Managing Pain is a private multidisciplinary pain medicine practice located at John Flynn Medical Centre. It services patients from the Gold Coast, southern Brisbane, northern NSW and beyond.
Dr Liam Ring
BSc MBBS FANZCA FFPMANZCA
Dr Ring is a Pain Medicine Specialist and Specialist Anaesthetist. He graduated from the University of Queensland before undertaking training in Anaesthesia in south-eastern Queensland and far northern New South Wales.
Subsequently he moved to Sydney to complete his training in Pain Medicine at the Michael Cousins Pain Management and Research Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital the leading centre for research and multidisciplinary management of persistent pain. Dr Ring then worked for a number of years in Sydney as a Pain Medicine Specialist and Specialist Anaesthetist at Nepean Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, Norwest Private Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital and the Northern Private Pain Centre.
Recently Dr Ring moved back to northern New South Wales and currently works as a Pain Medicine Specialist and Specialist Anaesthetist at Lismore Base Hospital, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Lismore and John Flynn Private Hospital.
Dr Ring’s professional interests include regional anaesthesia, acute pain management, interventional pain management and education. He is a regular author for Pain Management Today. He is a passionate advocate for people experiencing pain. Personally, Dr Ring enjoys being active in the outdoors, preferably surrounded by nature.
Dr Liam Ring
FFPMANZCA FANZCA
Dr Ring is a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Specialist Anaesthetist. He graduated from the University of Queensland before undertaking training in Anaesthesia in south-eastern Queensland and far northern New South Wales.
Subsequently he moved to Sydney to complete his training in Pain Medicine at the Michael Cousins Pain Management and Research Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital the leading centre for research and multidisciplinary management of persistent pain. Dr Ring then worked for a number of years in Sydney as a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Specialist Anaesthetist at Nepean Hospital, Liverpool Hospital, Norwest Private Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital and the Northern Pain Centre.
A number of years ago Dr Ring moved back to the Gold Coast and currently works as a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician and Specialist Anaesthetist at John Flynn Private Hospital, Tweed Day Surgery, Gold Coast Private Hospital and Lismore Base Hospital.
Dr Ring’s professional interests include interventional pain medicine, multidisciplinary pain medicine, acute pain medicine, regional anaesthesia and education.
Personally, Dr Ring enjoys being active in the outdoors, preferably surrounded by nature.
Dr Anthony Sayce
FFPMANZCA FRACGP JCCA
Dr Sayce is a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician, a qualified GP Anaesthetist, and a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Dr Sayce began his medical training at the University of Sydney before serving in the Australian Army where he completed multiple overseas deployments as an emergency, retrieval and primary care physician. Anthony then commenced training in Anaesthesia in Sydney and Port Macquarie. This is where he developed an interest in Pain Medicine and began using his newly acquired skills to provide care in rural and remote indigenous communities throughout Australia.
He completed formal specialist training in Pain Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Gold Coast Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre.
DR SAYCE’S AREAS OF SPECIAL INTERESTS INCLUDE:
Interventional Pain Medicine
Persistent Pelvic Pain
Neuromodulation
He is passionate about advocating for those experiencing pain and ensuring all his patients get the personal treatment and care they need in a timely manner. His creativity enables him to anticipate problems and find innovative solutions.
Dr Anthony Sayce
FFPMANZCA, FRACGP
Dr Anthony Sayce is a Specialist Pain Medicine Physician, a qualified GP Anaesthetist, and a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Dr Sayce began his medical training at the University of Sydney before serving in the Australian Army where he completed multiple overseas deployments as an emergency, retrieval and primary care physician. Anthony then commenced training in Anaesthesia in Sydney and Port Macquarie. This is where he developed an interest in Pain Medicine and began using his newly acquired skills to provide care in rural and remote indigenous communities throughout Australia. He completed his formal specialist training in Pain Management at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Gold Coast Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre.
DR SAYCE’S AREAS OF SPECIAL INTERESTS INCLUDE:
» Pain Medicine
» Interventional Pain Medicine
» Neuromodulation
» Regional Anaesthesia
He is passionate about advocating for those experiencing pain and ensuring all his patients get the personal treatment and care they need in a timely manner. His creativity enables him to anticipate problems and find innovative solutions.
