Brooke Howard

MY JOURNEY 

I was raised in Gawler living in Hewett and Willaston, attended local schools and then completed my degree in Adelaide at UniSA. I was interested in sport and enjoyed tennis and swimming and played competitive netball. I have always been interested in human movement and wanted help people in my working life so physiotherapy was a great way to be able to do this. The Barossa is one of my favourite places in the world and I love being able to be a helpful part of the community.

MY IDEAL WEEKEND

My ideal weekend looks like playing tennis with my border collie in our yard, having a nice steak on the BBQ and settling in for a good movie.

HOBBIES

In my spare time you will find me baking. I also enjoy playing video games and have recently taken up crochet.

SPORTS I PLAY/ENJOY WATCHING

I am currently on a break from competition but am training hard at the gym for a return to netball.

TEAMS I SUPPORT 

I am mad for the Adelaide Crows and Adelaide Thunderbirds.

FAVOURITE WAY TO STAY ACTIVE

I like to keep active by lifting weights at the gym or doing some Pilates, otherwise going for a long walk on a local nature trail with friends/family is a favourite.

FAVOURITE PLACE I HAVE TRAVELLED

James Bond Island in Thailand with my best friend last year.

SOMETHING THAT MAY SURPRISE YOU

I love the V8 Supercars, I would love to go to Bathurst one day.

MY PHYSIO BACKGROUND

Growing up playing sport and watching my family play sport I got to meet a few physios. Their ability to help people learn about injuries and return to activities was amazing to see and I thought “I want to be able to do this too”.

I went straight into my physiotherapy degree following high school, working as a receptionist at a clinic in Gawler throughout to get some private practice experience. After graduating, I worked as a physiotherapist for a busy clinic across multiple locations in metro Adelaide, running individualised gym classes, treating a range of musculoskeletal presentations and helping post-surgical patients regain function and return to what they love.

WHY I CHOSE TO BE A PHYSIO

Mainly due to watching myself, family and friends experience physiotherapy for various injuries. I loved the way the physiotherapists that I met were so approachable and helpful in explaining an injury and helping with a return to sport or an activity.

WHY I LOVE BEING A PHYSIO

I have an amazing platform in my role to help people of all ages. I get to teach and educate about different bodily structures, processes and the reasoning behind how different injuries may occur, and then get to help individuals work their way back to what they want to do. I love being able to help someone take charge of their recovery and arm them with knowledge.

WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT?

I am a young local member of the community, and I understand the challenges that come with managing sports, school, study, work etc and how this may impact recovery. My experience as a receptionist helps me to understand the administrative side of physiotherapy (there is probably a lot more to it than you think!) which streamlines processes. My previous physiotherapy experience working with such a wide range of people has taught me valuable lessons about how to individualise physiotherapy to each person and creative ways to help you return to what you love.

BEST WAY TO KEEP ACTIVE & HEALTHY

Find a way to enjoy movement or activity – this could be including a friend, dog, sibling or even just listening to your favourite music. Any form of exercise counts and is beneficial to your health.

MOVEMENT TIP

Be kind to yourself by looking after yourself. Try to incorporate gentle stretches/movements/a small walk into a big work day or busy day that allow you time out for yourself and your body.

MY CORE MESSAGE IS

Do not be afraid to need help with recovery. As a physiotherapist, I am here to help you learn what you do not yet know, and guide you to become healthier, stronger and do what you love.

GUIDING QUOTE

Your body was made to move, respect it by staying active because it’s a necessity.

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
• AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Member

• Gym and sports related injuries
• Hydrotherapy
• Pain Science
• Spinal Injuries