Say hello to Sarah and Richard, the caring couple behind this incredible allied health service in the Highlands.
As soon as we sat down with Sarah and Richard, we could just tell they had a whole lotta heart. With a deep passion for providing quality care for our Highlands community, we just knew we had to hear their story.
From their tree change to the Highlands, to how Sarah started Movement Mender Therapy and what their plans are for the future we had a fantastic chin-wag.
Come meet our newest local friends and find out for yourself why we’re so happy they’re here!
1// Hey there you two! First, fill us in on how you found yourselves in our part of the world.
Sarah: Back when we were living in Sydney, we’d escape to the Highlands all the time. We’d book these cute cottages with fireplaces and spend our time exploring wineries, hitting up lovely cafes, and just chilling out.
Then, about a year and a half back, we made this big call to leave Sydney behind and go for something different. We wanted space to have a little farm and now we’ve got a half-acre here. It’s pretty much our little slice of paradise now.
Richard: Being originally from Sunderland in the UK, the climate here feels just right for me. With our young family—two little boys—we had a feeling this would be an ideal spot for the kids to grow up.
2// Love it! So, when did you decide to start your biz Movement Mender Therapy?
Sarah: I established Movement Mender Therapy, back in 2013 in Sydney. I was working as a physiotherapist in aged care homes and I enjoyed it.
When we moved to the Highlands and I was having my babies it was put on hold for a bit.
Then I started it up again and began working with aged care. It was so cool to hear from the elderly residents about how the Highlands has changed over the years, it made me fall in love with this area even more.
Recently I decided I wanted to branch out and become an allied health business. We’ve got physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathology and exercise physiology. They are highly experienced and passionate people.
3// Tell us more about what Movement Mender Therapy is all about.
Sarah: It’s a community model which is pretty unique. We don’t have a practice we work out of. Instead, we go out into the community to work with our patients. We got to homes, gyms, pools, schools and local wellness centres. There’s a real need in the community for this type of service and many patients are excited to hear that we travel to them because based on their needs it can be hard for them to get themselves into an office or practice for treatment.
4// That sounds amazing! So, why is there such a big need in the community for this type of service?
Sarah: I’ll give you an example of why, recently I worked with a client who had both her knees replaced, one of her hands was in a splint and the other was suffering from pins and needles. So, for her coming into a practice would have nearly been impossible. It makes sense then that I come to her home to work with her.
But it’s not just at houses, some people prefer we come to their gym or their pool and it works really well.
Richard: For us, it’s about integrating our work into our client’s daily lifestyle. That’s key.
5// How awesome! And what kinds of patients do you work with?
Sarah: We see NDIS clients, homecare clients, work cover and private clients.
I work in hydrotherapy, hands-on treatment, assessment, and exercise prescriptions. We are talking to the community a lot about what they need and how they need it.
I also do a lot of volunteering because I love meeting locals.
I collaborate with the Wingecarribee council and Rose Shaw for the curvy women’s walk every Wednesday in Bowral. It’s a great opportunity for women and mums to connect and I provide advice and support as well as formal treatment for women’s health issues.
I also volunteer at the Mittagong Community Playgroup which supports children and families that need extra support and want to connect with local businesses like health care, education and social development.
Richard: Before starting Movement Mender Therapy, Sarah had done a lot of work in women’s health as well as pre- and post-natal and working with children so it’s amazing she’s able to use her skills to help locals.
6// Wow, what was that kind of work like Sarah?
Sarah: I worked in the Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and I established a good understanding of children’s health there.
It was actually really helpful when I had my own kids because when they were sick or hurt, I could work out what the problem was. Then I thought about all the mums who might not know what’s going on with their bubs and wanted to help them.
I also learnt that mums are really prone to carpal tunnel syndrome from carrying their baby. So, there’s so much pre- and post-natal support that’s needed that many of us don’t even think of.
7// How did you get into this type of work?
Sarah: It’s always been my dream to be a physiotherapist even from a young age.
I originally studied sports science and became an exercise scientist working in occupational rehab. I took a year break to go travelling and when I came home, I still dreamed of getting into physiotherapy so I went to Charles Sturt University to study. I finished with high distinctions and was even awarded valedictorian.
The work I do is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. I find genuine joy in connecting with people and genuinely loving what I do.
Just recently, I worked with a client who was experiencing such intense pain that it triggered panic attacks. By the time we finished, the transformation was fantastic—she had this wonderful, happy expression on her face. Seeing her teary-eyed, and giving me a big hug, are the moments I love.
8// Richard, fill us in on your role in the biz.
Richard: I’m actually a professional chef, I’ve been a chef forever, it runs in my family. I’ve worked all around in the UK, the USA and Australia. About 6 months ago I decided to pivot and come on board with Movement Mender Therapy. I really believe in the work Sarah does and want to support her with it here in the Highlands. I’m doing the operations and administration side of things. I work on the website, the marketing and the accounting so Sarah can do what she does best.
Sarah: He’s an awesome chef and he’s worked in some top-tier restaurants around the world but he’s modest. I am lucky to have him working with me now though, I think we make a great team.
9// And what kind of locals would benefit from a biz like Movement Mender Therapy?
Sarah: Locals of all ages. I have worked for a long time in aged care and some of my current clients are elderly but there are benefits to this type of support from the very young upwards.
I often find that people don’t always know what physiotherapists do, there’s more than just lying on the bed and moving a few joints. For example, if I’m working with kids, I might be going to school with them and supporting them in school to make sure they can use their aides properly to move around.
I also visit people at their work and show them ways they can do their exercises through their work so it gives them a purpose.
Exercise prescription is really important for people to have long-term recovery. I can do deep tissue work, or dry needling, or massage and they might provide relief in the moment but it’s about what happens after that. Flare-ups can hit when you’re just sitting at your desk or doing regular chores like mowing the lawn. That’s why I team up with my patients to strengthen their bodies in ways that make everyday tasks easier and reduce those surprise pains.
Richard: We’re here to help folks with their daily life stuff, you know, like getting up in the morning or heading off to work. It’s super rewarding seeing them make progress and get things done, moving forward in their lives.
10// How has it been working in the Highlands and how can locals reach out to you?
Richard: It’s been great since we reopened in the Highlands, we’ve met a lot of amazing people and the feedback has been positive.
Sarah: I love it, I really care about my patients and we get a lot of work through mouth-to-mouth referrals because of that. The best way to reach out to us is with our email, over the phone or there is a form on our website.
11// And of course, we gotta ask, what do you love most about living in the Southern Highlands?
Sarah: Leaving the hustle of Sydney was an adjustment, but I love the green view from my window and chilling on the balcony with the kids. Going out for a walk and seeing the early morning mist is just magical and having all the amenities close by is perfect. There are so many great places to stop for a drink or a bite. Oh and of course way less traffic.
Richard: It feels like home. The countryside is similar to where I grew up. I love having the four seasons here, they’re more defined. I love the calm and peaceful energy. The community feels, everyone knows each other and says hello.
Thanks for chatting with us today Sarah and Richard, we’re so grateful that a service like this is in our community, keep up the incredible work!
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