Physiotherapy

James is one of PHYSIOSOUTH's clinical directors. He leads the Moorhouse Medical and City Fitness clinics. James has over 15 years of experience, specializing in a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. James has a keen interest in the mechanical diagnosis and treatment of neck and back pain (McKenzie credentialed therapist), tendon injuries (tendinopathies), complex shoulder and hip/groin injuries, and running-related injuries. He is respected as a specialist in these areas.
James began his career at PHYSIOSOUTH in 2002. From there he moved to Auckland to work at the Auckland University physiotherapy clinic where he specialized in acute sports injuries. Alongside this, he studied orthopedic manual therapy at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. In 2008 James moved to London. Here he co-founded a successful multi-disciplinary clinic with the key purpose of leading-edge musculoskeletal health for communities. For James, the ultimate goal is to support people in overcoming their boundaries and getting back to their best after an injury.

Caden is a physiotherapist and elite marathon runner. Caden has a wealth of experience in treating all musculoskeletal conditions, however has a special interest in the management of endurance sports injuries. 

Caden has had an extensive sporting career in addition to his physiotherapy career. He is a 2x NZ 10,000m champion, he was a student-athlete at Purdue University in Indiana, the USA from 2008-2011 and the pinnacle of his career so far has been placing 30th for New Zealand in the men's marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Caden is currently studying towards his Masters in Physiotherapy investigating factors related to knee injuries in runners. 

Mary grew up in Dunedin and graduated from the University of Otago in 2017. Since then she has worked in both hospital and private practice settings, with a strong interest in Sports Physiotherapy. Mary has worked with football and rugby teams in Christchurch and completed dry needling and Pilates courses.

Mary's passion lies in working with adolescents, gymnasts, cyclists, runners and multisporters. She like to work out why an injury has occurred, and use a mix of hands on and exercise rehab. 

Outside of work Mary loves to bike and run in the hills and spend time with friends and family. Mary previously represented NZ as a junior for mountain biking and road cycling, and more recently completed the Coast to Coast.

Conall, originally from Belfast (Ireland), graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2010. He has worked as a physiotherapist in both public health service and private practice in the UK and NZ and has developed a special interest in sports-related and complex injuries. Conall possesses extensive experience and expertise in assessing and treating work-related and sports injuries, including those related to running, biking, rugby, CrossFit, and combat sports. His primary goal is to help his clients return to the activities they enjoy, be it returning to work, playing with their children or grandchildren, or returning to sports. Conall has completed further training in Acupuncture, Headache Management, Chronic Pain Conditions and Running Rehabilitation. Beyond his work as a physiotherapist, Conall is an avid trail runner, mountain biker, and hurler. He has personally sustained numerous injuries while engaging in these activities, which have given him first-hand knowledge of the importance of returning to them for his clients.

Fiona is a Physiotherapist and Pilates Teacher. Fiona is from Ireland and this is where she studied Physiotherapy, graduating in 2009. Fiona has experience in hospital, musculoskeletal private practice and paediatric settings. 

Fiona has a strong interest in Pilates and is our in-house Pilates Teacher here at Sports Clinic with a range of group classes on offer. Fiona can offer specialist Pilates rehabilitation as part of your Physiotherapy treatment. 

Outside of work, Fiona loves being active in the outdoors and regularly trains for and competes in multisport - cycling, running and kayaking. She has competed in Coast to Coast Longest Day multiple times, finishing on the podium on over 5 occasions. With this Fiona brings great understanding of the demands of sport along with professional and personal experience for returning to sport following injury. 

Tom has worked in Christchurch since 2019. He’s very passionate about his running and triathlon, currently a member of Whippets Running Project and training towards Ironman New Zealand.

He grew up in Christchurch before heading down to Otago University to study towards his Bachelor of Physiotherapy. He takes an analytical and detailed approach to his assessment and management to get his clients to achieve their goals and back to their best. He believes in setting patients up with the skills to minimise the risk of future injury. His key clinical interest lies in running/endurance-based clientele, knee injury and adolescence. Tom understands the impacts injury can have on your life so is committed to getting you back to full function.

All the way from Canada, Julia brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our clinic.

Julia’s background includes working with the Guelph Nighthawks Professional Basketball team and serving as a Canadian Women's Basketball trainer during their China tour. She has also been involved with the Gryphons Women’s Rugby team, Guelph Gryphons Minor Midget AAA hockey, and Regals Midget Lacrosse. With her diverse experiences as a student therapist for McGill Martlets Women’s Hockey and a sport first responder. She will be a great addition to Sports Clinic.

