Wa-El (Wayne) Mahmoud
Osteopath & Acupuncturist

About Dr Wael Mahmoud
Dip. Osteopathy, Master of Applied Science (Acupuncture)

Dr Wael Mahmoud is an osteopath, acupuncturist, educator, author, and international leader in dry needling education and patient safety.

With more than four decades of experience, Dr Mahmoud has built a career that combines clinical practice, higher education, professional leadership, and international teaching. He is widely recognised for his work in advancing safe, evidence-informed dry needling practice and improving educational standards for manual therapists worldwide.

Dr Mahmoud is currently the Director of CPD Health Courses in Melbourne, Australia, a role he has held since 2013. Through CPD Health Courses, he has trained more than 11,000 therapists internationally in competency-based dry needling programmes with a strong emphasis on patient safety, clinical reasoning, and evidence-informed practice.

Before this, he was Director of Sports & Spinal Group in Beaumaris, Victoria, from 1992 to 2014, and Director of Templestowe Osteopathy & Sports Injuries from 1990 to 1992. Earlier in his career, he held several senior academic and clinical leadership positions, including Senior Lecturer in the Osteopathy Program at Victoria University from 1994 to 1998, and Head of Clinic and Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics, Orthopaedics, Clinical Methods, and Osteopathic Manipulation Technique at RMIT University from 1987 to 1990. He also practised as a clinician at the British School of Osteopathy in London from 1985 to 1987.

Dr Mahmoud has also contributed to the profession through organisational leadership. He served as President of the Australian Osteopathic Association from 1990 to 1991 and remains committed to supporting the ongoing development of osteopathy and musculoskeletal practice. He has been affiliated with Osteopathy Australia since 1987 and has been a member of the International Myopain Society since 2015.

His formal education includes a Diploma of Osteopathy from the British School of Osteopathy in London, completed in 1985, and a Master of Applied Science in Acupuncture from RMIT University, completed in 2000. He has continued to expand his professional training throughout his career, including completion of CMTPT training with Myopain Seminars in 2015, the FAQ Level 3 Award in Education and Training in 2019, and advanced study in No Code AI and Machine Learning through MIT Professional Education in 2024.

Dr Mahmoud is also an author and published writer. He wrote Two Hands: The Gamechanger Guide for Manual Therapists and has published articles, including A Modern Approach to Dry Needling (2022), The Trigger Point – Dead or Alive (2019), and An Eye for an Eye: A Case Report on Holmes–Adie’s Pupil (1998). He also co-authored the 2025 paper, Safety in Dry Needling: The Role and Contributions of the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (IDNETAG), published in Rehabilitation Practice and Science.

His work extends beyond teaching and writing into international lectures, webinars, and podcasts. He has been invited to speak on dry needling, clinical practice, and professional development across a range of respected platforms and events, including the Tenth World Congress on Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Bangalore, India, in 2017. His presentations have included topics such as an osteopathic approach to tension headache, management of low back pain, and an introduction to dry needling.

In 2023, Dr Mahmoud co-founded the International Dry Needling Education & Training Advisory Group (IDNETAG) alongside Dr Jan Dommerholt. IDNETAG brings together global experts to develop international safety guidelines and educational standards to improve patient safety and strengthen clinical accountability across professions.

Reflecting his forward-thinking approach, Dr Mahmoud is also interested in how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can support modern clinician learning, knowledge systems, and professional education.

Through his clinical work, teaching, leadership, writing, and international collaboration, Dr Wael Mahmoud continues to help shape global standards in safe, evidence-informed dry needling practice.

Sophie Soleman
Sports Therapist

I'm Sophie Soleman, a Sport's Therapist working full time in a Bayside clinic. After completing the Introductory & Advanced Dry Needling training with CPD Health courses I was offered a position as a Co-Presenter.

I graduated from the Australian College of Sports Therapy (ACST), Melbourne in 2016. Prior to studying at the ACST, I completed a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University. 

While I spend most of my time in clinic working with individuals to achieve their personal goals, I love being in a teaching role on my weekends where I can help other health professionals learn and develop skills that I know will both help them achieve their goals in their profession and also help their patients.

Something you didn't know about me is that I originally had a dream to study Veterinary Science at Melbourne University due to my love of animals but moved into the human treatment field during my studies. Through my years of study and work, I have come to realise that my dream job is not one specific job, rather it's a job where I know I am helping others to achieve their goals, whether they be around pain management and musculoskeletal issues or otherwise. Helping others achieve great things is where my passion lies.

