Helen Robartes
Lead Physio, Director, Clinical Educator
I'm a Veterinary Physiotherapist based in Hawke's Bay, and I absolutely love what I do. My passion is helping animals feel better and move well — and helping their owners feel supported and empowered in the process.
Background and Experience
Growing up in South Africa, surrounded by pets of all breeds, shapes and sizes, and with a deep love of the African bush and all its fauna (except spiders), I always knew my life would be focused around animals. My dream of becoming a vet was redirected when I discovered Veterinary Physiotherapy — and I knew instantly it was exactly what I was meant to do. I completed my BSc in Physiotherapy at Stellenbosch University in 2007, worked in human physiotherapy for two years, and then moved to England to pursue my MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College of London. My Masters thesis was published in The Veterinary Journal, and I had the privilege of presenting my research at the ICEEP conference in Sweden in 2012.
My career has taken me on quite the adventure — from England to Denmark, then to Auckland, where I was lucky enough to work for an internationally renowned veterinary physiotherapist. I fell in love with New Zealand and stayed far longer than the two or three years I'd originally planned! In 2020, I followed my now-husband to Hawke's Bay, with the intention of starting my PhD in Equine Back Pain. That year ended up being something different for everyone, and I instead found myself building a physiotherapy practice!
At the heart of my work is a deep appreciation for the bond between people and their animals. I know firsthand the worry of an injured pet, the joy of a morning walk with your dog, the thrill — and heartache — of horses and riding. My own dog, Rhubarb, has taught me so much about caring for active dogs who don't always look after themselves! Helping animals feel better, move freely, and return to the activities they love — and easing the minds and lives of the humans who love them — is a genuine privilege.
Also a strong driver in my work is that I find bodies endlessly fascinating. Biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, neurology, the puzzle of understanding why something moves differently to what we expect, how we can influence motor patterns and functional ability — I find this absorbing. I'm passionate about continuing to learn, staying current with research, and being involved in our professional community. I'm a Clinical Educator for Veterinary Physiotherapy students at the University of Liverpool, a committee member of NZAVPA, and a founding member of ANZAVPA. Part of my vision for this practice is to create a place where students and new graduates can grow, and where skilled animal physiotherapists love to work.
Qualifications
BSc Physiotherapy — Stellenbosch University, South Africa
MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy (with Merit) — Royal Veterinary College, London
Registrations and Afilliations
NZ Physio Board Registration
Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand
AVPRC Registration
Committee Member of NZAVPA
Founding member of ANZAVPA
HCPC (UK) Registration
Member of ACPAT (Cat A)