You First Avonhead Physiotherapy and Pilates

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: [email protected] .

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.  

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Biography: Born and raised in the Netherlands, I recently moved to New Zealand with my family. I have worked for 11+ years in a community private practice providing a wide range of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Why you love being a physio/part of the team: What I love most about my work as a physiotherapist is being able to work with people from all walks of life. I love interacting with many different personalities and I have always been fascinated by how the human body works. Now being able to help people achieve their goals whether it be returning to sport, work or daily life, is a satisfying way to spend my day.

Biography: Originally from Wellington, I moved to Christchurch to begin working at You First Physio. Growing up I played many sports such as netball, rowing, and water polo. Prior to completing my physiotherapy degree I completed a Bachelor of science majoring in Nutrition. My drive and passion for becoming a physiotherapist comes from wanting to help people combined with my enjoyment of an active lifestyle. 

Hobbies/interests: I spend a lot of my free time being active whether it be running, pilates or strength training at the gym. On the weekends you’ll find me at the farmers markets for our Saturday morning ritual. 

Why: I love getting to know new people and working with them to achieve their goals together. The You First Physio team are all so friendly and welcoming. 

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.

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