Dr Thomas Chalk
FFPMANCZA, FANZCA
Dr Chalk is a dual trained Specialist Anaesthetist and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician. He Previously worked as a physiotherapist and completing his physiotherapy and exercise science degrees at Griffith on the Gold Coast in 2005. He worked in private practice with a primary focus on musculoskeletal physiotherapy, motor retraining and functional exercise including pilates.
He completed medical school on the Gold Coast at Griffith University and specialist training in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine in Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW. He completed his Pain Medicine fellowship at the Professor Tess Cramond Pain and Research Centre at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and at the Interdisciplinary Persistent Pain Centre in the Gold Coast Health Service. Dr Chalk has completed post graduate interventional training in spinal cord stimulation, spinal and peripheral joint radiofrequency ablation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation.
With a strong focus on utilising exercise to provide long term self management strategies to patients, Dr Chalk has a strong commitment to using the multidisciplinary team with a holistic approach to optimise patient outcomes. He offers a variety of diagnostic and interventional pain procedures to help patients to continue with their multidisciplinary rehabilitation so they can get back to the things they love.
Dr Chalk’s interests include treating spinal pain, neuropathic pain, regional anaesthesia, neuromodulation and treating peripheral musculoskeletal conditions including hip, knee and shoulder joint osteoarthritis. He also enjoys treating post surgical pain conditions, and pain related to complex regional pain syndrome. As an Anaesthetist he is happy to explore sedation and anaesthetic options with patients. He sees workcover, DVA, third party and self funded patients.
In his little spare time he enjoys time with his family, surfing and playing golf badly.
Dr Thomas Chalk
FFPMANZCA, FANZCA
Dr Chalk is a dual trained Specialist Anaesthetist and Specialist Pain Medicine Physician. He Previously worked as a physiotherapist and completing his physiotherapy and exercise science degrees at Griffith on the Gold Coast in 2005. He worked in private practice with a primary focus on musculoskeletal physiotherapy, motor retraining and functional exercise including pilates. He completed his medical schooling on the Gold Coast at Griffith University and Anaesthetic Training and Pain training in Southeast Queensland and Northern NSW. He completed his Pain medicine fellowship at the Professor Tess Cramond Pain and research centre at the Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital and at the Interdisciplinary persistent pain centre in the Gold Coast Health Service. He has completed post graduate interventional training in spinal cord stimulation, spinal and peripheral joint radiofrequency ablation and dorsal root ganglion stimulation. He has a strong focus on utilising exercise to provide long term self management strategies to patients. He has a strong commitment to using the multidisciplinary team with a holistic approach to optimise patient outcomes. He offers a variety of diagnostic and interventional pain procedures to help patients to continue with their multidisciplinary rehabilitation so they can get back to the things they love. He has a strong focus on treating spinal pain, neuropathic pain, regional anaesthesia, neuromodulation and treating peripheral musculoskeletal conditions including hip, knee and shoulder joint osteoarthritis. He also enjoys treating post surgical pain conditions, and pain related to complex regional pain syndrome. As an anaesthetist he is happy to explore sedation and anaesthetic options with patients. He sees workcover, DVA, third party and self funded patients. In his little spare time he enjoys time with his family, surfing and playing golf badly.
Dr Paul Masterman
BSc(Hons) PhD(Clinical Psychology)
Paul is a clinical psychologist specialising in the management of persistent pain. He has over 20 years’ experience working in public hospitals, private practice and community settings.
Paul helps people who live with chronic pain to understand the role that central nervous system sensitivity can play in their experience of long-term pain. CNS sensitivity has strong associations with anxiety and mood and the distress that comes with chronic pain. This understanding of how we experience pain opens opportunities for a range of psychological strategies to create positive change, improve quality of life and to reduce pain.
Dr Paul Masterman
BSc(Hons) PhD(Clinical Psychology)
Paul is a clinical psychologist specialising in the management of persistent pain. He has over 20 years’ experience working in public hospitals, private practice and community settings.
Paul helps people who live with chronic pain to understand the role that central nervous system sensitivity can play in their experience of long-term pain. CNS sensitivity has strong associations with anxiety and mood and the distress that comes with chronic pain. This understanding of how we experience pain opens opportunities for a range of psychological strategies to create positive change, improve quality of life and to reduce pain.
