Luke Buchanan – Primal Physiotherapist

Introducing Luke:

Hi, I’m Luke Buchanan, one of the physiotherapists here at Primal Physiotherapy. I completed my Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. Physiotherapy has given me an incredible platform to combine two of my biggest interests: human movement and helping people. While my work is centered around movement, it also happens to be a big part of my personal life—particularly through my long-standing passion for ice hockey. I’ve played for over 12 years now (yes, it’s a bit niche in Australia, but I love it!).

Outside of the clinic and the ice rink, you’ll usually find me staying active in other ways—whether that’s in the gym, out on a golf course losing more balls than I’d like to admit, or out in nature camping with mates. I also spend a lot of time walking my four dogs (yep, four!). It’s a blended family situation—my partner and I each had two dogs when we met, and now we’ve got a very energetic, very hairy crew that keeps us on our toes. They bring a lot of chaos and even more joy into our lives.

Lately, I’ve also developed a bit of an unexpected love for reading—especially around topics like pain science and the mechanisms behind chronic pain. I find it fascinating how much we’re learning about the brain, the nervous system, and how our experiences shape how we feel pain. Understanding these concepts helps me become a better clinician and guide for my patients. And when I need a break from the deep-dive into neuroscience, I’ve started enjoying fiction audiobooks on my walks—it’s a good way to balance things out.

What I Stand For

To be completely honest, I didn’t always know I’d end up in physiotherapy. Like a lot of people fresh out of high school, I went into university not entirely sure what my long-term path would look like. But through a mix of personal experiences, reflection, and some great conversations with people in a range of professions, I came to realise that helping others was what genuinely motivated me.

Before studying physio, I worked in hospitality for years. It might not seem related at first glance, but that experience taught me so much about people—how to read situations, connect quickly, and make someone’s day a bit better. That kind of interpersonal skill is something I still use daily in the clinic. At one point, I even considered pursuing medicine, but I soon realised my real interest didn’t lie in prescriptions or surgeries—it was in human movement and the body’s natural capacity to recover and adapt. I saw how impactful movement could be not just in injury recovery, but also in mental and emotional wellbeing. That’s what led me to physiotherapy.

What I love most about being a physio is watching people progress—especially when they’ve been stuck or frustrated. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping someone finally understand what’s going on with their body, building their confidence, and seeing them return to what they love doing. So many people come to physio feeling like they’ve been let down by the system or told they just have to live with their pain. I aim to offer something different: clarity, direction, and support.

How I Can Help

Every patient’s story is different, and I take pride in offering a tailored, human-first approach to physiotherapy. I believe that good physio isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about listening, educating, and collaborating to find what works best for you. Here’s how I typically work with clients:

• Helping you understand your pain—where it’s coming from, what it means, and what we can do about it.

• Using manual therapy to reduce discomfort and improve movement, whether that’s through massage, joint mobilisations, or other hands-on techniques.

• Developing realistic, practical exercise programs that you can actually stick to—no overly complicated routines or unrealistic expectations.

• Providing a clear roadmap for your recovery, and if needed, referring you to other professionals who can help along the way.

• Supporting the psychological side of injury and pain—because feeling stuck, scared, or unsure is a very real part of the journey, and one that deserves just as much attention as the physical side.

Above all, I want you to feel empowered. My job isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to work alongside you, guide you, and give you the tools you need to move forward. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury, ongoing pain, or just want to perform better in your sport or daily life, my goal is to help you feel more confident, informed, and in control.

At the end of the day, I believe physiotherapy should feel hopeful. You should leave the clinic with a better understanding of your body, a plan that makes sense, and a bit of optimism—even if the road ahead has its ups and downs. I’m here to walk that road with you, every step of the way.