MEET THE TEAM
Sophie Dreessens
Director and Physiotherapist
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Victoria! I grew up in Jan Juc, which is on the beautiful Great Ocean Road, so my childhood was filled with outdoor adventures – swimming, surf life saving, hiking and camping. I am very lucky to have parents who love the great outdoors so instead of hotels and resorts, our family holidays included road trips across the center of Australia, camping along the East Coast and chasing waterfalls.
What were 10 year old Soph’s aspirations?
Prior to wanting to become a physio, I had my sights set on becoming a doctor – an idea that I still entertain from time to time. However, there was a significant amount of time during my childhood where I wanted to be a wedding planner (thank you JLo and Matthew McConaughey). This might seem a little left of field compared with physio, but I reckon anyone that knows me today actually wouldn’t find it all that surprising! I’m a hopeless romantic, insanely organised and have an obsession with flowers.
What do you consider your greatest achievement(s)?
Besides opening MVP Health with my husband Dayne, I’d have to say moving to London solo is my proudest moment to date. I left Australia at the age of 25 with no job, no home and no idea what tomorrow would bring. Just my passport, a backpack and the strong desire to see a world different from my own.
I also ran my first marathon in 2020 which is certainly one the hardest, but greatest things I have done. Despite working in the health industry, the body’s potential never ceases to amaze me!
What made you want to be a Physio?
I was sitting at the footy (AFL) with my Grandmother when I was about 12 years old and we were near the Richmond Tigers bench and for the first time I noticed players coming and going with injuries. I spotted the “Physio” vest and asked my Grandmother what a physio was. Immediately I was intrigued and the rest, like they say, is history.
If you could do only one type of exercise for the rest of your life what would it be?
Running! Besides the obvious physical benefits, running is great for my mental health. It is my happy place. When I run my focus shifts purely to my breathing and the music in my ears. Thoughts about what I ate for breakfast, my never ending to do list and plans for the upcoming weekend all just fade away.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Innerbloom– RUFUS DU SOL