Outside of work, Julia has a passion for an active lifestyle. She enjoys skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, strength, and conditioning workouts. She is also an absolute ace on the volleyball court and keen to take up NZ surfing.

Briar is a graduate from the University of Otago where she received her Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy. Growing up in coastal Mount Maunganui of the North Island, she is accustomed to making the most of New Zealand's landscapes. Through her passion for wellbeing, she has witnessed the far-reaching benefits of optimising physical health and has long been an enthusiastic runner. Since relocating south for University, she has expanded her interests by exploring the mountains through skiing and hiking on weekends. She prioritizes a comprehensive approach to physical health, regularly practicing yoga and pilates.

Briar possesses a genuine enthusiasm for musculoskeletal health and enjoys working with a diverse range of people. She emphasizes the importance of holistic treatment, aiming to understand the broader context of an injury beyond just biomechanics. She values creating meaningful experiences for her patients, with the goal of helping them return to their passions.

Yukino (Yuki) graduated from McMaster University in Canada in 2018 with a Master of Science in Physiotherapy. She further pursued higher education at the University of Western Ontario to obtain her Masters of Clinical Science in Advanced Healthcare Practice in Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She's also been specializing in pelvic health physiotherapy for the last 6 years - a clientele that's too often underserved but does great with physiotherapy! Yuki uses research, hands on manual therapy, personalized exercise programming, and education to help you understand what's going on with your body and empower you to reach your individual goals and get you back to living your best life!

Yuki loves exercise, good food, rugby, and all things outdoors! She can't wait to meet you and work with you and explore and fall in love with New Zealand.

Having competed internationally as a gymnast, Alexy developed a deep interest and appreciation for the human body. Pursuing a career in physiotherapy has allowed him to explore his curiosity surrounding rehabilitation and performance. His interests lie in movement and exercise-based therapy, aiming to educate and guide people through their own self-management. He is passionate about providing evidence-based practice and is committed to fostering a patient-centred environment. He sees the importance of well-being and aims to help his clients become the best version of themselves. Outside of the clinic, you might find him in the gym, playing social sports or on a run. He enjoys getting involved in all things active, with a particular interest in combat sports.

Sarah is a passionate physio that works to help people overcome persistent pain and recurring injuries so they can enjoy a happy active life.

-Graduated with Bachelor Hons in Physiotherapy from University of Limerick in 2013

-Has over 10 years clinical experience in physiotherapy clinics and gyms.

-Additional qualifications: Thoracic Ring Approach clinician, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Bradcliff Breathing Method Clinician, Yoga teacher, Clinical Pilates Instructor.

-Additional treatment skills: deep tissue massage, trigger point massage, myofascial release, strength and conditioning programs

-Who can I help? People suffering from persistent or recurring neck, midback, lower back, shoulder, rib, hip, knee, pelvis pain.

-Special interest areas: Thoracic (midback) pain, rib pain, scoliosis

-What’s my treatment approach like? A thorough assessment that includes learning about the clients’ issues/lifestyle/goals. Physical assessment of posture, movement, muscle balance. A frank discussion of the factors contributing to the clients’ pain/symptoms. Together with the client put together and action a realistic and effective plan for recovery.

-Outside of work I enjoy: travel, hiking, trail running, yoga, reading, social run groups that enjoy a social beer after, nature and landscape photography!

David graduated from the University of Otago in 2020. David's enjoyment of Physiotherapy stems from his desire to help people return to their baseline level of function after injury, and often beyond this. His drive to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients has seen him undergo a post-graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy.

David has a wealth of musculoskeletal experience, most recently being overseas in Bristol at a private clinic. While in the UK, he was also the lead Physiotherapist for the Bristol University Rugby team. Prior to this, David worked with the Shirley Vikings and Oxford Rugby clubs when living in Christchurch.

When he is not working, you will probably find him surfing, or enjoying the array of golf courses the Christchurch has to offer. He also likes to keep active by running and going to the gym. Otherwise, he will be spending time with his friends and family.

Brianna graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy after completing her studies at the University of Otago. Her studies highlighted to her the importance of treating an individual holistically and in alignment with their work related, sport and hobby related, or personal goals. She enjoys working with a variety of patient groups and draws on a variety of manual therapy based techniques, exercise prescription and education to get her patients back to the activities they love to do. In her own time Brianna loves being outdoors, at the beach, tramping and skiing both behind the boat and on the slopes.