Here’s what makes my day, a client returning for a follow-up treatment, saying, “the pain I had was completely gone after the last session.” I remember that feeling of being surprised and relieved when someone had changed my pain. I had suffered too long and was giving up on the idea that it could get any better. The moment I felt change, I knew I wanted to help other people feel the relief that I had felt. I was young, fit and had a cushy job in the air-force. When my back pain started, I panicked. I was unable to keep up with fitness requirements and had a standing weekly appointment at the physio. It hurt. Over the course of a year, I was passed to a number of therapists, each with a slightly different approach. Reducing exercise seemed to be the standard procedure. Cortisone injections didn’t work. Massage seemed to work but the pain would always come back. I was going backwards with each passing week. I finally found one physio that suggested pilates because of my “weak core”. My first thoughts: “Weak core? I had a six pack!” But I had a feeling this was different, a new approach, I had tried everything else. So, I gave it a shot and suddenly things started to change. By changing my training to functional stabilising movements and keeping up with the manual treatments that had worked, my pain was gone and I was able to be active again. An interest in the field sparked. Now, I help people every day to relieve their pain problems. I left the air-force to make a start in my new career. With no job, and no easy way back. I needed to get the best training possible to become a great therapist. And that training was in Melbourne. When I arrived, I felt I had taken the first step of helping others with their pain. Six months later I had my first certificates in the field. Massage Cert IV and Fitness Cert III. Although I had enough to start my career, I still didn’t quite feel like I was on the right path. The two fields were so disconnected. I knew physiotherapy wasn't exactly right for me either. That’s when I discovered Myotherapy. The more I read and heard about Myotherapy the more I saw it and agreed with it. A field that bridges the gap, has a pain focus and is built around evidence. It was there all along! When you find your calling, you jump in, even when it has a 3 year price tag. I joined Southern School of Natural Health and started the bachelor degree a week later. Now I run my own practice in Caboolture QLD and help others move freely. Once I knew how to help others, I honed my skills and gained experience everywhere I could. Starting with sports, I worked with teams such as NSW state of origin, firebirds netball and Western Force rugby. I worked alongside other therapists in multidisciplinary clinics treating professionals, high level executives and retirees, I have also helped musicians such as the Def Leppard band and Hans Zimmer at their concerts. I haven't stopped. Even through Covid-19, when I learnt the impact of telehealth and group workshops. Because I care that your pain does not go away when you cannot come into the clinic. By offering workshops and online guides I can still have an impact and help from a distance. I'm here to help, in the treatment room, in the recovery zone and online. It's selfish - because it's the best gift I've given myself. That feeling you get when you have been able to help change someone’s life by reducing their pain.