Fix the Battery, Not Just the Machine
Most chronic pain and fatigue stem from cellular inefficiency, not just mechanical failure. As your Functional Nutrition Physiotherapist, I combine blood chemistry analysis with metabolic science to identify exactly where your system is breaking down.
Why Metabolic Physio
We Don't Guess, We Test
Three layers of diagnostic testing to find what's actually holding you back — not just what's "in range."
50+ Biomarker Blood Panel
Far beyond a standard GP panel. We test insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), inflammation (hsCRP), methylation (homocysteine), iron studies, thyroid, and key nutrients.
Included in all services
DEXA Body Composition
Medical-grade imaging that measures visceral fat (the dangerous kind around your organs), lean muscle mass, and bone mineral density — data you can't get from scales.
Blueprint & Deep Dive
Organic Acids Test (OAT)
A urine test that reveals how your mitochondria are actually producing energy, plus markers for neurotransmitters, gut dysbiosis, and detoxification capacity.
Deep Dive only
Targeted Nutrient Correction Protocols
No generic supplements. Based on your results, we prescribe practitioner-grade formulas specific to your deficiencies, combined with targeted physio protocols to address the root cause.
How It Works
Your Telehealth Metabolic Assessment Journey
From booking to blueprint—a streamlined telehealth process designed to get you answers, not runarounds.
The Booking
Select your package and book your consultation online. Consultation payment is taken upfront to secure your spot.
The Lab Orders
Within 24 hours, you'll receive emails to book your tests: i-Screen for bloods (all clients), DEXA imaging (Blueprint & Deep Dive), and NutriPath for your OAT kit (Deep Dive).
Complete Your Tests
Visit a collection centre for bloods, book your DEXA scan at a partner clinic, and Deep Dive clients collect their OAT urine sample at home for courier pickup.
The Blueprint
We analyse your data before the call. You receive a bespoke protocol including targeted clinical recommendations for professional-grade nutrients via Vital.ly.
Services & Pricing
Metabolic Testing & Functional Nutrition Services: Australia-Wide Telehealth
Metabolic Physiotherapy uses objective data—blood chemistry and functional testing—to identify the physiological roadblocks limiting your recovery and performance. All consultations are conducted via secure telehealth video, giving you access to specialized care from anywhere in Australia. This isn't about chasing symptoms; it's about understanding your unique biology and building a plan to optimize it.
Standard Care vs. Forensic Performance
See how our targeted approach compares to conventional options
| Criteria | Standard GP (Sick Care) | Executive Longevity (Premium Programs) | Metabolic Physio (Our Approach) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Managing Disease | General Longevity | Peak Mitochondrial & Physical Recovery |
| Diagnostic Depth | Basic Pathology | Oversized "Catch-All" Panels | Targeted Metabolic + Organic Acids (OAT) |
| Clinical Intervention | Pharmaceutical / Wait-and-See | Generic Lifestyle Apps | Targeted Supplementation + Bio-mechanical Rehab |
| Accessibility | High Volume / Short Consults | $3k – $10k Annual Commitments | High-Value, Clinically Guided "Pay-As-You-Go" |
| Total Biomarkers | ~10–15 | 50–200+ | 50+ (Audit) / 130+ (Deep Dive) |
The Metabolic Audit
50+ Biomarker Blood Panel & Forensic Analysis
$199 physio consultation + ~$250 lab fee
You pay $199 now — lab fee paid later to i-Screen
- 50+ biomarker blood panel
- HOMA-IR, hsCRP, Homocysteine
- Full lipids, nutrients, liver/kidney
- Forensic-level interpretation
Medicare rebates may apply with CDMP
The Metabolic Blueprint
Blood Panel + DEXA Body Composition
$299 physio + ~$250 bloods + ~$99 DEXA
You pay $299 now — lab fees paid later to providers
- Everything in Metabolic Audit
- DEXA body composition scan
- Visceral fat measurement
- Lean mass & bone density
Medicare rebates may apply with CDMP
The Metabolic Deep Dive
130+ Biomarkers + OAT + DEXA
$549 physio + ~$250 bloods + ~$491 OAT + ~$99 DEXA
You pay $549 now — lab fees paid later to providers
- Everything in Metabolic Blueprint
- Organic Acids Test (OAT)
- Mitochondrial function markers
- Neurotransmitters & gut health
Medicare rebates may apply with CDMP
Review & Refine Follow-up
30-minute consultation to adjust protocols, review progress, and troubleshoot any issues. Stay on track with your metabolic optimisation.
Understanding the Pricing
Why are prices approximate (~)?
Lab fees can vary slightly based on your location and the specific collection centre you visit. The estimates shown are typical costs.
What do I pay when I book?
You only pay the physiotherapy consultation fee upfront. This secures your appointment and covers the detailed analysis and consultation.
