Active Health Team
Christchurch
Meet Our High Skilled Team of Experts:
You will be looked after by experts in their field.
Christchurch Podiatrists
About Me
– BHSc (Pod), PGDipSportsMed, M.Sport.PodNZ (Sports Accredited)
Simon is a vastly experienced podiatrist who provides management for all foot and ankle conditions. Simon has a long standing interest in diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, and its associated areas, including orthotic design, sports shoe prescription, running analysis and bike setups. Simon also uses strengthening and stretching regimes along with manipulation of the foot joints to help alleviate many different complaints of the foot.
Through the years, as a High Performance Sport NZ Podiatry provider Simon has been involved with the treatment and rehabilitation a number of elite athletes especially in the Olympic Sports of Cycling, Athletics and Triathlon.
Simon has worked for Mizuno NZ as their Consultant Podiatrist since 2001, being involved in shoe range selection, technical training of retail staff throughout NZ and involvement in promotional events.
Simon has also developed a range of specific protective padding for contact sports which he custom makes for professional teams and private patients, including the All Blacks, Crusaders and Highlanders.
About Me
BHSc (Pod)
Julia qualified as a Podiatrist in 2017, growing up in the North Island she moved to Christchurch to join Active Health’s team.
Having represented Waikato in both water-polo and netball, she has developed great interest towards the biomechanics of the lower limb and injury prevention. Julia is enthusiastic and passionate about all aspects of Podiatry ranging from footwear, sports, paediatrics, diabetes and the overall health and wellbeing of the individual.
Julia is based at Active Health’s main clinic on Manchester street as well as the satellite clinic in New Brighton.
Martin Faulkner
Podiatrist
About Me
BHSc (Pod)
Martin graduated from AUT University after completing his Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry). He transitioned into Podiatry following more than six years in the Health and Fitness industry as a fitness instructor.
Martin returned to Christchurch after working in Auckland and the Hawke’s Bay. During his time in the North Island, his work in podiatric care included general skin and nail, diabetic foot, and biomechanical management including post-surgical and acute and chronic injuries.
With his experience in exercise technique and conditioning, he brings a holistic approach to rehabilitation. For him, it’s important to form a partnership with clients to get them back moving and then making them more resilient to injury.
Outside of work, he is always seeking to stay active – be it in the gym, surfing the waves or on the golf course.
Vy Nguyen
Podiatrist
About Me
BHSc (Pod)
Vy has a background in General Medicine and completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) in New Zealand in 2022. His passion lies in improving foot health and helping individuals maintain their mobility and activity levels. He has participated in many multidisciplinary programs to provide a holistic approach to patients with sports injuries or chronic foot conditions, such as diabetes. He received a scholarship from Arthritis New Zealand to conduct and successfully publish his first research about provision of podiatry services to people living with arthritis in 2022.
Outside of work, Vy is an adventurer who has achieved advanced scuba open water diving certification and can dive up to 40 meters deep in the ocean. He also conquered Everest Base Camp (5364m) in 2018.
Christchurch Physiotherapists
Angela Mackie
Physiotherapist
About Me
BPhty PGDip SportsMed (credit), PGCertAcu (NZ)
Angela is a New Zealand Physiotherapist with 25 years experience and has post-graduate qualifications in both Sports Medicine and Acupuncture. She frequently attends conferences and courses to enhance her skills and knowledge
Angela enjoys the challenge of managing all musculoskeletal injuries. She has a keen interest in lower limb biomechanics + pelvic stability. Following a thorough assessment to understand your specific condition, she uses a combination of manual therapy, acupuncture, breathing re-education and exercises to aid recovery and help you return to the things that are important to you.
Angela has been privileged to work with a huge range of sports teams and individuals including netball, hockey and ice skating to the highest of levels. But by far the sport she’s spent the greatest time on the side-line is rugby – working with both men’s and women’s teams, including seven campaigns the with Canterbury Women’s 15s and 7s teams.
In her spare time, she enjoys running and has completed 20 half marathons, using these as an opportunity to travel and explore the country.
Ashley Briscoe
Physiotherapist
About Me
BPhty (Credit), PG Cert Pain Management
Pelvic Health and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Ashley has been working in Auckland since graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has now returned to her hometown of Christchurch. Ashley has experience working with musculoskeletal injuries and sports teams, as well as having a keen interest in pelvic health. In addition to attending multiple continuing education courses on pelvic health, Ashley is currently studying towards a Diploma in Pain Management with a focus on pelvic pain at the University of Otago. She particularly enjoys working with lower back, pelvic, glute and hip pain.
