Caring, compassionate & playful sessions
Welcome to Playful Heart Physio, delivering effective, caring, quality and compassionate sessions in Edinburgh or online. We're committed to providing quality care with longer sessions, ensuring you receive the attention you deserve. Join us as we help you on your journey to better health and returning to playing what you love. Trustworthy and thorough well rounded rehab focused on your personal goals.
Brian McGowan
Meet Brian head physiotherapist.
Brian is a skilled physiotherapist with a background in sports science, rehabilitation, and holistic care. He holds degrees from the University of Limerick and Northern Michigan University, where he worked with collegiate athletes, coached soccer, and interned in cardiac rehab. He later completed an MSc in Physiotherapy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. Brian has been Registered with the HCPC since 2019 and is a member of the CSP (Chartered Society of Physiotherapists)
With experience in the NHS and private practice, Brian has worked across stroke rehab, orthopaedics, MSK conditions, elderly care, and mental health. He’s especially passionate about helping people recover from trauma, injury, and stress-related conditions, with a focus on restoring confidence and movement.
Brian combines biomechanics, strength training, manual therapy, and relaxation techniques—including influences from therapeutic Tai Chi—to support each client holistically. A former sprinter and lifelong adventurer, he enjoys dancing, skating, hiking, and wild swimming.
His approach is simple: help people return to what they love—stronger, freer, and more resilient than before. Sweat the small stuff and don't ignore your emotions and stress in the proccess.
Conditions treated
Post surgery rehab
Neck and back pain
Sports or general injuries
Balance and vestibular issues
Co-ordination
Stress related tension and pain
Fracture rehabilitation
Pediatric
Lower limb injuries
Upper Limb injuries
PTSD related pain and fear of movement
Special interests
Gait and balance re-education seem to be so benificial to clients that we thoroughly enjoy helping folks with this.
Running is the worlds most popular activity and with a background in sports science and sprinting this is something we are passionate about. Improving the co-ordination, rythem and resilience in people running technique can make running more enjoyable and sustainable.
Post stress, trauma, car accident, Emotional stress, PTSD etc. The thought of being off work or burnt out from stress and stress related pain is a serious issue. We find it so rewarding getting people back to a level of resilience and confidence in their bodies that they crave. We do not focus on distractions and face issues face on with courage and support. Fear is an emotion we can release and move forwards from
"Brian listened well to my concerns and gave appropriate exercises and explanations. Easy to talk to and made me feel at ease.''."
Moira S