Each comeback proved the same thing: standard care isn’t built for athletes. Each rehab taught him what real recovery looks like — not what the textbook says.
About UsYou're Not Broken.
You're Not Broken.
You Haven't Been Built.
Six surgeries. Multiple comebacks. The reason Ikaika exists is because standard rehab failed first.
Founder & Physiotherapist
Meet Mana
The Athlete Behind the Method
Mana Shigematsu DPT · BSc Exercise Science · Epigenetics Coach · Dry Needling · Sports Physio L1 & 2is passion for injury rehabilitation was ignited at the age of 15 when he experienced a severe knee injury that was mismanaged for five years. He underwent his first joint surgery at the age of 20 and came to realise what the human body was capable of. Doctors told him he would not be able to perform in sport the same again, would have arthritis and his knees would not be the same again.
Fast forward — six surgeries later, he is doing all the things he wants to do pain-free.
Over the past eight years, he has worked with a massive variety of individuals — from the elderly who need falls prevention programs, to professional surfers and soccer players. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Exercise at Colorado Mesa University in 2013 and his Doctor of Physiotherapy from Bond University in 2021. He is also a certified epigenetics health coach endorsed by ph360.
Mana’s special interests and passions lie in the areas of musculoskeletal, post-operative (orthopaedic), chronic pain management, epigenetics, stroke, early-stage Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular rehab and sports physiotherapy.
He has a particular passion working with combat sports athletes, bodybuilders & fitness competitors, surfers, soccer players and baseball players.
▸Doctor of Physiotherapy, Bond University
▸BSc Exercise Science, Colorado Mesa University
▸PHA Epigenetics Coach
▸Sports Physiotherapy Level 1 & 2
▸Dry Needling Level 1
▸Stick Mobility
▸Rock Tape Soft Tissue
▸Sports Map Upper Limb Course
I had six surgeries, multiple dislocations, and doctors telling me my athletic career was over. Instead of accepting that narrative, I rebuilt myself stronger — and that's exactly what I do for every athlete who walks through our door.
You haven't been built yet. This is what The Ikaika Method is: being built stronger.
▸Rehab wards in hospital
▸In-patient Stroke Unit
▸Persistent Pain Clinic
▸Private Practice
▸NSW Police Physio & S&C
▸NDIS & WorkCover Advocate
▸Personal Training
▸Online Coaching
▸Professional combat sports athletes in and out of fight camp
▸Physiotherapist for the Gold Coast Knights First Team & U23's
Spartan Race
Spartan Race
2023 QLD Champion
8+
Years Experience
6
Personal Surgeries
100%
Athlete-First Approach
2
Gold Coast Locations
The Story
Why Ikaika Exists
That’s why Ikaika exists. It’s the clinic Mana wished existed when he was 15. Built for combat sports athletes, lifters, runners, fighters, and everyone who refuses to accept “you’ll never be the same.”
Not generic rehab. Athlete-first physiotherapy.
In Mana's Own Words
A look inside the philosophy behind the method.
Our Team
Meet the Team
Practitioners who train as hard as the people they treat.
Doctor of Physiotherapy Book with Joel Nucum ›
Joel Nucum
Joel is a Doctor of Physiotherapy with 10+ years of experience across elite sport, biomechanics research, and performance coaching. From Bond University Rugby to Stanford University’s Human Performance Lab, his approach bridges the gap between the clinic and the gym. Specialises in injury rehab, load management, and movement optimisation for combat athletes.
CTA Text: 10+ years bridging the clinic and the gym. If you want your injury fixed, not managed — Joel is your guy.
BOOK WITH JOEL
Doctor of Physiotherapy Book with Damien Tse ›
Damien Tse
Damien is a Doctor of Physiotherapy who actually competes. Active MMA athlete with Muay Thai and grappling experience — he knows what your body goes through because he’s been through it himself. Background in strength & conditioning, exercise science, and nutrition — the full toolkit.
Worked across Australia, Canada, and the USA with NCAA Division I athletes in wrestling, football, and track & field. He’s seen elite-level demands. Combines evidence-based rehabilitation with performance-focused care. Doesn’t just fix your pain — builds you back stronger.
Specialises in combat athletes and musculoskeletal conditions. Helps athletes recover, reduce injury risk, and return to training with confidence — not just “back to normal.”
BOOK WITH DAMIEN
Physiotherapist Book with Zack Derrick ›
Zack Derrick
Zack brings a high-performance edge to physiotherapy, specialising in combat sports rehabilitation and athletic development.
BOOK WITH ZACK
The team is growing
Coming Soon
Physiotherapist
New Team Member
We're expanding the team. A new physiotherapist is joining the Ikaika family — details coming shortly.
Coming Soon
Strength & Conditioning Coach
New Team Member
Adding dedicated S&C expertise to bridge the gap between the physio table and the training floor
Coming Soon
Massage Therapist
New Team Member
Remedial massage and soft tissue therapy joining the clinic to round out the full recovery offering.
Our Mission
What We're Here to Do
To show people they can achieve more than they believe — through physiotherapy and exercise.
Our Values
What We Stand For
01Integrity
02Respect
03Passion
04Commitment
Ready to Get Back in the Arena?
Your initial assessment is 60 minutes — properly diagnosed, fully understood, with a real plan from day one.
Book Your Assessment ›
Ikaika Method Ready to help you book
Hey — ready to get back in the arena?
How can we help today?
Ikaika Method · Gold Coast