Four Decades of Care: Sandie Rogers Reflects on a Lifetime in Physiotherapy

After more than 40 years helping local residents recover from injury, pain, and stay active, physiotherapist Sandie Rogers is stepping into retirement. Her advice has always been simple: “Never stop learning, listening and feeling.”

Sandie began her career with a Diploma of Physiotherapy in 1974, later completing a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 1979, and a Graduate Diploma in Manipulative Therapy in 1981.

In 1983 – while 30 weeks pregnant with her first child – Sandie opened Cammeray Physiotherapy Centre, leading the practice for more than three decades before joining the team at Physio On Miller. Across four decades, she has witnessed enormous changes in physiotherapy – from advances in research and rehabilitation to an evolving understanding of pain and movement.

Reflecting on four decades of practice, Sandie says the experience has been deeply meaningful. “It has been hugely rewarding and constantly stimulating. I am humbled by the privilege, generosity and trust of the community who have let me into their lives. When I first opened my practice, I had experience and ambition – and a lot to learn. What I didn’t expect was how much the people here would teach me. Each person has been a reminder of why this work matters and why maintaining high professional standards is so important.”

According to Sandie, “Patients are genuinely interested in understanding their bodies – how injuries occur, how to heal, and how to stay well long term. What stands out most is their loyalty. This is not a transient community. People settle here, raise families, and value care from someone who knows them. It’s a privilege to be part of that thread.”

For Sandie, the most rewarding part of her career has been guiding people through injury. “I’ve often seen people at their most vulnerable. Helping them through that and seeing them return to what they love is deeply satisfying. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside wonderful colleagues over the years. Running a private practice as a woman for four decades is something I reflect on with pride. The greatest reward is when a patient simply says, ‘Thank you – you changed my life.’”

Sandie now looks forward to more time with family, travel and swimming.