Jacob Rua

No Gap Medicare Physio with Jacob

Jacob has been part of the PhysioCentral team for over a year and has built a strong following among patients who appreciate his calm, practical and thorough approach.

A Sutherland Shire local, Jacob has a particular interest in shoulder and low back pain, sciatica, TMJ, post-operative rehabilitation, balance problems and return to sport.

His background in orthopaedic rehabilitation has shaped his approach. Jacob likes to assess the problem carefully, identify what’s limiting movement or function, and then build a clear, step-by-step plan aligned with the patient’s goals.

He’s especially good with people who want to understand where they are now, what they should be working on, and what needs to happen next.

Special Interests

Shoulder Pain

Jacob has a strong interest in assessing and treating shoulder problems, including:

• Rotator cuff pain
• Bursitis
• Shoulder impingement
• AC joint pain
• Shoulder instability
• Frozen shoulder
• Post-operative shoulder rehabilitation

Shoulder pain can sometimes be confusing, particularly when scan findings don’t match how the shoulder actually feels.

Jacob looks at movement, strength and function to work out what’s most likely driving the problem, then builds treatment around restoring movement, strength and confidence.

Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain and sciatica are another major area of interest for Jacob.

Rather than simply treating where it hurts, he assesses how the back is moving, which activities are aggravating it, and whether mobility, strength, nerve irritation or load may be contributing.

Treatment may include hands-on therapy, mobility work, strengthening and a simple home program tailored to the individual’s needs.

The goal is not just to settle the pain but to find the root cause and help people feel confident moving again.

TMJ and Jaw Pain

Jacob also treats TMJ and jaw problems.

This may include:

• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Clicking or painful jaw movement
• Pain with chewing
• Jaw clenching or grinding
• Headaches associated with jaw tension
• Neck and jaw tension
• Reduced or painful mouth opening

Treatment may involve hands-on therapy, jaw and neck exercises, movement retraining and practical strategies to reduce irritation and improve jaw function.

Post-Operative and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation

Before joining PhysioCentral, Jacob gained experience at Kareena Private Hospital working with people recovering from orthopaedic surgery and other hospital admissions.

He enjoys helping patients through the different stages of rehabilitation following surgery or injury.

That may mean initially restoring movement and walking comfortably, then gradually rebuilding strength, balance and confidence as recovery progresses.

Jacob likes patients to understand where they are in their recovery and what the next step looks like.

Balance, Falls and Mobility

Jacob has a strong interest in helping older adults improve their balance, strength and confidence with walking.

He can assess:

• Balance
• Walking and gait
• Lower limb strength
• Mobility
• Falls risk
• Confidence with everyday movement

Treatment is practical and tailored to the individual, with exercises designed to make everyday activities safer and easier.

Sports Injuries and Return to Sport

As a lifelong footballer and coach, Jacob understands how frustrating it can be when an injury stops you doing the sport you enjoy.

He works with sporting injuries from the early stages through to strength, running, change of direction and return to training.

The aim is a planned return to sport, rather than simply waiting for the pain to disappear and hoping for the best.

Jacob’s Approach

Jacob likes to keep physiotherapy straightforward.

First, work out what’s going on.

Then identify what needs to improve.

Then build a plan to get there.

He takes the time to explain his findings in plain English and make sure patients understand what they can safely do between appointments.

Treatment may include hands-on techniques, exercise, strengthening, mobility work, balance training and activity modification depending on the problem.

For more complex injuries, Jacob also communicates with GPs, surgeons and other members of the treating team when required.

Local to the Sutherland Shire

Jacob grew up in the Sutherland Shire and is based locally in Caringbah.

Outside physiotherapy, football has played a big part in his life. He has also volunteered with Gymea United FC as a MiniRoos coordinator and junior coach.

That background has helped shape the practical, patient approach he brings to physiotherapy.

Workers’ Compensation, CTP, DVA and ADF

Jacob also treats patients under:

• Workers’ Compensation
• CTP motor vehicle accident claims
• DVA
• ADF
• Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plans

He is comfortable managing more complex rehabilitation and communicating with GPs, insurers, rehabilitation providers and other members of the treating team when required.

Appointments with Jacob

Jacob is available at PhysioCentral in Miranda on Tuesday and Friday.

Whether you’re dealing with shoulder or back pain, recovering from surgery, returning to sport, having trouble with your balance, or simply aren’t sure what to do next, Jacob can assess the problem and help you put a clear plan in place.