Mr Samuel Greenfield
BPhty PGCert (Pain)
Sam graduated from Otago University in 2007. He began his career as a physiotherapist in Christchurch, where he mainly assessed and treated high school students, giving him invaluable experience in adolescent injury management.
Building on this experience, he managed several sports teams between 2008 – 2011, including holding the position of head sports medic for several high school and men’s premier division teams as well as working with the U20s Canterbury Crusaders team.
In 2011 he moved to the Gold Coast and joined All About Physio, where he has built up specialist skills in post-operative and work rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and gym programs. Sam has undertaken further training in dry needling, clinical pilates, and functional strength training. In 2017 Sam completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Pain and Pain Management. His training in such varied areas gives him a unique perspective when helping pain patients achieve their goals.
Sam has also developed a unique class at All About Physio, which incorporates clinical pilates, functional strength training and meditation; this currently runs on a Wednesday evening. When he’s not in the clinic there’s a very good chance he’s out in the surf.
Sam Greenfield
BPhty, P.G Cert (Pain)
Sam graduated from Otago University in 2007. He began his career as a physiotherapist in Christchurch, where he mainly assessed and treated high school students, giving him invaluable experience in adolescent injury management.
Building on this experience, he managed several sports teams between 2008 – 2011, including holding the position of head sports medic for several high school and men’s premier division teams as well as working with the U20s Canterbury Crusaders team.
In 2011 he moved to the Gold Coast and joined All About Physio, where he has built up specialist skills in post-operative and work rehabilitation, hydrotherapy and gym programs. Sam has undertaken further training in dry needling, clinical pilates, and functional strength training. In 2017 Sam completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Pain and Pain Management. His training in such varied areas gives him a unique perspective when helping pain patients achieve their goals.
Sam has also developed a unique class at All About Physio, which incorporates clinical pilates, functional strength training and meditation; this currently runs on a Wednesday evening. When he’s not in the clinic there’s a very good chance he’s out in the surf.
Dr Duncan Sanders
PhD, MScMed (Pain Mgmt), MPhty, BExSci
Duncan is a Senior Lecturer for the Master of Medicine (Pain Management), Sydney Medical School at the Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney and he is a Pain Management Physiotherapist. He completed his Ph.D. at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings’s College London. His Ph.D. exploring the brain mechanisms and modulation of persistent pain using modern neuroimaging techniques, which was nominated for the Kings College London graduate school prize. Over the last four years, his research focus has shifted from neurobiological mechanism of pain, to look at clinically relevant work focused on early identification, prevention, and management of chronic pain-related disability. He is currently working with colleagues on a project looking at early screening and intervention across the Primary Health Networks in Australia, which is jointly supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and the Australian Prevention Partnership Centre.
Clinically Duncan has worked as a Physiotherapist in various settings, including pain clinics, the British Military, private practice and large tertiary hospitals. He was the Educational Development Physiotherapist and Clinical Specialist in Pain Management at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London. His main area of interest over the last 15 years has been in multidisciplinary pain management, working in world-renowned facilities including the Michael J Cousins Pain Management and Research Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, and the UNPUT Pain Management Unit, St Thomas’ Hospital, London.
He is the past chair, vice-chair and current committee member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association NSW Pain Group. Many moons ago Duncan loved playing rugby. Now he enjoys running and loves skiing, almost as must as hanging out with his wife and two boys, 6yrs and 7yrs old.
Dr Duncan Sanders
PhD, MScMed (Pain Mgmt), MPhty, BExSci
Duncan is a Senior Lecturer for the Master of Medicine (Pain Management), Sydney Medical School at the Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney and he is a Pain Management Physiotherapist. He completed his Ph.D. at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings’s College London. His Ph.D. exploring the brain mechanisms and modulation of persistent pain using modern neuroimaging techniques, which was nominated for the Kings College London graduate school prize. Over the last four years, his research focus has shifted from neurobiological mechanism of pain, to look at clinically relevant work focused on early identification, prevention, and management of chronic pain-related disability. He is currently working with colleagues on a project looking at early screening and intervention across the Primary Health Networks in Australia, which is jointly supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and the Australian Prevention Partnership Centre.
