Joanne VanDer Haar

Elite sport

Joanne has worked extensively with athletes across a range of sporting environments, including AFL, AFLW and VFL, professional tennis and international rugby. She currently consults with Hawthorn Football Club as a myotherapist, providing treatment on game days, as well as during training and recovery sessions. Working closely with physiotherapists and other members of the medical and performance team, Joanne contributes to the ongoing management and physical preparation of athletes.

Orthopaedic and surgical rehabilitation

Alongside her sporting work, Joanne has worked within multidisciplinary clinical environments, including supporting patients before and after joint replacement surgery. This experience has provided her with a strong understanding of surgical recovery, rehabilitation principles and the physical demands placed on the body throughout the recovery process.

Joanne was honoured to be given the opportunity to work alongside Professor Phong Tran and Associate Professor Amir Takla, further developing her experience within an orthopaedic clinical setting and strengthening her understanding of patient-centred care throughout the surgical journey.

Treatment approach

Her treatment approach combines clinical assessment with a range of myotherapy techniques, including deep tissue and sports massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation and targeted soft-tissue treatment. Joanne takes a holistic approach to treatment, aiming to identify the underlying contributors to pain and dysfunction rather than simply treating the area of discomfort.

Whether managing an acute sporting injury, persistent musculoskeletal pain or recovery following orthopaedic surgery, Joanne’s focus is on restoring movement, reducing pain and helping each patient return to the activities that bring them joy.

Related information

• myotherapy at the clinic
• physiotherapy at the clinic
• the clinic team