ABOUT ME - DONNA MCCOOK

 With over 30 years of clinical experience in Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology, my work has always centred on helping people restore movement, reduce pain, and rebuild confidence in their bodies. Over time, I’ve developed a deep interest in clinical reasoning—understanding why people present the way they do and how to guide them toward better outcomes.

I enjoy blending lived experience, evidence, and practical insight into teaching clinicians how to navigate real-world complexity with clarity and precision.

Physiotherapist (MHSci Physio, PGD Manipulative Physiotherapy), 

Accredited Exercise Physiologist (PGD Clinically Applied Exercise Science),   

Exec MBA & Owner / Founder / ... of Medically Focused Fitness, Medfit and Back Lab. 

 My interest in exercise rehabilitation began early in my training and has shaped my entire clinical career. I have always been drawn to the complexity of musculoskeletal conditions—particularly how strength, movement quality, and load tolerance influence recovery.

Shoulders and backs are key clinical focus areas, but I also work extensively with individuals seeking health recovery and health improvement following significant life changes including major weight loss, menopause, cancer and osteoporosis.

Across my career I’ve worked in a wide range of settings, including roles in the United States and Australia, rehabilitation hospitals, spine programs, and private practice. Much of my work has centred on helping people with persistent or complex pain navigate safe, meaningful rehabilitation.

Alongside clinical work, I’ve presented at international conferences, built rehabilitation programs, and developed training for new graduates and allied health professionals. Teaching clinicians how to think, reason, and design effective rehabilitation is now a major part of what I do.

My current research explores changes in muscle tissue among people using anti-obesity medications for weight loss. This work is part of my PhD studies and complements my long-standing interest in the intersection of strength, metabolism, and optimising health. 

Through Medically Focused Fitness and BackLab, I share the frameworks and practical skills I’ve developed over decades of clinical practice. 

My aim is simple: to help clinicians build clarity, confidence, and stronger clinical reasoning so they can deliver better outcomes for the people they work with.

I continue to offer clinical appointments, teach workshops, and run full-day rehabilitation courses across Australia, with ongoing research alongside my clinical and education work.