Clinically Duncan has worked as a Physiotherapist in various settings, including pain clinics, the British Military, private practice and large tertiary hospitals. He was the Educational Development Physiotherapist and Clinical Specialist in Pain Management at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London. His main area of interest over the last 15 years has been in multidisciplinary pain management, working in world-renowned facilities including the Michael J Cousins Pain Management and Research Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, and the UNPUT Pain Management Unit, St Thomas’ Hospital, London.
He is the past chair, vice-chair and current committee member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association NSW Pain Group. Many moons ago Duncan loved playing rugby. Now he enjoys running and loves skiing, almost as must as hanging out with his wife and two boys, 6yrs and 7yrs old.
Mrs Zara Howard
APA titled Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
Zara has a strong interest in pelvic and sexual pain conditions. In 2018, Zara completed her Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy (Major in Continence and Women’s Health), at Curtin University. This dedication to her work and study allows Zara to be classified as an Australian Physiotherapy of Australia (APA) Titled Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. In other words, you can rest assured you are receiving a high quality service from a trusted and highly credentialed provider.
Zara has worked alongside Urogynaecology doctors and nurses in the public health service for 7 years. In this role she was the Senior Physiotherapist in the physiotherapy-led Pelvic Health Clinic (2016-2023). In this clinic she treated women with incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and tears after birth. Prior to this Zara’s career experience was in inpatient and outpatient Women’s Health services.
Research and best practice care is paramount to Zara. Over the last 7 years Zara has published peer-reviewed research articles surrounding Pelvic Health and optimal provision of healthcare.
Mr Paul Stokes
BHMS, BPhty, Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) (in progress).
Paul is a physiotherapist with a specialist interest in assisting people with persistent pain.
Paul graduated with degrees in physiotherapy and exercise in 1993.After a broad career in hospitals, private practice, sporting teams, and community settings, over the last decade Paul has focussed exclusively on assisting people with persistent pain and pain related conditions.
Paul is a member of the Australian Pain Society, the International Association of the Study of Pain, and the Pain Special Interest Group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Paul has studied extensively in the field of pain management with the Neuro-Orthopaedic Institute and is currently completing post-graduate Masters of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) at the University of Sydney.
Paul takes a holistic, mind-body approach to assist people who are recovering from persistent pain. Using exercise, activity, pain neuroscience education, mindfulness, a little bit of humour, as well as incorporating emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality, Paul will work closely with you in developing your recovery plan.
Ms Sophie Callen
Health Psychologist
Sophie is a Registered Psychologist with a Master’s degree in Health Psychology from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor of Psychological Science with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide. She is currently working towards her endorsement in health psychology. During her studies, Sophie carried out research examining online social support miscarriage and young Australian women’s experiences of endometriosis.
In her clinical practice, Sophie has a warm, empathetic approach, placing the client’s individual needs at the core of each session. She highly values the power of a strong therapeutic relationship, and wants to ensure that you feel heard, validated and understood during your time in sessions.
Sophie brings experience from private practice and hospital settings assisting clients with a range of concerns across the lifespan. Sophie has a particular interest in supporting clients with chronic pain to live a meaningful life in the presence of health challenges. She is passionate about the interplay between physical and mental health and applying evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based interventions to empower clients to improve their quality of life.
In her spare time, Sophie enjoys yoga, surfing, running, and spending time with her friends, family and labradoodle Murray.
Ms Noa Rotenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Noa is a Clinical Psychologist dedicated and passionate about creating an inclusive, diverse, supportive, and communicative environment where all clinicians, clients, and support networks can thrive and collaborate to reach their full potential and goals. Noa actively supports her team at Managing Pain, as well as allied health professionals and organisations, by providing education and advocating for all-round Health and Wellbeing.
Mr Peter St Henry
Dietician
Peter is committed to help anyone who is wanting to improve their eating habits including diet and weight loss. He has helped many people control their health concerns including diabetes, weight, cholesterol and food sensitivities through simple yet powerful dietary changes.
If you are looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to help you with your food choices, you are in the right place.
Peter has over 20 years experience helping people change their lifestyle, combining evidence based advice along with novel and proven strategies. You will see through simple and sustainable changes the amazingly powerful results that will transform your health and your life.
