The Alara Story
In 2012, Physiotherapist Tara McKenzie founded Central Coast Physiolates, starting with a small room within a wellness clinic in Erina.
In 2016, Tara relocated the clinic to Holgate, creating a dedicated space to educate women on how to move well and form optimal movement habits that create long term benefits. In 2017, Tara was joined by Exercise Physiologist Nicole Syphers and Remedial Massage Therapist Alison Edge, marking the beginning of our holistic, multidisciplinary approach to women’s health.
In 2022, Tara and Alison expanded our services by opening a second clinic in Tuggerah and introducing the name Alara Women’s Health and Alara Kids. This change reflected our deepened commitment to providing comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. The dual names—Alara for our clinical “hands-on” support and PhysioPilates for functional movement training—symbolize our integrated approach to health.
Our services are dedicated to supporting women at all stages of life, including those navigating menarche, pregnancy, postnatal recovery, menopause, and healthy aging. We care for women experiencing musculoskeletal concerns, pelvic dysfunction, recovery from breast, pelvic, and blood cancers, as well as neurological conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and other invisible illnesses.
By combining hands-on clinical care with movement-focused therapy, we help women achieve lasting benefits, including improved pelvic floor and core strength, better muscle balance and function, enhanced cardiovascular fitness, strong bones and muscles along with healthy brains and mental well-being.
With over 80 years of combined experience, Tara and her team are committed to lifelong learning and fostering a collaborative team environment. We pride ourselves on maintaining integrity and excellence, ensuring every woman receives personalized, high-quality care.
Our Founders
Tara McKenzie
Tara is the visionary behind Central Coast Physiolates and Alara Women’s Health, fueled by a deep passion for elevating women’s healthcare.
As a highly skilled physiotherapist with advanced training in Women’s Health, Cancer and Lymphoedema management, Visceral Manipulation, Musculoskeletal Therapies including the Thoracic Ring Approach and PhysioPilates, Tara is a leader in her field, setting new standards for integrative and personalized care.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Tara is an active member of the APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association) Committee for Cancer, Lymphoedema, and Palliative Care, reflecting her dedication to advancing physiotherapy practices in these critical areas.
With a firm belief that movement training is the key to long-term wellness, Tara’s approach goes beyond addressing immediate concerns. She focuses on empowering women to build strength, resilience, and confidence at every stage of life. From menarche to menopause and life’s in-betweens, her tailored care supports physical, emotional, and overall well-being.
Tara is dedicated to creating a collaborative and compassionate environment where evidence-based physiotherapy meets holistic support. By integrating advanced techniques with a patient-centered approach, she ensures each woman receives comprehensive care that addresses her unique needs.
Tara’s mission is clear: to empower women to understand and take charge of their health journeys, blending innovation, expertise, and a commitment to helping every woman thrive—not just survive.
Alison Edge
