For over 20 years, we've kept Cantabrians moving. Our professional staff are registered physiotherapists with a commitment to providing current, best practice care.
Physiotherapist / Director
Robyn has over 25 years experience in musculoskeletal assessment and management and over 10 years experience in acupuncture, with post graduate qualifications in manipulative therapy and acupuncture. Robyn has completed DMA pilates instructor Level 1 and 2 and has developed specific physiotherapy skills in the mangaement of jaw joint pain and dysfunction (TMD). Since purchasing Avonhead Physiotherapy in 2004, Robyn has achieved and maintained business certification, currently to the Allied Health Sector Standard 8171:2005. Robyn is committed to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care.
Physiotherapist / Director
Rachel is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with experience working in sports physiotherapy, workplace injuries, clinical pilates and complex and persisting pain.
Rachel is a trained clinical pilates practitioner and has had two exciting years working for Pulse Netball Franchise in the ANZ championship. Rachel has had two years working in a busy practice in Melbourne which specialised in sports injuries, persisting pain and pilates.
Physiotherapist
Belinda graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Otago University in 1998. Belinda has continued her physiotherapy education with a certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy in Perth 2009. While working in the UK she completed an APPI Modified Pilates Matwork and instructors course in 2007. Belinda adds a wealth of musculoskeletal skills and experience to our team.
Physiotherapist
Kar has been working as a physiotherapist since 1993. She has experience working in hospitals and private physiotherapy settings, managing wide range of conditions including surgical, respiratory, musculoskeletal and mental health issues. She is particularly interested in managing myofascial pain and hyperventilation syndrome. She is fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Physiotherapy
Alicia graduated from Trinity College Dublin Ireland in 2015, getting the opportunity to work in various clinical settings and giving her a baseline for Musculoskeletal, Orthopaedic, Neurology and Spinal injury knowledge. Alicia volunteered in Ireland at the Dublin Marathon in Oct 2015 and the National Spinal Championships in Sept 2015.
Alicia moved to Christchurch in 2016 and has worked in Private Practice since arriving. Alicia worked with local sports teams and was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work with the West Coast Heartland Rugby Team this season, who made it the Lochore Cup Final last season. Outside of work Alicia is a keen sports fan.
Office Manager
Tracey excels in customer service, running the front desk and behind the scenes for over 16 years. She is our friendly and welcoming receptionist, working between 8.30 and 5pm approx.
Part Time Receptionists
Registered Psychologist
My focus is on strengths and resources rather than deficits and pathology (although formal assessment can help to guide treatment). My therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and I bring in other approaches as needed. I work holistically – the wider cultural and environmental context in which we live and work has an impact on, and is a source of, our health and well-being.
Counsellor
I work from a person/client centred approach and bringing ‘tools’ from other approaches, (CBT, solution focus, narrative therapy and others) to the counselling relationship when needed. My role is to provide a safe and non-judgemental place that allows you the client, to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions without prejudice. I work holistically – including diet and activity as part of the strategies in helping to feel better. I’m happy to work with grief and loss, anxiety and depression, trauma including past trauma, relationship difficulties and eating disorders.
Physiotherapy Specialist in Pelvic Health
Melissa is currently the only Physiotherapy Specialist in Pelvic Health registered under the Specialist Scope of Practice with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. This specialised scope of practice recognises expert physiotherapists who have advanced education, knowledge and skills; demonstrate leadership in consultancy, education and research; work collaboratively with the physiotherapy profession and within the wider health team across a range of health and disability settings; who actively participate and take a leadership role in professional activities, including local and national strategy and policy development; and who work in partnership with individuals, whanau, families and communities to optimise health outcomes.
Melissa has over 26 years of clinical experience and is currently completing her PhD at the University of Auckland (on the effects of pregnancy on the pelvic floor muscles) while seeing patients part-time. She has a Master of Philosophy (a research masters in the pelvic floor) from the University of Melbourne, Post Graduate Certificates in Physiotherapy for both the Pelvic Floor (University of Melbourne) and Acupuncture (University of Otago), and an Advanced Diploma in Manipulation (Canada).
As well as these formal qualifications, Melissa has attended hundreds of short courses in a variety of topics ranging from musculoskeletal to acupuncture to pelvic health and sexuality. She has also tutored at the University of Melbourne (in Pelvic Floor and Women’s Health) and presents both nationally and internationally. She is an active committee member of the Pelvic, Women’s and Men’s Health Special Interest Group of Physiotherapy New Zealand and is current Secretary to the International Organisation of Physical Therapists in Women’s Health.
She is happy to see you directly or on referral from your doctor or specialist and can be contacted either by email [email protected] or mobile +64 (0) 274-142-258.
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