About Us
At Optimal Recovery and Rehab, we are dedicated to helping you recover and restore your health with expert care. Co-directed by James O’Connor and Ben Avenia, our team works closely with Neurosurgeons, Orthopaedic surgeons, and GPs to provide tailored rehabilitation plans to meet your needs. We support people of all ages to return safely to everyday tasks, work, and the sports or hobbies they enjoy. In our supportive environment, we take time to listen, understand your goals, and create a clear, practical plan that feels manageable
Ben Avenia
Ben is the founder of Optimal Recovery Rehab and is passionate about helping clients return to full function with confidence. With extensive experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and post-operative care, Ben focuses on delivering personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each individual.
He has worked across private practice and hospital settings, supporting clients through injury recovery, surgery rehabilitation, and long-term pain management. Ben takes a results-driven approach, combining manual therapy, structured exercise programs, and education to achieve lasting outcomes.
James O’Connor
James has been a clinic physiotherapist for over a decade and offers a wealth of expertise and varied experience. During his time in the profession, he has worked with the Gold Coast Suns AFL team, multiple orthopaedic specialists and neurosurgeons; was the head of day-rehabilitation in a private hospital, pioneered a multi-tiered, sports specific injury-prevention and performance project and conducted research with both the police and armed forces.
James believes strongly in patient education and individual empowerment. Through his treatment he achieves success with his patients via a mix of exercise prescription and different manual therapies and always aims to provide clear, succinct timelines and goals for a return to function. James is available in our Greenslopes and Underwood clinics and sees Workcover, third party insured, private and Medicare with gap rebated patients.
Daniel Morrison
Dan takes a practical, results driven approach to rehabilitation, with a strong focus on building strength, improving movement, and restoring confidence in the body. He works with a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, with particular interest in post operative care and injuries that require a more structured, progressive plan.
He combines hands on treatment with gym based rehabilitation to ensure patients not only feel better, but are physically prepared for the demands of work, sport, and daily life. Dan places a strong emphasis on clear communication and measurable progress, helping patients understand their injury and stay accountable throughout their recovery.
Outside the clinic, Dan enjoys training, finding good food and coffee, and getting outdoors for hikes and weekends away.