History of Ross Smith & Caulfield Physiotherapy

In 1978 Ross Smith commenced private practice in Beller House Carlisle St. East St Kilda.  Ross was soon treating a range of patients from the surrounding suburbs of Caulfield, Ormond, Glenhuntly, Bentleigh, Brighton, Balaclava, St. Kilda, Elwood, Elsternwick, Prahran, Malvern, Windsor, Armadale, Kew and Toorak. Over the next seven years the practice steadily grew to employ three full time physiotherapists. In 1984 his practice moved to larger premises in East St Kilda.

Although Ross was busy with sporting teams, he recognised the importance of continuing education. Ross completed post graduate study to gain both the Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy titles.

Over the last 40 years, Ross has developed a special interest in treating low back pain and headaches.

Ross is both a Sports and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his physiotherapy services to Australian Sport particularly at the Olympic level, and the Australian Olympic Committee’s award of merit for outstanding service to the Australian Olympic movement. Read more about Ross’ experience on the Our Team page.

In 2012 as the senior partner, after 36 years of establishing and building an extremely successful Physiotherapy practice in East St Kilda Ross joined Steve Sandor as a consultant Physiotherapist at Restore Movement Physiotherapy.

In June 2013 Ross decided to once again start his own full time practice Caulfield Physiotherapy Ross B. Smith & Associates at 189 Booran Rd Caulfield South VIC 3162. Ross continues to use his long experience coupled with the latest advances in Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy to help his patients.

In February 2014 Jessica Frydenberg, commenced practice with Ross to develop a rehabilitation program using Pilates to help patients improve their mobility, strength and stamina.

In March 2015 Caroline Szafranski joined Caulfield Physiotherapy and with her Science Degree in Biomechanics, supplemented the practices Clinical Pilates program. Caroline developed programs to prevent falls, using Clinical Pilates to strengthen the patient’s core musculature.

In May 2017 Jessica Frydenberg left the practice and travelled to the United Kingdom to gain more experience in pelvic floor physiotherapy and injuries amongst theatre performers.

In January 2020 Emma Belotti joined Caulfield Physiotherapy after completing her Masters Degree at La Trobe University. In conjunction with her interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Emma runs Clinical Pilates at Caulfield Physiotherapy. This includes assessment and treatment of core stability, strength, flexibility and posture. Using evidence-based exercises and techniques, Pilates decreases pain and disability by strengthening the core musculature, increases cardiovascular fitness and improves flexibility and endurance.