You First Physio @ Riccarton

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (1996)

Biography: I have over 20 years of private practice experience with the large majority of those now being at You First Physio (Formerly Riccarton Physio) where I became a partner in 2006. I enjoy all aspects of treating patients but am very much a hands-on physiotherapist and enjoy being able to make a difference to movement and function.

Clinical interests: I enjoy treating spinal injuries and lower limb injuries with a focus on muscle balance and correction of movement patterns. Over the past 6 years I have very much enjoyed teaching and watching our new graduate physios develop their clinical skills and become excellent physiotherapists.

Hobbies/interests: I am married and have 4 daughters that keep me very busy as a driver for them! I love to watch and support their activities. When I get a chance, I play tennis, ride mountain or road bike and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

Why you love being a physio/part of the team: Over the past 18 years I have seen this business grow from 5 staff to now employing 16 fantastic people. We have a great team environment with extremely capable and knowledgeable physios and an administration team that are super friendly, helpful and make our days flow seamlessly. We are like one big family!

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Otago.

Biography: I started my journey into physiotherapy slightly late by deciding to hand in my job, stop running my Taekwondo club and move to Dunedin to study. It was one of the hardest things that I have done but I would highly recommend to anyone to aim high, give it a go and try their best. Since starting my studies, I now recognise how I have always loved analysing how the body moves, how we could create the movements to be most effective and how can we generate the most power.  

Clinical Interests: Sports-related injuries, return to sport/ fitness rehab, strength and conditioning .

Hobbies/ interests: ITF Taekwondo, netball, soccer, Pilates, dancing (ballroom and Latin). I love going out and enjoying what New Zealand has to offer with outdoor activities, food and events. 

Why you love being a physio/part of the team: I enjoy physio because of its ability to help people. I love that we have the ability and the time to get to know a person. We can help a person holistically. Physio is my passion.  

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.

Qualifications: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Otago.

Biography: I grew up and studied in Dunedin before moving to Christchurch and have loved being in the city since. I grew up playing a variety of sports, from football to hockey, to athletics. My involvement in these sports eventually resulted in my discovery of physiotherapy and sparked my interest in injury prevention and rehab.

Clinical interests: Sports-related injuries, return to sport / fitness rehab, strength and conditioning.

Hobbies/interests: I enjoy all things fitness and outside of work you’ll likely find me in the gym, running or mountain biking. 

Why you love being a physio/part of a team: I enjoy meeting new people and find satisfaction in using my knowledge to help them become pain-free and get back to the things they enjoy. 

Qualifications:Diploma of Acupuncture 2010 (Level 7, four years full-time) at the New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine in Christchurch
A member of Acupuncture New Zealand

Biography:In the ten years since I graduated as an acupuncturist, I have added to my skill set by studying Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture with Prof Zhu himself, auricular acupuncture with Jim Chalmers, musculo-skeletal treatment techniques with Phil Macqueen, acupuncture in pregnancy and childbirth with Dr Debra Betts, and an introduction to Kiiko-style Japanese acupuncture.

Clinical interests:I am a generalist who likes working with everyone who comes in for a consultation. I especially enjoy the unexpected results of treating scars (surgical or accidental/traumatic), because the changes to the appearance and sensation of touching the scars can be dramatic. My treatments have been particularly beneficial to people with shoulder, back and knee conditions, but acupuncture is a holistic therapy that can affect every aspect of a person, including their sleep, digestion, and wellbeing of the mind.

Hobbies / Interests:In my spare time I practise Sing Ong Tai Chi and enjoy walking and cycling. I set up The Summer Project | He Hui Raumati in Dec 2019 and have been busy organising a special event for Mental Health Awareness Week in Sept 2020.

Why I love being an acupuncturist and part of the physios’ team I get so much satisfaction from seeing people feeling better in themselves, usually leaving my room in much less pain than when they came in, and having hope that they can return to their normal levels of activity. The team of physios at You First are the best! They are professional, caring and good to work with. Why wouldn’t I want to work with professionals who enjoy themselves and are happy to welcome new people into their team? I’ve been with the team since 2013.

Biography: I began working with You First Physio in 2016 and have become extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the patient’s journey and dealing with ACC. I keep the Riccarton site (and physios!) running smoothly and efficiently. I enjoy being able to interact with patients, and love being part of a great team.

Hobbies/interests: In my spare time I enjoy walking, biking, swimming, all things coffee, and hanging out with my husband Mark.

I work Wednesday afternoon through to Friday.

Biography: I have recently joined the team, working on Reception part time at both the Longhurst and Riccarton clinics.Being very much a people person I enjoy welcoming, interacting and assisting clients. I feel privileged to be part of a very friendly, happy environment, working with a passionate team of professionals.

Hobbies/interests: Outside of work I enjoy walking, tennis, dancing and spending time with family and friends.