Get to know your NDIS physiotherapist, Sarah Gunning
We’ve asked our very funny and friendly physiotherapist, Sarah, a couple of questions so that you can get to know her!
Why did you become a physiotherapist?
Growing up I did a lot of dance and gymnastics and was always fascinated by anatomy and the way the body moves and works. I also always knew that I wanted to help others and work in a healthcare setting. I have always felt passionate about building relationships and empowering others to reach their goals, and physiotherapy is the perfect combination of these things!
What has led to your passion for working in disability?
I feel passionate about helping people reach their potential and live fulfilling lives, it is so inspiring and rewarding to watch individuals achieve goals they felt unable to
Do you have a memorable experience of assisting a client to achieve their goals that you’d like to share?
When I was working on a cardiac intensive care I looked after a young boy who unfortunately had been very unwell and needed a heart transplant. Over the course of 6 months of intensive daily rehab (with OTs and Speech Pathologists too!) he went from being unable to breath for himself and unable to move, to walking out of the hospital! Building relationships with him and his family in such a tough time for them, and seeing the amazing progress he made with all of the hard work him and his family put in was one of the most rewarding experiences for me
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with family and friends, keeping active, going to the beach, finding new brunch spots and exploring NSW
What is your favourite sport or physical activity?
I really enjoy keeping my exercise as varied as possible to keep my motivation, bonus if it’s something I can do with my friends – currently really enjoying spin classes and pilates
In another life, if you weren’t a physiotherapist, what do you think you’d be doing?
I think probably a primary school teacher as I have always loved working with children and before I chose physiotherapy I really considered training as a teacher
What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you? Do you have a hidden talent?
I did lots of different genres of dance growing up but my favourites were ballet, tap and ballroom/latin
What is your favourite movie, book and holiday?
Movie: Very much depends on my mood, I enjoy crime dramas, but if I want a feel-good movie it has to be how to lose a guy in 10 days
Book: Fiction would be any murder mystery or fantasy book, but for non-fictions I like medical/neurological books – The sleeping beauties by Suzanne O’sullivan is a fascinating book!
Holiday: I love beaches and island vibes so the Philippines is definitely up there, but Guatemala is probably one of my favourite countries
Thanks so much to Sarah for sharing more about herself and her reason for working in disability with our community!! We hope that you’ve enjoyed getting to know her! If you’d like to arrange services with Sarah or another of our therapists, please contact us today!
Sarah Gunning provides Active Ability’s physiotherapy services on the North Shore and Northern Beaches of Sydney. Specifically, you’ll find her in Mosman, Lane Cove, Chatswood, Roseville, Forestville, Balgowlah, Dee Why, Curl Curl and Manly.