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You First Physio @ Avonhead

Welcome to You First Physio @ Avonhead. We are excited that Avonhead has become part of the You First Physio team. You will find the same wonderful physios and admin staff when you enter the premise with a few minor tweaks such as on-line bookings now available.

Feel free to browse our website and if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 358-8889 or email us: avonhead@youfirstphysio.co.nz .

Thank you and see you soon.

Contact Us

Opening Hours

Monday

8:00am – 4:00pm

Tuesday – Thursday

8:00am – 6:30pm

Friday

8.00am – 5.30pm

Saturday & Sunday

Closed

Book An Appointment

Classes

Reformer/Equipment Pilates

Wednesday

8:30am – 9:30am

Thursday

9:00am – 10:00am

Matt Pilates

Tuesday

1:30pm – 2:30pm

Thursday

1:00pm – 2:00pm & 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Book a Class

Meet The Avonhead Team

  • Alicia Brady Physiotherapist

    Alicia Brady

    Qualifications:

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy 2015 Trinity College Dublin, Polestar Pilates Mat 2018

    Biography:

    I was born and raised in Ireland and have been living and working in New Zealand for the past seven years. Growing up I played a lot of sport.

    I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with several sports teams in Canterbury and West Coast including Heartland rugby, club rugby, club football, club hockey, club rugby league, social netball and bowls. I have also had the chance to work with gymnasts and dancers at various levels. Through this I’ve become very passionate about injury prevention and concussion. One of my other passions is Pilates, I’ve trained in Mat and worked with Clinical Pilates with Equipment. 

    Clinical Interests:

    Musculoskeletal, Sports, Spinal, Concussion, Clinical Pilates, Orthopaedics, Injury prevention.

    Hobbies/Interests:

    I love all sport, so if I’m not at a game I’m probably watching it. Pilates and strengthening sessions in the gym are some of my favourite ways to relax, in between chasing after my very active little one.

    Why you love being a physio/ part of a team?

    I love being able to help people through pain and injury to return to the things they love to do. Being part of a great team with such varied skills and expertise means I never stop learning.

  • James Darragh Physiotherapist

    James Darragh

    Qualifications:

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy 2018, Ulster University; MSc Strength and Conditioning 2014, Cardiff Metropolitan University; BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science 2012, Ulster University.

    Biography:

    I am from Ireland and have been living and working in New Zealand for the past three years. I played a lot of sport growing up including hurling and Gaelic football and this inevitably gave me the interest in human performance. I studied sport and exercise science and completed my masters in strength and conditioning and worked as a strength and conditioning coach for elite senior level Gaelic Football teams and international women’s soccer.

    I decided to return to study physiotherapy. I have worked in private practice in Ireland and New Zealand and have experience in the public health system also. I have worked with several sports teams including intercounty level Gaelic football, South Island premier league football and senior rugby.

    Clinical Interests:

    Sports injuries including Hip and groin, knee and shoulder. I also have a special interest in return to sport phase from injury as this allow me to use my experience from my strength and conditioning roles.

    Hobbies/Interests:

    I still enjoy coaching and coach Gaelic Football in Christchurch. I like to play golf in my spare time and like to travel to experience what New Zealand has to offer.

    Why you love being a physio/ part of a team?

    I love being able to help clients achieve their goals of relieving their pain and returning to activity. I love learning and feel that physiotherapy is constantly evolving and this offers an exciting challenge as a physio to ensure that I continue to do the job to the best of my ability.

  • Belinda Hopkins Physiotherapist

    Belinda Hopkins

    Graduated Bachelor of Physiotherapy University of Otago 1998. Post Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Curtin University, Perth

    -Worked hospitals & private practice NZ & UK, MET police, law firms & banks, Harley St. -Trained in Pilates APPI London.

    -Professional football team physio Belfast Northern Ireland, local rugby team physio.

    -Worked previously with You First Physio at Riccarton & helped set up University of Canterbury clinic

    -Numerous courses most recently Pelvic Health integrating with Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. Interests pre & post op rehabilitation.

