30 Years

Reviewed August 2026

30^th Anniversary

It turns out time really does fly when you're having fun. 2026 is here, and with its beginning, I have reached the milestone of having worked as a chiropractor for 30 years.

As a young teen my chiropractor planted the idea that I could become a chiropractor. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became in this wonderous body we have, and in our magnificent nervous system. The idea that it all works together and communication is the key. I studied in Adelaide and Sydney (five years at Uni ~ majoring in anatomy and physiology with the Med students before a Masters in Chiropractic) and returned to work for a year in Murray bridge. This is where I grew my love of working with our primary producers. Back then farming was a lot more labour intensive (the tractors were torture devices for the spine!) and chiro care supported that load.

I returned to work in the suburbs with a passionate Chiro ~ Dr Charles Williamson. I thank him for teaching me that "Doctor" comes from the Latin word for "Teacher". That my role was not just to help people recover from injury and facilitate optimal communication in their bodies to promote health, but to teach them how their body, brain and nervous system works. To give them the knowledge and tools to keep themselves strong fit and able.

In 1999 came my chance to begin work in the Adelaide CBD on Pirie Street in one of the first four chiropractic practices that existed in Adelaide. The city was a different flavour for me, but I loved seeing those who lived and worked in the CBD, the people who came in from the country to conduct business, and those who were travelling through and needed help. It meant I was seeing people from all walks of life, and it was an honour to serve.

My boys were born (they're 21 and 17 now!!) and I delved further into caring for pregnant mums ~ which continues to be an absolute delight for me. I love empowering expectant mums with knowledge about what their marvellous bodies are doing, helping their bodies to be ready for the main event and helping to keep them comfortable throughout the process.

Kathryn joined me at Pirie Street, and in 2012 the Adelaide Chiropractic Centre amalgamated with Breen Chiropractic, and we moved to the premises at Gawler Place, where we are now.

There have been many changes across my 30 years in chiropractic. Here are a few that make me smile:

• the science has finally caught up with us and we now have the peer reviewed scientific research that explains how and why a chiro adjustment to the spine can create such significant changes in a person's body and nervous system, helping them heal and be the best they can be.

• I now have a collaborative relationship with practitioners across the health spectrum. It's not "us and them", its "we're all on this person's health team, and with us all pulling together, we will achieve more faster".

• technology has moved farming equipment so farmer's bodies take less of the load (they still work too hard ;).

• sit/stand desks are vastly more common...but people still need to be reminded to use them.

• manufacturers are finally making shoes that are both supportive AND look good! (Yes, there are still fashionistas and the predictable consequences...)

• People are more likely to exercise regularly and be mindful of choosing healthy lifestyle options ~ lets hear it for health education!!

• Phones have become mobile, evolved to include interactive screens and an item in almost everyone's pocket. With this change, connectedness and entertainment has increased, but posture and spinal health has taken a hit.

It humbles me to think of all the people who have chosen me to be a part of their health team. It is a true honour that many of these wonderful people have been coming to see me at the Adelaide Chiropractic Centre over many years. Parents have brought their children to see me; I've cared for them across the years and now I see their children. To be afforded such trust and to almost become a part of the family ~ that is so precious to me. Thank you so much. I hope I will continue being a part of your health team for many years to come.

Tamara