Ashley believes in individualized rehabilitation and goal setting to empower and motivate her clients back into doing the things they enjoy. She has worked with women soon after delivery at Birthcare in Auckland and has a passion for educating and guiding women on postpartum recovery and safe return to exercise. When she’s not at work, Ashley enjoys going to the gym, playing with her dogs and drinking coffee.
Brad Robinson
Physiotherapist
About Me
Brad qualified as a physiotherapist in 2017 after graduating from the University of Otago. Brad then worked in Timaru and Oxford, before moving back to Christchurch to join the Active Health Team. Brad is passionate about working alongside people with a variety of injuries to help them achieve their goals and help them return to their active lifestyles. Brad is particularly interested in using a comprehensive biomechanical assessment to assist in treatment of injuries and determine why an injury might have occurred to assist in preventing further injury in the future. He likes to use his training in dry needling to assist people with their recovery where appropriate. Brad has played a variety of sports competitively, most recently focusing on basketball. It was through these numerous sports and inevitable injuries that Brad found a passion for the human body and managing injuries. In his spare time Brad likes to enjoy the New Zealand outdoors through tramping, trail running and back country camping.
Bevan Lawson
Physiotherapist
About Me
BPhty (credit)
Bevan graduated from the University of Otago in 2006, receiving the Sheila Consuela MacDiarmid Scholarship. He is an experienced clinical physiotherapist in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy with a focus on exercise-based rehabilitation and injury prevention. Bevan enjoys working with all ages, from youth athletes to older adults, helping them rehabilitate from injuries and return to active lifestyles with improved biomechanical efficiency. Bevan has also developed expertise in muscle balance assessment, occupational health, golf-specific physiotherapy and mental strategies to overcome injuries. Bevan competes to a high level in his own sporting endeavours and is the captain of the New Zealand Korfball team. Bevan has also been the physiotherapist to both the New Zealand and Australian Korfball teams.
Kate Horton
Physiotherapist / Pilates Instructor
BSc(Hons), certified Matwork Pilates instructor (APPI) UK
About Me
BSc(Hons), certified Matwork Pilates instructor (APPI) UK
Kate has a wide range of physiotherapy experience, having qualified in 2001 from Manchester University in the UK. She has worked in many areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy both in the UK and New Zealand, from sports teams, to hospital and private practice, and has taught Pilates classes regularly since 2008.
Kate moved to New Zealand in 2009 and has been teaching up to five Pilates classes a week. She connects well with people of all ages, to help to assess, treat and prevent further injury. She has a keen interest in muscle balance problems and postural issues. Kate also enjoys treating shoulder and back injuries, along with post-operative care. She relishes the challenge of working out the problem and treating injuries with a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription and looking at long term prevention.
In her spare time, Kate is an avid runner and has been a member of Extra Mile Runners in Christchurch for several years, having completed a number of half marathons. Living close to the Port Hills with her husband, she loves having the perfect training ground on her doorstep.
Kath Bull
Physiotherapist
BPhty
About Me
Kath has a wide range of physiotherapy experience, having graduated from the University of Otago in 1994. She has worked in many areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in New Zealand, America and the UK. She enjoys treating a wide range of conditions and is dedicated to helping people recover from their injuries through comprehensive assessment, treatment and individualised rehabilitation programmes.
Kath worked for Active Health from 2005-2008 at the QEII location, and then re-joined the Active Health team in 2017 after relocating from Auckland.
Kath has a special interest in cancer rehabilitation, and works with patients before, during and after medical cancer treatments, addressing treatment side effects like pain, fatigue and weakness that may have affect patient’s physical and functional abilities. Kath is a certified provider of the PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs, which are internationally known physiotherapy and exercise programs for women and men with cancer.
In addition Kath also works on ACC Vocational Rehabilitation contracts, both as a lead provider for these contracts and also providing rehabilitation to help clients return to work as soon as possible after injury. Kath has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation with a paper in Work Rehabilitation.
In her spare time, Kath enjoys hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
Cath Silvester
Physiotherapist
Dip Phys.
About Me
Cath brings to Active Health a wide range of experience. After graduating in 1991 she spent time working in the UK and the United States specialising in Orthopedics. After returning to New Zealand she worked for a number of years in a leading multi-disciplinary sports practice specializing in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. For the last three years Cath has worked in a Pain Management Practice managing chronic pain conditions and specialising in Vocational Health. Cath is currently completing post graduate studies in Vocational Health. In her spare time Cath enjoys running and has recently taken up mountain biking.