    Spare time: Gym, half marathons, skiing. Driving kids to sport

  • Adele Sullivan Physiotherapist

    Adele Sullivan

    Qualifications: Diploma of Physiotherapy, Post Grad cert Health Science

    Biography: I have 30 years of experience as a physiotherapist and the last 25 years have been in Christchurch Private practice.  I have a wide experience of most musculoskeletal conditions. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life to achieve goals of elite sport to activities of daily living. I have had some specialist training in manipulative physiotherapy, pain management and assessing and treating postural dysfunction and muscle imbalance in the body.

    Clinical interests: I have a special interest in treating neck and back injuries, shoulder injuries, pain issues and the postural and muscle imbalance basis of injury.

    Hobbies/interests: I am a relatively recent but currently very enthusiastic participant in yoga and pilates classes. I enjoy walking my two dogs and exploring the outdoors with my husband. We have always enjoyed travel both in New Zealand and further afield and are looking forward to having more time to do this, now that our children are adults and have left home.

    Why do you love Physio / being part of the team: I have always enjoyed helping people to understand more about how their body works and how to achieve their goals whatever they may be. I am constantly amazed and how resilient the body can be if given a chance to recover. Healing is often not about what you do but how you do it and very often, small changes in exercise or posture can give much greater reward for your effort. I really enjoy being part of a great team of physios who support each other and together offer  a huge wealth of knowledge  and resources to assist our patients achieve great outcomes.

  • Renee Cameron Physiotherapist

    Renee Cameron

    Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Otago (2019)

    Biography: I am a proud Cantabrian through and through, and was present for all of the earthquakes, floods and fires.  Since graduating I have worked in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and have taught Mat Pilates classes for the last couple of years. I have joined the team at You First Physio in 2022.

    Clinical interest: Mat and Reformer Pilates, Pelvic health, post-operative rehabilitation, return-to -work planning, management of hypermobility.

    Hobbies/interests: I enjoy clocking some hours at the gym or running on the Porthills. Coffee is a bit of a passion and I will happily discuss all the best places to buy coffee in town. You will also find me involved in my local church community.

    Why you love being a physio/part of the team: Restoring hope through restoring movement is a powerful part of being a Physio.  I love that the values of You First Physio reflect my own. The team is super friendly across all sites, driven to be update-to-date on best practice and all about empowering people.  

  • Tracey Reid Administrator

    Tracey Reid

    Biography: I have been working at Avonhead Physiotherapy for 24 years and are very excited to join the Team at You First Physio. I love working with people and all different aspects of my role. My aim is always to give our patients warm and welcoming experience and helping to make people feel confident in coming into our practice.

    Hobbies/interests: Outside of work I enjoy gardening, walking, reading, music and spending time with family and friends, especially my son, daughter in-law and two young grandchildren on their farm with my dog.

  • Jacinda Smaill Administrator

    Jacinda Smaill

    Biography: I have been working part-time at Avonhead Physio and Pilates and now You First Physio for 2 and a half years. I love dealing with people and working in a team, assisting the physio staff.

    Hobbies/interests: Mother of two children. I am interested in design and creative activities. I enjoy practising yoga and walks with my dog.

  • Maisie Cropley Administrator

    Maisie Cropley

    Biography: I am new to the Physiotherapy industry only working at Avonhead Physiotherapy for 8 months.  I am currently finishing my diploma in Sport and Human Performance to hopefully finish my degree in the coming years. I love the environment and am looking forward to many more opportunities with You First Physio. I love being able to help, and to give the clients the most out of their experience here at You First Physio.

    Hobbies/interests: Outside of work I enjoy playing sports, spending time with friends and family and discovering new places to eat in Christchurch.

Services & Classes at Avonhead

It is our philosophy to deliver cost effective, high quality treatment, advice and education for people who suffer musculoskeletal injuries and problems.

Get in Touch

Complete the form below to get in touch with your enquiry. we will be in touch if required as soon as possible

    Welcome to You First Physio @ Avonhead. We are excited that Avonhead has become part of the You First Physio team. You will find the same wonderful physios and admin staff when you enter the premise with a few minor tweaks such as on-line bookings now available.

    Feel free to browse our website and if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 358-8889 or email us: avonhead@youfirstphysio.co.nz avonhead@youfirstphysio.co.nz .

    Thank you and see you soon.