Where do I pay the lab fees?
Lab and imaging fees are paid directly to the providers — i-Screen for blood panels, NutriPath for OAT kits, and your chosen DEXA imaging centre. You'll receive separate payment links from each provider after booking.
Understanding Your Rebates & Out-of-Pocket Costs
As a registered Physiotherapist, my services are eligible for Medicare and Private Health rebates
| Service Type | Medicare Rebate | Your Potential Gap |
|---|---|---|
Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) Requires GP referral with valid EPC/CDM plan | ~$60.35 | Audit: $138.65 Blueprint: $238.65 Deep Dive: $488.65 Follow-up: $79.65 |
Private Health Insurance (Physiotherapy) HICAPS available for eligible extras cover | Variable (HICAPS) | Depends on your policy & annual limits |
Important: Please bring your GP referral for CDMP processing. Medicare rebates apply to the consultation fee only—lab fees and imaging costs are separate and not rebatable through Medicare.
Why We Test Differently
Blood Chemistry Markers Your GP May Be Missing
Standard GP blood tests often miss critical markers. Here's how our comprehensive panel uncovers what others overlook.
HOMA-IR Score
Most standard tests only look at Glucose. We use your Fasting Insulin and Glucose to calculate a HOMA-IR score, identifying metabolic dysfunction years before it becomes a problem.
High-Sensitivity CRP (hsCRP)
We use this highly sensitive marker to detect low-grade systemic inflammation that standard tests often miss—critical for understanding slow injury recovery and persistent pain.
Homocysteine
This amino acid is a window into your methylation process. If it's high, your energy production, DNA repair, and nervous system health are at risk.
Full Nutrient Baseline
We don't just check if you're "anaemic." We look at Ferritin, Vitamin D, and essential minerals like Magnesium to ensure your cellular "battery" has the raw materials it needs to function.
Case Study
The Forensic Deep Dive: Connecting the Dots
See how we integrate Blood Chemistry, Organic Acids Testing, and DEXA imaging to build a complete metabolic blueprint—and the targeted protocols that follow.
Illustrative Example
The "Tired Professional"
42-year-old, desk-based work, exercises 3x/week but "never sees results"
Blood Chemistry
"The Fuel System"
Key Findings
The Insight
GP said glucose was "fine." But the pancreas is working overtime to maintain it. This hidden insulin resistance explains the weight plateau and energy crashes.
Organic Acids Test
"The Engine"
Key Findings
The Insight
The Krebs Cycle is stalling at step one. Elevated citrate + pyruvate indicates B-vitamin cofactor insufficiency—the mitochondria can't convert fuel to ATP efficiently.
DEXA Scan
"Body, Bone & Foundation"
Key Findings
The Insight
Normal BMI masks the real issue: high visceral fat + low muscle + early bone loss. The "Skinny Fat" phenotype drives insulin resistance, while reduced mechanical loading accelerates BMD decline—a hidden fracture risk.
Connecting the Dots
Low Muscle
→ Fewer glucose "sinks"
High VAT
→ Inflammatory cytokines
Krebs Stall
→ ATP deficit despite eating
The Vicious Cycle: Low muscle mass reduces metabolic rate → excess energy stored as visceral fat → VAT releases inflammatory signals → mitochondrial efficiency drops further → fatigue worsens → exercise feels impossible → muscle loss continues.
Targeted Intervention
The Protocol
1Mitochondrial Support
- Activated B-Complex — addressing pyruvate bottleneck
- CoQ10 (Ubiquinol) — electron transport chain support
- Magnesium Glycinate — ATP synthesis cofactor
2Insulin Sensitization
- Berberine — AMPK activation, glucose uptake
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid — insulin sensitivity + antioxidant
- Chromium — glucose tolerance factor
3Muscle Building Rx
- Progressive Resistance — prioritize compound lifts
- Protein Timing — 1.6-2.2g/kg, spread across meals
- Creatine Monohydrate — ATP regeneration + muscle
4Lifestyle Modifications
- Post-Meal Walks — 10-15 min to blunt glucose spikes
- Time-Restricted Eating — 10hr window for mitophagy
- Sleep Optimisation — 7-9hrs for recovery + HGH
"Muscle is Metabolic Currency"
Building lean mass is the single most powerful intervention for insulin sensitivity, metabolic rate, and longevity.
Scott Dunford
• Clinical NoteMetabolic Physiotherapist
"This is why standard care misses the mark. A GP sees normal glucose and says 'you're fine.' An executive health check orders 200 tests without connecting them. We see the pattern: your engine is stalling (OAT), running on low-quality fuel (blood chemistry), with a body that can't support the load (DEXA). Fix the mitochondria, build the muscle, and the insulin resistance resolves. That's forensic metabolic medicine."