About Me
Rose graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy before moving to Christchurch to join the Active Health team. Rose enjoys treating a variety of musculoskeletal injuries through individualised exercise prescription and varying manual therapy techniques including dry needling. Rose has a special interest in adolescent injury management, working on site at two secondary schools here in Christchurch (Marian College & St Thomas College). Rose is currently studying towards a postgraduate diploma in Sports Physiotherapy, with special interests in injury prevention and women’s health in sport. In her spare time Rose enjoys attending the gym and Pilates, as well as socialising with friends and returning down south to visit her family.
About Me
Charlotte graduated from the University of Otago before moving to Christchurch to join the team at Active Health. Her involvement in a variety of sports from a young age and fascination with the human body sparked her interest in becoming a physiotherapist. Charlotte enjoys working with people with musculoskeletal injuries to help achieve their goals and get them back to doing what they love. She is passionate about improving the overall health and wellbeing of individuals with exercise prescription, manual therapy and education. In her spare time she enjoys running, playing netball and catching up with friends.
Jess Blair
Physiotherapist
BPhty
About Me
Jess qualified as a Physiotherapist at AUT and has since worked in Cambridge. Recently moving to Christchurch, Jess previously worked as a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with a varied role including Aged Care (falls prevention and injury management), Management and Private Hospital work. Jess provides care that is centred around the client, including education and advice on how to reach your goals, manual therapy, and a focus on exercise-based rehab to return you to your previous function and prevent further injuries. Jess enjoys treating a range of musculoskeletal injuries, with a special interest in caring for the Aged Health population. In her spare time, Jess enjoys picking up her camera, going to the gym, skiing, biking and hiking.
Christchurch Pelvic Health and Cancer Rehabilitation
Susan Larson
Pelvic Health and Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
About Me
Susan has been a physiotherapist for over 20 years and has studied and worked in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. She spent the early part of her career working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and developed strong manual therapy skills. On moving to America, Susan studied for and gained a Certificate of Advanced Study in Physical Therapy (Orthopaedics) and a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston.
Working largely with back and pelvic pain diagnoses, Susan felt there was a missing link in providing complete care for these patients, which lead to the development of a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. Over the last few years Susan has completed extensive advanced training in Women’s and Men’s Pelvic Health, including obtaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health and Continence from Curtin University in Perth, completing Functional Dry Needling Certification (Level 1, 2 and advanced) from KinetaCore in Colorado, and numerous continuing education courses. Utilizing these skills, she now proudly offers a truly comprehensive successful physiotherapy approach to pelvic health issues and pre and postnatal care.
Susan also has a passion for cancer rehabilitation and works with patients before, during and after medical cancer treatments, addressing treatment side effects like pain, fatigue, weakness and lymphoedema that may have affect patient’s physical and functional abilities. While she was based in Colorado, Susan completed training in the Pink Ribbon Program, the Strength After Breast Cancer Program and became a Certified Lymphoedema Therapist. She was part of the cancer rehabilitation team at Boulder Community Hospital, working in close association with the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centre. Since returning to New Zealand she has become a certified provider of the PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs, which are internationally known physiotherapy and exercise programs for women and men with cancer. In addition to providing individualized cancer rehabilitation, Susan runs a Next Steps cancer group exercise class at the Rangiora Fitness Centre.
Susan has returned to her hometown of Christchurch with her husband Keith, a Sommelier and is delighted to bring her unique skills and treatments to Active Health. Susan and Keith enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle including appreciation of good food and wine, travel, and many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.
We are delighted to have Susan back on the Active Health team, after working with us back in 2012. Susan sees patients in our St Albans clinic and in Rangiora at both the Durham Health and the Rangiora Fitness Centre Active Health clinics.
Jo Dowle
Pelvic Health and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
About Me
Jo has been a physiotherapist for almost 20 years and has studied and worked in New Zealand and Nepal. She spent the early part of her career working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and developed strong manual therapy skills. She then volunteered at a hospital in Nepal for two years working mostly in spinal cord rehabilitation including bowel and bladder complications.
On returning to New Zealand Jo had two beautiful children while still working in a musculoskeletal practice. However, she became frustrated at the lack of help for women with complications post birth or those who wanted a directed way back into sport and exercise, whether that was returning to the gym, high intensity or weightlifting training, or elite endurance sport.
This led to the development of a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. Over the last six years Jo has completed extensive advanced training in women’s Pelvic Health, attending numerous continuing education courses. Utilizing these skills, she now proudly offers a truly comprehensive successful physiotherapy approach to pelvic health issues and pre and postnatal care.
