From Patient to Practitioner, Osteopath Toby Barker Knows What Recovery Takes
When osteopath Toby Barker joined the team at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, it wasn’t just another career move — it was a full-circle moment.
“I started working here because I actually came here as a patient,” Toby said.
“I ruptured my Achilles and came here as a patient and really liked what they did.”
Watch the video to learn how that personal experience shaped his approach to care within the allied health team in Wollongong.
Why Toby loves being an osteopath
As part of the allied health team, Toby enjoys seeing a broad range of patients, but has a particular interest in chronic and persistent pain and rehabilitation.
“I just love helping people get back to what they want to be doing,” Toby said.
“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.”
Allied health is about more than just healing the body
For Toby, recovery isn’t just about healing the body — it’s about understanding the person behind the injury.
“For me, it’s really important we understand the person as a whole,” he said.
“Yes, someone might come in with a specific injury, and we can look at the tissue, look at what needs to heal and what’s broken.
"But for me, 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 lifestyle he helps others return to.
From gym sessions and swimming to rock climbing, salsa dancing and learning to surf, he knows the joy of movement — and the frustration when injury gets in the way.
“If you’re struggling with any aches, pains or injuries, come see me at Joint Vision," he said.
Want to know more about how osteopath Toby Barker can help? Visit Joint Vision to book an appointment and step confidently into your recovery.