Tania Oyarzun
Physiotherapist

Hi! I’m Tania Oyarzun, a Chilean-trained physiotherapist practising at Life Ready Physio, Spearwood, WA.

I completed my degree in 2015, followed by postgraduate diplomas in Exercise Prescription and Return to Sport. Early in my career, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the Chilean National Basketball Team for several years and to spend a season with Stella Azzurra Basketball Club in Italy. Those experiences shaped my love for high-performance sport, teamwork, and helping athletes feel confident in their bodies.

I completed my first dry needling certification in Chile in 2017, and later expanded my training with CPDHC in 2022. Dry needling has become a key adjunct to my manual therapy practice — I love how precise and effective it can be when paired with solid clinical reasoning.

Since relocating to Australia in 2018 — living in Sydney and Melbourne before finally finding home in Perth — I’ve been practising as a physiotherapist here since 2021. I currently work full-time in private practice, where I focus on musculoskeletal care and helping people return to the activities they love. I’m also completing my Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at La Trobe University, which has been an amazing way to deepen my clinical reasoning and advanced MSK skills. This year, I’m also the Physiotherapist for the Cockburn Cougars in the NBL1, bringing me right back into the sporting environment that energises me.

Outside the clinic, I enjoy playing basketball and soccer, getting out on the water for stand-up paddleboarding, spending time with friends, and hosting Mambo Latino, a Spanish-language radio show that keeps me connected to my culture and community.

Skye Duncan
Osteopath

Originally a country kid, I moved to the brighter lights of Melbourne to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming a Vet. But after a year studying a combined Science and Arts Degree at Melbourne Uni, things changed course and I discovered Osteopathy.  I jumped ship, and was even taught a couple of subjects by her greatest mentor Wayne, and completed a Bachelor of Science (Clinical Science) and Master in Health Science (Osteopathy) from Victoria University in 2000. During my Masters degree, I was a part-time lecturer in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathophysiology teaching Paramedic Science students.  

The city lights started to dim and the Sunshine Coast, QLD began calling me. I quickly learnt to surf and joined the local surf lifesaving club.  

With a passion for health and chronic pain conditions, I established Noosa Osteopathy in 2004.  I've enjoyed juggling my private practice with being a Mum, Wife and musician. My 15 minutes of fame, so far, have been as a back up singer with USA tenor Josh Groban of “you raise me up” fame! 

Since moving to Queensland, I've undertaken a number of postgraduate programs including Dry Needling, Cranial and Biodynamic Osteopathy. I've also travelled as team Osteopath to Italy with the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Masters team in 2004, treated elephants at Australia Zoo and I enjoy working out with Crossfit4566 community.  

Louise Miler
Osteopath

Rebecca Officer
Physiotherapist

Terry Stewart
Osteopath

Alex Mutu
Chiropractor

Hi! I'm Dr Alex Mutu, a Perth chiropractor with a special interest in sports injury management and chronic pain. I practice at two GP clinics in the Peel region as their on-site allied health consultant and also mentor like-minded practitioners. 

I graduated with a double degree from Murdoch University in 2010 and completed postgraduate education in Sports Chiropractic and am an Internationally Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner. I also have previous experience as a Strength and Conditioning coach and worked for 10 years as the Team Chiropractor and Head Sports Trainer at Rockingham Rugby Union Football Club. 

My spare time is spent mostly with my teenage daughter, gaming, or binge-watching anime - but I will occasionally leave the house to kitesurfing or hiking. 

I completed my dry needling qualification with CPD Health Courses in 2017; a skill I have used daily in practice and now have the pleasure of teaching alongside the amazing CPD Health Courses team. I'm looking forward to meeting you in Perth soon! 

Sonja Saar
Physiotherapist

My name is Sonja and I currently live and work in Brisbane - specialising in Sports Physiotherapy and CrossFit. 

I completed an initial degree in Biomedical Science with a major in Exercise Physiology and then combined this with a Masters of Physiotherapy. This complements my keen interest in functional fitness, CrossFit and encouraging people to live healthier and happier lives. 

I currently own and run both a small private practice Physiotherapy clinic and CrossFit gym - this allows me to combine both my interests super well! In addition to my degree qualifications, I also work for CPD Health Courses, Rocktape Australia and have Level 1 Gymnastics and CrossFit qualifications. 

I love teaching dry needling to the students on the CPD health courses - it’s great to be able to safely share a modality that is so effective and watch people get excited about the results they see and skills they learn across the weekend. I look forward to meeting you on a Brisbane course soon!