David Higgins (London)

I grew up in Australia, and was always a sporty kid. I played Aussie Rules Football from a young age. It took over my life and was my great sporting love. At 19, I was studying Exercise Rehabilitation at Victoria University, playing Aussie Rules Football for the University Blacks and at state level for Victoria. Devastated Unfortunately, during that same year I was injured after an illegal tackle. I dislocated my shoulder and tore my ribs from my sternum. Doctors told me I was no longer allowed to play contact sport and would need surgery. It was the first time I learned how debilitating pain can be. Refusing to have surgery and after about 6 months of feeling sorry for myself, I woke one morning and realised that my body had totally stopped using my left shoulder. It was so locked, I couldn’t even raise my arm above my head! It was then and there, I decided that I was going to be my first exercise rehab client.