From Patient to Practitioner: Osteopath Toby Barker

When osteopath Toby Barker joined the team at Joint Vision, it was a full-circle moment.

I started working here because I actually came here as a patient. I ruptured my Achilles and came here as a patient and really liked what they did.

Why Toby works in osteopathy

As part of the allied health team, Toby sees a broad range of patients, with a particular interest in persistent pain and rehabilitation.

I just love helping people get back to what they want to be doing. When people come in here, they've usually had to drop off doing something they enjoy, or they've had surgery and are working toward getting back to something. I love seeing that end result of people getting back to what they love.

Treating the person, not just the injury

For me, it's really important we understand the person as a whole. Yes, someone might come in with a specific injury, and we can look at the tissue, look at what needs to heal. But it's important to look at the person in the broader picture, what their goals are, their values, aspirations and what they feel they're missing out on, and to make sure we're taking that into account in their recovery.

Outside the clinic Toby lives the active life he helps others return to: gym sessions and swimming, rock climbing, salsa dancing and learning to surf.

You can read more about osteopathy or book an allied health appointment.