Physiotherapist
BSc(Physio), M Sports Medicine
Member APA
Main interests: Treatment of neck and spinal pain and headaches, dizziness and vertigo (including BPPV), dry needling and stability/core control retraining.
Helen has over 20years experience as a Physio and over 11years of Physio Pilates Instructor experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy Johannesburg, South Africa a Masters degree in Sports Medicine.
Helen has lectured to Post graduate Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy which involved keeping up with current best practice and supervising Physios in practical techniques, clinical assessments and treatments and case presenations, as well as examining these students.
Helen has attended many courses and symposium to keep her skills up to date and has also been an Invited Speaker for many lectures and courses.
Personally she achieved provincial colours for Gymnastics and 2 University Half Blues.
Helen’s Story
I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa in a suburb called Westville, which is quite similar to the suburb I live in here. I was the middle child, having 2 brothers, one older and one younger than me. Growing up, we were always playing sport or watching it. My brothers both played soccer and my older brother was Kwazulu Natal (KZN) number 1 squash player for many years and my younger brother a great tennis player. I was a gymnast – attending 5 days a week and also coaching younger gymnasts. I represented Kwazulu Natal gymnastics for 7 years and then Southern Transvaal for 2 years while I attended Wits University in Johannesburg. My parents taught me a strong work ethic, and the importance of family. My Dad was my champion and I greatly respected how he overcame adversity.
I was always interested in the medical field but did not want to be a doctor, nurse and when I put my interest in sport and medicine together, I thought Physio would be the right field. I decided this in grade nine, chose my subjects at school, then applied for Physio in grade 12.
After University, I worked in a hospital for 2 years, before starting in a private practice that was largely sport and manual therapy/rehab orientated. During this time, I continued some gymnastics coaching. In 1996, a friend and I bought that practice from our boss. In 1996/7, I completed a Masters in Medical science (sport). This was also the year that I met my husband Brad. At the end of 2000, I bought my partners shares and became the sole owner of the practice.
The political situation and increasing level of violent crime in South Africa made us start to think of emigrating. Brad wanted a better future for us and our daughter Ally. At the end of 2012, I sold my practice and applied for an Australian visa.
Our little family of 3 immigrated here at the end of 2013. This is one of the most difficult things I have done. Leaving a country I love and all my family and friends; selling things I had worked so hard to build up, like my Physio practice and my home and then starting all over again in a new country (at my age) is not for the faint hearted! Leaving South Africa is perceived by many South Africans as “ leaving a sinking ship” instead of staying to help put things right. So, we left with many mixed emotions, however, I have no regrets, it was the right thing to do. I am still a proud South African but I’m a proud Aussie too, and have been granted citizenship.
I was going to have a small break from Physio when we arrived in Australia but I very quickly got itchy feet or should I say itchy fingers? I saw the Gold Coast Physio & Sports Health website and sent Britt my CV. Britt agreed to be my supervisor so that I could work as a Physio while I completed the APC equivalency exams so that I could practice as a Physio in Australia and now I have such a passion for being an Aussie Physio!