genuine passion for helping people improve their quality of life.
Samantha’s journey into Myotherapy was shaped by personal experience. After suffering a lower back injury in 2016 and finding limited relief through other treatment options, it was Myotherapy that ultimately supported her recovery. This positive outcome sparked a career shift—moving from her previous role in allied health into a field that allowed her to continue helping others in a more sustainable and personally fulfilling way.
Since completing her studies, Samantha has transitioned fully into Myotherapy practice, beginning with clinic-based work experience and building her career from there. She has a particular interest in supporting women during pregnancy, offering both pre- and post-natal treatments that help manage discomfort and support recovery.
While she’s not currently undertaking formal study, Samantha is a lifelong learner —constantly researching and exploring ways to refine her techniques and provide her clients with the most effective care possible.
When she’s not working, you’ll likely find Samantha outdoors, exploring Australia’s natural beauty with her partner and their two dogs. Whether it’s hiking, camping, or 4WD adventures, she embraces every opportunity to unwind in nature and even captures a few moments behind the lens with her love of photography. Of course, she also appreciates a quiet Sunday on the couch with a good movie.
Samantha’s approachable, empathetic nature and firsthand understanding of injury recovery make her a valuable part of the Body@Boronia team.
Meet Elyse Zandegu — Myotherapist
Elyse Zandegu brings a well-rounded, hands-on approach to myotherapy at Body@Boronia, backed by strong clinical training and a genuine passion for helping people move and feel better.
Elyse holds an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy through ACFB since 2018 and is a member of Myotherapy Association Australia (MA). Her path into the field grew from firsthand experience with allied health as a competitive dancer, which sparked a love of rehabilitation and hands-on patient care.
Elyse’s clinical foundation is broad and practical — she built her skills through athletic running groups, student clinics, remedial massage practice, and close mentoring from experienced osteopaths and a physiotherapist. This mix gives her a well-rounded, multidisciplinary perspective that she brings into every treatment.
She has a particular interest and strength in treating shoulder complaints, upper neck pain, and lower back pain, and has completed additional specialised training in lymphoedema and lipoedema, achieving strong results for patients around pain relief and fluid retention.
What drives Elyse most is seeing her patients make real progress — staying mobile, staying out of pain, and getting back to doing what they love.
Outside the clinic, Elyse enjoys the gym, cooking, and travelling.
To book an appointment with Elyse at Body@Boronia, get in touch with our team today.