Meet The Practitioner
AHPRA-Registered Metabolic Physiotherapist: Why Standard Care Wasn't Enough
Scott Dunford
Metabolic Physiotherapist
After years in clinical practice, I noticed a frustrating pattern: many patients weren't failing because of poor technique or weak muscles—they were failing because their bodies' underlying systems weren't supporting recovery. Persistent fatigue, stubborn inflammation, and slow tissue healing often pointed to something deeper than a mechanical problem.
That observation led me to metabolic health. I use comprehensive blood chemistry panels and the Organic Acids Test (OAT) to go beyond the surface. We're not just looking for disease; we're identifying the physiological roadblocks—like nutrient deficiencies, inflammatory loads, and cellular energy issues—that are hijacking your body's capacity to heal and perform.
This data transforms how we approach your physiotherapy. It helps us understand the "why" behind your condition, allowing me to build a complete, evidence-informed plan that supports your body's recovery from the inside out.
Credentials & Training
AHPRA-Registered Physiotherapist
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
Member in good standing
ACNEM Training
Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine — providing the framework to interpret functional pathology and integrate it into evidence-informed physiotherapy care.
Conditions We Support
Chronic Fatigue & Slow Recovery Support: Is This Approach Right for You?
Metabolic Physiotherapy is designed for those who feel stuck—people whose symptoms haven't responded to conventional approaches alone.
Persistent Fatigue
Supporting those experiencing unexplained tiredness by identifying potential metabolic drivers affecting cellular energy production.
Systemic Inflammation
Identifying inflammatory markers and physiological factors that may be contributing to widespread discomfort and slow recovery.
Slow Injury Recovery
Managing tissue healing by identifying nutrient insufficiencies and metabolic factors that may be delaying your recovery timeline.
Chronic Pain with Metabolic Links
Supporting pain management by exploring underlying metabolic dysfunction that traditional approaches may have overlooked.
Performance Optimisation
For athletes and high-performers seeking to identify metabolic opportunities to enhance recovery, energy, and physical output.
Not Sure If This Is You?
Take our quick quiz to find out which assessment matches your health profile.
FAQ
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about Metabolic Physiotherapy and our telehealth services.
No referral is required to book a consultation with me. However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate ($61.80 per session), you will need a valid Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan from your GP. I recommend speaking to your GP about obtaining one if you have a chronic condition. Without this plan, you can still access all services—you simply pay the full consultation fee.
Metabolic Physiotherapy is fundamentally data-driven. While traditional physio often requires hands-on assessment, my approach centres on analysing your results—blood chemistry panels, DEXA body composition scans, and Organic Acids Testing—to identify physiological factors affecting your recovery. During our secure video consultation, I interpret this data, discuss your symptoms and history, and provide a personalised protocol covering movement, lifestyle modifications, and targeted support strategies. It's about using objective data to guide your care, not just manual therapy.
Absolutely. All video consultations are conducted via secure, encrypted platforms that comply with Australian healthcare privacy standards. Your health records are stored on Australian-hosted servers and managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and AHPRA guidelines. I take your data security seriously—your information is never shared without your explicit consent.
This depends on the service you choose. The Metabolic Audit includes a 50+ biomarker blood panel through i-Screen. The Metabolic Blueprint adds a DEXA body composition scan (measuring visceral fat, lean mass, and bone density). The Metabolic Deep Dive includes everything plus the Organic Acids Test (OAT) through NutriPath for mitochondrial and gut health markers. I'll guide you through the ordering process and explain costs before you commit.
Practitioner-grade supplements differ from retail brands in several key ways: higher bioavailability, clinical-strength dosing, and third-party purity testing. These formulations are designed to address specific deficiencies identified in your results. For the Metabolic Audit, I use your blood chemistry to identify foundational nutrient gaps. For the Blueprint, DEXA data helps refine recommendations for body composition goals. For the Deep Dive, OAT data allows for precision-targeted nutrients to support specific mitochondrial pathways and cellular energy production. All recommendations are accessible via Vital.ly—a secure platform with direct-to-door delivery. Supplement costs are not included in consultation fees.
No. The nutrient recommendations are clinical suggestions based on your individual data—you have full control over what you choose to order through the Vital.ly portal. My role is to identify nutrient deficiencies and recommend targeted support; the decision to purchase is entirely yours.
This approach is designed for individuals who feel 'stuck'—those experiencing persistent fatigue, slow injury recovery, chronic pain that hasn't responded to traditional treatment, or anyone looking to optimise their physical performance through a deeper understanding of their metabolic health. If you've been told 'everything looks normal' but you still don't feel right, this data-driven approach may provide the insights you've been missing.
Get Started
Ready to Find Your Fix?
Stop guessing and start testing. Get a precise protocol to optimize your cellular health and solve chronic performance issues for good.
Metabolic Health Insights
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