Meet Lizzie Cooper – local mum, wife and the brainchild behind Lizzie Cooper Physio – situated in Robina Medical Village.

The 31-year-old multi-tasker enjoys sports – mastering netball, cross country running, nippers and even college basketball – and has always had a passion for helping people.

Her aspiration to change people’s lives through physiotherapy has taken her around the world, before she made the decision to set-up shop in the heart of the Gold Coast – Robina.

InsideR sat down with Lizzie to chat about her journey from Marymount College, to the University of Northern Colorado in America, to Bond University and finally, launching her very own business right here in Robina.

Tell us a bit about your business

I work in private practice with my own physiotherapy business, Lizzie Cooper Physio, which is situated in the newly established Robina Medical Village on Ron Penhaligon Way .

I treat a variety of clients, from kids as young as eight-years-old to my oldest patient, who has just turned 94. I love my job because I am able to help a wide variety of interesting people, who all have very different conditions. No two days are the same.

When did you begin your business?

My journey to opening my own physiotherapy business started back in 2015, when I was working within a medical centre at Pacific Fair.

In early 2016, a spot opened up at the Robina Medical Village Centre and, as a Robina local, I jumped at the opportunity. I had just had my son at the time, so being able to work so close to home made the transition back to work a lot easier. It was such a good move for our family – I wouldn’t change a thing.

Why did you decide to become a physiotherapist?

I have been heavily involved in sport my whole life – I grew up playing basketball, netball, cross country running and competing in nippers.

I actually suffered from a number of injuries because of all the sport I played and, as a result, spent a lot of time at the physiotherapist. I became quite interested in the profession and really grew to respect what they were able to do to assist with my injuries.

When it was time to leave school, I knew exactly what I was going to do and that was become a physiotherapist.

What’s your biggest professional accomplishment to date?

Overall, starting my own business is something I am petty proud of.

I also experience little accomplishments each and every day with my patients. People have come to me who can’t walk because of a back injury and I have been able to assist them on the road to recovery. It’s such a satisfying feeling seeing a client walk freely after being uncomfortable for so long.

People can become quite depressed when they’re in pain and having trouble completing day-to-day activities, so playing a role in their rehabilitation is really rewarding.

What study did you undertake to get where you are now?

I was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Northern Colorado in the United States and, during that time, I spent four years obtaining my undergraduate degree in sports and exercise science.

Once I graduated, I came home to Australia where I completed a Postgraduate Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University. I learnt a wealth of knowledge during my time at Bond, which is why I now teach the next generation of physiotherapists to be the best they can be at the University.

What do you love about living and working in Robina?

The location is absolutely second-to-none and the people are just lovely. It’s such a buzzing little suburb that is also so peaceful, quiet and green to live in.

I can access everything within a few kilometres of where I live and work, which makes life a lot easier with a young son!

What are your plans for the future?

My biggest goal is to continue growing and building my business here in Robina which has such a great community atmosphere.

I’m so lucky that I can give back to the new physiotherapists coming through Bond and I would love to maintain that academic portion of my life also.

And, of course, I would love to achieve the perfect balancing act of being a mum, wife and business owner!

Find Lizzie at http://www.lizziecooperphysio.com.au/