Dean Huffer is a graduate of the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Bond University, and also holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science from Adams State University in Colorado, U.S.A. Dean comes from an athletics background, and was an Australian youth champion and Victorian All Schools champion over middle distance events before going on to compete collegiately in the United States.

His interest in physiotherapy stemmed from multiple injuries that affected his progress as an athlete and a desire to provide better injury prevention and treatment services in the community.

Dean has been committed to seeking out the best in high performance practices and spent 2012 conducting research at US post-collegiate distance training centres in the lead up to the London Olympics. Recently he has been conducting research into the effectiveness of intrinsic foot musculature strength training for treating plantar fasciitis.

Dean’s treatment modalities include manual therapy, massage, joint mobilisation, dry needling, exercise rehabilitation and prescription including strength, core, balance, plyometric and running programs. His special interests include altitude physiology, junior/developing athletes and running injuries.

MEMBERSHIPS & ASSOCIATIONS

• Australian Physiotherapy Association

RESEARCH / PUBLICATIONS

• Huffer, D., Hing, W., Newton, R., & Clair, M. (2016). Strength training for plantar fasciitis and the intrinsic foot musculature: A systematic review. Physical Therapy in Sport.

CLINICAL INTERESTS

• Elite runners (middle-long distance events), Junior/developing athletes, Spinal conditions, Plantar heel pain/tendinopathies.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

• Cricket; Football; Track & Field; Cross Country

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Australian Youth (U/18) 3000m Champion, 2002
• Victorian All Schools 800m Champion, 2001 & 2003
• Adams State University – Cross Country, Track & Field