Michael O'Brien

Michael O'Brien, PhD, is a highly skilled physical therapist and researcher at the forefront of translating hip and groin research into real-world clinical care. With almost 20 years of experience, he works with active individuals and athletes presenting with complex and persistent hip, groin, and lower limb pain, including conditions such as hip dysplasia and femoroacetabular impingement. His approach integrates detailed clinical assessment with contemporary research, allowing treatment to be tailored to both the diagnosis and the functional demands of each patient.

Michael completed his PhD investigating hip pain and hip dysplasia in young adults and has developed physical therapy interventions for hip pain used in various clinical trials. He continues to integrate latest research findings directly into clinical care, ensuring treatment is evidence-based and individualized. In addition to clinical practice and research, Michael teaches on the La Trobe University Masters Physical Therapy programs (for both musculoskeletal and sports physical therapists), delivers professional development workshops for clinicians, and presents regularly at international sports medicine conferences. His experience spans all codes of football, basketball, and netball.

Michael has worked in elite sport, including with Melbourne Victory Football Club. He has published research examining groin strength testing and its relationship with injury risk in A-League and AFL athletes in Australia, contributing to the understanding of injury prevention and rehabilitation in high-performance environments.

Michael works closely with Melbourne's leading orthopedic surgeons and sports physicians to provide coordinated conservative care and post-surgical rehabilitation. He currently consults from Melbourne Orthopaedic Group Sports Medicine, supporting patients with complex diagnoses and high functional goals.

Originally from New Zealand, Michael graduated from AUT in 2008, receiving the Elizabeth Michael Award for Clinical Excellence. He has worked across the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, and visited various sports medicine institutes and physical therapy centres across Europe and North America. He is passionate about truly helping patients achieve meaningful goals and enjoys his career balanced between clinical practice and research.