About
Helping people move better, recover well and stay active long-term
Focus Rehab is an exercise physiology practice based in Lismore, supporting people through injury rehabilitation, chronic pain and long-term health conditions. Our work centres on practical, individualised exercise – helping people find movement that is relevant to both their condition and their capacity.
For over 30 years, Focus Rehab has grown through word of mouth and trusted referrals, working closely with medical specialists and allied health professionals to support complex and unresolved cases.
Michael Woods, Exercise Physiologist
Michael Woods is an Exercise Physiologist with over 30 years of clinical experience across rehabilitation, chronic pain and injury management. His background includes sports science, athletics and rugby league coaching, alongside decades of work in both independent and multidisciplinary clinical settings.
Michael’s approach is grounded in practical, individualised exercise prescription – helping people move safely, confidently and with purpose. He takes a long-term, collaborative view of care, particularly for clients whose recovery has been complex or unresolved.
Lauren Nagorka, Exercise Physiologist
Lauren Nagorka is an Exercise Physiologist at Focus Rehab, working alongside Michael to support recovery, strength and long-term movement health. She brings a calm, considered and people-first approach to rehabilitation, combining evidence-based exercise with a strong understanding of how pain, confidence and daily life intersect.
She is committed to creating flexible, supportive care that helps clients feel capable, informed and actively involved in their recovery.
Lauren also consults from Ballina on selected days, allowing Focus Rehab to support clients across the Northern Rivers.
At Focus Rehab, we believe that effective rehabilitation goes beyond short-term fixes. Meaningful recovery happens when exercise is tailored, progressive and relevant – not just to a diagnosis, but to each person.
Exercise physiology plays a vital role in modern healthcare, particularly for chronic pain, long-term conditions and post-surgical rehabilitation. Our role is to bridge the gap between medical care and real-world movement, helping people rebuild strength, confidence and independence over time.
Exercise is most effective when it is specific. We take time to understand each person’s condition, history and goals, then prescribe exercise that is appropriate, achievable and adaptable.
A significant part of our work focuses on chronic pain and long-term conditions. Many clients come to Focus Rehab after other approaches have failed, requiring a flexible and considered path forward.
We work closely with surgeons and medical specialists to support recovery before and after surgery. Our focus is on restoring function, reducing setbacks and helping people return to movement safely and confidently.
An Exercise Physiologist specialises in prescribing exercise for rehabilitation, chronic conditions and injury recovery. Unlike general exercise or short-term therapy, the focus is on structured, evidence-based movement tailored to medical and physical needs.
Physiotherapy often focuses on acute injury management and hands-on treatment. Exercise physiology is centred on long-term rehabilitation through progressive exercise – particularly for chronic pain, post-operative recovery and ongoing conditions.
Referrals are common and welcome, particularly from GPs and specialists, but they are not always required. We can advise on referral pathways, including Medicare and chronic disease management plans where applicable.
We work with people across all stages of life – from injury rehabilitation to chronic pain management, post-surgical recovery and long-term movement support.
Many of our clients come to us after previous exercise attempts have been difficult or unsuccessful. Our role is to make exercise relevant, achievable and safe — adjusting the approach to suit both the condition and the individual.