Meet Ana Coan – a dynamic physiotherapist and Pilates instructor and the newest member of The Alignment Studio team. Hailing all the way from Brasil, Ana brings valuable insights into rehabilitation gained through her experience as an elite athlete. As well as a diverse skillset honed over a decade in private practice, sports physiotherapy and aged care.
With a remarkable background as a former champion swimmer (South American champion in 2005!) and a Certificate III in Fitness, Ana is highly skilled at treating sports-related musculoskeletal injuries. She also has a passion for women’s health physiotherapy and chronic pain management and a thirst for self-improvement and learning.
To learn about Ana’s journey into physiotherapy, her approach to rehabilitation and wellness and her fledgling green thumb, read on.
When did you know you wanted to be a physio?
I started swimming when I was 6 years old, and by 12 I was competing at regional level. I suffered a shoulder injury (a rotator cuff tendinopathy) at that time and was helped by a physiotherapist to return to sport. I found it super interesting how that professional was able to change my daily life. After that, physiotherapy was part of my daily routine as an athlete.
Even though I started studying Sports and Science, I found myself skipping practical sports classes to be in the rehabilitation classes. Then I decided to change my course to physiotherapy. I wanted to be able to help others the same way I was helped.
When did you move to Melbourne?
Four years ago, when I started my journey to become a validated physiotherapist in Australia. I got my first job as a physiotherapist in a private practice and worked there for four years, before my move to The Alignment Studio.
What excites you about working at TAS?
Being in the heart of the city with this great environment and this amazing team to share knowledge and grow together as part of a family. Being closer to home and at the same time enjoying this lively environment in the city is amazing! The experienced team is a great motivation to continue developing my skills.
Are you looking forward to working in Melbourne CBD?
Absolutely, I love to be in contact with city life. I love a good coffee and being able in my spare time to just walk around and enjoy the beautiful view and skylines.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Being able to be part of people’s journey through wellbeing. I love teaching clients exercises and enabling their recovery, as well as helping them to reaching their movement goals.
What are your areas of special interest in physiotherapy?
I’m interested in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, especially shoulder and arm complaints. I love to train and teach exercise routines and progress into rehabilitation functionally. I also have vast experience with chronic conditions, ageing and women’s health conditions.
Yoga or Pilates?
Pilates!
What’s unique about your Clinical Pilates teaching style?
Due to my vast experience and long years of Pilates practice (20 years on and off), I understand the pathway to achieve good outcomes with Clinical Pilates. I love exercise and exercise prescription and Pilates can be a powerful rehabilitation tool.
Many people think Pilates is just stretching. However, it’s one of the most complete exercises nowadays, which is why I believe it is so prescribed by the medical environment. As well as helping with injury rehabilitation, combining it with other sports and activities can improve your performance and help you achieve your goals faster.
What would you be doing if you weren’t working as a physio?
Possibly working as a swimming teacher. I really like to teach, and swimming was a great part of my life. So possibly I would do that.
What do you love doing in your spare time?
Being with my partner and my dog, relaxing by the beach and having fun with my friends and talking with my family overseas. I love a good meal, a nice walk and travelling to a beautiful area.
What’s your approach to wellness?
Looking for balance in your daily tasks. Balance of mind, body and time. We usually forget to find that midline and accept our defeats.
My secret talent is…
Besides swimming, I love gardening and my plants. Since the pandemic I had tried a few hobbies such as baking, cricket and music, but the only one that I made much progress with was gardening.
Book an appointment with Ana, or call us on 9650 2220 for further information.
Ana Coan is an experienced and passionate physiotherapist with a decade of experience and qualifications in Pilates, fitness, dry needling and Functional Movement Screening. With a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Santa Catarina State University (Brazil), Ana has worked in private practice, aged care facilities and with a junior swim team. A former champion swimmer, she brings a unique perspective and keen interest in sports-related musculoskeletal injuries, women’s health and chronic pain to her treatments.