Derek Hyde-Lay
Melbourne,VIC
Summary
Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a demonstrated ability of working in professional and elite sport autonomously and within an MDT. I have contributed positively to each environment I have worked within bringing new ideas and enthusiasm. My strong work ethic, positive attitude, and clinical ability has made me an asset to any medical team.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physiotherapist & 2IC
Power House Rugby Union Club
Melbourne
01.2021 - Current
- Provided elite physiotherapy services to senior men’s, women’s and colts squads across training and competition.
- Delivered acute pitch-side care, including concussion management, spinal assessments, and on-field injury decisions.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify injury risks and implement preventative strategies.
- Designed and implemented rehabilitation programs, ensuring safe and progressive return-to-play.
- Collaborated with MDT and coaches to align injury prevention with performance goals.
- Supported athlete recovery strategies, including education, manual therapy, and load management.
Pathways Physiotherapist
Melbourne Rebels/Rugby Victoria Pathways and Academy Squads
Melbourne
01.2024 - Current
- Managed musculoskeletal injuries and return-to-play plans for elite development players.
- Liaised with doctors and coaching staff to ensure integrated athlete management.
- Assisted in load monitoring, providing feedback on training volumes and recovery strategies.
- Delivered both individual and group rehab sessions, embedding rehab within team training.
Physiotherapist
Life Performance Sports Medicine
Melbourne
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to develop personalized treatment plans for patients backed by VALD objective testing.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to enhance patient mobility and recovery.
- Managed a varied caseload of recreational and elite athletes, post-surgical clients, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
- Supported local sporting clubs with coverage and injury management.
- Educated patients on load management, injury prevention, and exercise adherence.
- Integrated strength & conditioning principles into rehabilitation to bridge the gap from clinic to sport.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and optimize patient outcomes.
Sports Trainer - Umpires
Australian Football League
Melbourne
2021 - 2023
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic techniques to enhance patient mobility and recovery.
- Provided emergency care, first aid and initial evaluations for any injury occurring on field or during practice.
- Communicated with high performance staff about athlete management.
Physiotherapist
Perform Physio + Pilates
Melbourne
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Assessing, treating, and developing rehab programs for a diverse case load
- Design and supervise 1 on 1 and small group clinical Pilates rehab sessions.
- Communication within the clinic team, and with GPs, sports doctors and surgeons to provide the highest level of patient care.
Education
Doctor of Physiotherapy -
University of Melbourne
11-2022
Bachelor of Kinesiology -
University of Calgary
06-2017
Skills
- Acute pitch-side care & emergency response (including concussion & spinal management)
- Evidence-based injury assessment & differential diagnosis
- Individualized rehabilitation & return-to-play programming
- Load monitoring & prevention strategies
- VALD Strength and Performance assessment
- Manual therapy, exercise-based rehab, dry needling & taping
- Medical kit packing and organization for travelling tour teams
- Collaboration with medical, coaching & S&C teams
- Athlete education, recovery protocols & wellbeing support
Accomplishments
Winning the 2024 & 2025 Dewer Shield Grand Final (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade) with Power House RUFC
Affiliations
- Member – Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
- Member – Sports Medicine Australia
Certification
- Immediate Care in Rugby Level 2
- ASCA Level 1
- World Rugby Concussion Management for Medical Practitioners
- Member of the APA and AHPRA
- Sports Physiotherapy Level 1 – APA
- Dry Needling Certification
- Ongoing CPD in sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance physiotherapy
Timeline
Pathways Physiotherapist
Melbourne Rebels/Rugby Victoria Pathways and Academy Squads
01.2024 - Current
Physiotherapist
Life Performance Sports Medicine
01.2024 - Current
Physiotherapist
Perform Physio + Pilates
01.2023 - 01.2024
Physiotherapist & 2IC
Power House Rugby Union Club
01.2021 - Current
Sports Trainer - Umpires
Australian Football League
2021 - 2023
Doctor of Physiotherapy -
University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Kinesiology -
University of Calgary