About Us

Driven by a passion for helping people return to joyful, active lives, Playful Heart Physio was born. Having gained experience across diverse settings and with a wide range of clients, I felt starting my own physiotherapy practice in Edinburgh was the natural next step. I'm passionate about helping you overcome barriers and rediscover the joy of movement.

What sets Playful Heart Physio apart?

Besides our longer sessions, is a holistic approach. We consider the broader impact of modern life's stresses, sleep patterns, and demands on your well-being. We treat you with dignity and respect, shining a light on contributing factors to your pain or injury. We empower you to become more self-aware, responsible for your overall wellbeing, and kinder to your body. Building a relationship with your body and health doesn't have to be a slog, it can be playful and a labour of love.

Our core values

– Education, Care, Honesty, Compassion, Playfulness, Progression, and Empowerment – These all guide our approach to patient care. We want you to know that you are cared for, and your pain matters and means something.

Head Physiotherapist Brian's past experience and qualifications.

Brian is a passionate and highly skilled physiotherapist with a diverse background in movement, rehabilitation, and performance. His journey began with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Limerick, followed by a Master’s in Exercise Science at Northern Michigan University. During this time, he worked with collegiate athletes, interned in cardiac rehabilitation at Marquette Hospital, and spent three years coaching soccer at an academy level.

Building on his passion for helping others move and feel better, Brian went on to complete an MSc in Pre-Registration Physiotherapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, graduating in 2018. He then spent three years working in the NHS, gaining wide-ranging experience in care of the elderly, falls prevention, stroke rehabilitation, orthopaedics, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, and mental health.

Brian later joined Border Physio Clinic in Melrose, where he worked in private practice for over three years. He brings a special interest in post-trauma rehabilitation—particularly following road traffic accidents, farm incidents, or serious fractures—and has supported many individuals in rebuilding confidence, movement, and independence.

He takes a holistic, person-centered approach to physiotherapy, combining his background in biomechanics, sports science, athletics, and Olympic weightlifting. Whether working with children, pensioners, amateur athletes, or elite performers—including ex-Lions and world champions—Brian tailors each plan to the individual, always aiming to make recovery efficient, enjoyable, and fearless.

Brian has a deep interest in the biopsychosocial aspects of stress, lifestyle, and PTSD, particularly in the context of injury recovery. He believes true healing includes not just building strength and coordination, but also learning how to soften and release overactive muscles. His work in the NHS with therapeutic Tai Chi showed him the power of relaxation on posture and movement, and he often incorporates massage and manual therapy to support the nervous system and recovery process.

A former collegiate-level sprinter, Brian has a sharp eye for running mechanics and gait analysis. Outside of the clinic, he's an enthusiastic dancer, skater, sailor, hiker, and wild swimmer—and always up for trying a new balance challenge or sport.

In everything he does, Brian’s goal is to help people return to the activities they love with more freedom, resilience, and confidence than before.