Melissa Smith

Married to Craig and Mum to three adult children (two in SA and one in Victoria).  

I live on a property near Allendale North having previously lived in Greenock for over 10 years. I grew up on Eyre Peninsula (with a few years in the South East) and my  favourite place on earth is Port Neill where I am happy spending hours gazing at the ocean and sipping a wine or two.

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I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy back in 1993 at the University of South Australia. Since then I have collected a few small additions - Level 2 Sports Physiotherapy (APA), a Graduate Certificate in Rural and Remote Physiotherapy (Uni SA), Certification in Cancer Rehab (Pinc & Steel Foundation) and Accreditation in Lymphoedema Therapy (ALERT, Macquarie University) where I am also currently working towards my Graduate Certificate in Lymphoedema Practice. 

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I have always worked in country SA with musculoskeletal background and a bit of a sports bias as well as an Aged Care focus. I started seeing Vestibular (dizzy) clients when I worked on EP and I have had an ongoing interest in this area ever since. My recent training in Cancer Rehab led me to becoming a Lymphoedema physio.

 

There is always something different every week - it never gets boring and there are so many special interest areas that can be pursued.  There is also a lot of problem solving and getting to know people and their stories. 

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I am definitely in my gardening era. Our new property needed a garden built from scratch and this has been challenging - especially with rabbits, sheep, wind, drought, heavy clay and destructive bugs to contend with. My husband and I have a small flock of merino sheep and a Kelpie pup called Rosie who likes to think she is boss of them. The Pilates classes I run help to keep me fit, and I love early morning walking (and occasionally break into a run). Some regular followers of my bio already know that I play the spoons and the Piano and there is always music on in my house or in the car. I am partial to a good sing-a-long and it is my goal to attend Pub Choir one day!!
 

Can’t go past the motto of the Australian Physio Association from the 90’s - “Move Well. Stay Well”.  I also like the idea that Physiotherapy “restores thoughtless, fearless movement” - and if you’ve ever been afraid to move, you’ll know what a relief that is!