Matthew Ashby

Matthew Ashby graduated from Cardiff University with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy. Matt grew up in the UK and has recently moved to Melbourne for a new challenge. 

Matt worked as a physiotherapist in the UK for 4 years before moving to Action Rehab. He worked within the NHS, gaining clinical experience in both ward-based and outpatient settings. Having always has a specific interest in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, he started to specialise within this discipline by moving to a rotational MSK role. He rotated thorough specialities including: a shoulder and elbow surgical unit, and a burns and plastics unit with a major focus on hand therapy. 

Matt developed his passion for hand therapy during his time in the burns and plastics unit in Nottingham. Here, he developed greater understanding of thermoplastic splinting, specific hand injuries and pathologies, alongside their relevant management. He treated a wide range of injuries and saw the direct positive impact that hand therapy can have on someone’s life. 

Following this, Matt moved onto a specialist shoulder and elbow unit. On this specialist rotation, he was able to gain further in-depth knowledge and experience around shoulder injuries and surgeries. He saw a wide range of clientele including those with traumatic injuries, pre-habilitation patients and post-operative patients.

Matt strives to help patients return to their pre-injury level, whether that is work, sport or anything important to them. Matt particularly enjoys staying up to date with the latest research in hand therapy. This allows him to develop tailored and effective rehabilitation programs for his patients, using the most recent findings in the field. 

Outside of work you’ll find Matt enjoying all things sport; playing tennis, attempting to understand AFL and supporting his home football (soccer) team; Nottingham Forest. Matt played a lot of rugby through school and university, and therefore heavily relied on the support of physiotherapists over the years; luckily for Action Rehab his playing days are behind him. He now dedicates his time to Action Rehab, supporting people to overcome their upper limb injuries.