Jo has successfully helped many post-natal mothers get back into sport including some who struggling to maintain continence with weightlifting, others who are competing at an elite level and others that just want to rejoin the gym again. She has helped spinal cord patients regain bowel and bladder control and is able to fit pessaries to those with prolapse or stress incontinence to help them return to sport. Jo is delighted to bring her unique skills and treatments to Active Health.
Jo lives with her husband Mark and two children. Outside of work Jo will been seen trying to keep up with her family in the hills tramping, biking, kayaking, skiing or rogaining. She is also actively involved in her local Anglican Church. Jo will be working out of both the Manchester Street and Jellie Park clinics.
Kath Bull
Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
About Me
Kath has a wide range of physiotherapy experience, having graduated from the University of Otago in 1994. She has worked in many areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in New Zealand, America and the UK. She enjoys treating a wide range of conditions and is dedicated to helping people recover from their injuries through comprehensive assessment, treatment and individualised rehabilitation programmes.
Kath worked for Active Health from 2005-2008 at the QEII location, and then re-joined the Active Health team in 2017 after relocating from Auckland.
Kath has a special interest in cancer rehabilitation, and works with patients before, during and after medical cancer treatments, addressing treatment side effects like pain, fatigue and weakness that may have affect patient’s physical and functional abilities. Kath is a certified provider of the PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs, which are internationally known physiotherapy and exercise programs for women and men with cancer.
In addition Kath also works on ACC Vocational Rehabilitation contracts, both as a lead provider for these contracts and also providing rehabilitation to help clients return to work as soon as possible after injury. Kath has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation with a paper in Work Rehabilitation.
In her spare time, Kath enjoys hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
Ashley Briscoe
Pelvic Health and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
About Me
Pelvic Health and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Ashley has been working in Auckland since graduating from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has now returned to her hometown of Christchurch. Ashley has experience working with musculoskeletal injuries and sports teams, as well as having a keen interest in pelvic health. In addition to attending multiple continuing education courses on pelvic health, Ashley is currently studying towards a Diploma in Pain Management with a focus on pelvic pain at the University of Otago. She particularly enjoys working with lower back, pelvic, glute and hip pain.
Ashley believes in individualized rehabilitation and goal setting to empower and motivate her clients back into doing the things they enjoy. She has worked with women soon after delivery at Birthcare in Auckland and has a passion for educating and guiding women on postpartum recovery and safe return to exercise. When she’s not at work, Ashley enjoys going to the gym, playing with her dogs and drinking coffee.
Christchurch Vocational Rehabilitation Physiotherapists
Christchurch Administration Staff
Lynley Devon
Senior Reception and Admin
About Me
Lynley is a long-standing member of our reception team. She likes keeping active running socially around home and in the hills.
Now her two children have left home she spends more time walking the dogs and enjoys nothing more than curling up on the couch with a good book.
Abbey Clark
Receptionist and Gym Manager
About Me
Abbey is a lover of all things health and fitness being a qualified personal trainer. She is always keen for getting out and about, including walks, playing and watching sports.
Her biggest passion would be health and fitness, along with travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Jess Campion
Admin and Marketing
About Me
Jess is a member of our friendly reception team. She studied at the University of Canterbury where she gained a Bachelor of Commerce.
In her spare time, Jess enjoys baking, going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.
Laura Dow
Reception and Admin
About Me
Jess is a member of our friendly reception team. She studied at the University of Canterbury where she gained a Bachelor of Commerce.
In her spare time, Jess enjoys baking, going to the gym and spending time with friends and family.
Christchurch Osteopath
Sarah Wisson
Osteopath
About Me
Sarah is a UK trained Osteopath. She splits her working week between treating people and animals, which has her traveling all over New Zealand.
Sarah worked in the UK before coming to NZ in 2001. Her practices are set within other well-established medical practices and clinics within Canterbury.
Her focus is on the treatment of sports injuries and problems, especially in young people, pregnancy related matters, babies, children and animals.
Other commitments to the Osteopathic field in NZ have been lecturing on animal osteopathy both to members of the profession and publicly. In 2006 Sarah was appointed as an examiner for overseas osteopaths by the OCNZ, which ended in 2010. Sarah lectures in Animal Osteopathy in the UK, at The ESO. In November 2014 at the 10th ICAOR Conference in Brazil, Sarah presented a paper on Forelimb Lameness in Dogs Due to Bicipital Tenosynovitis.
Make an appointment today
Find a time that suits you and book an appointment online using our booking system. If you are not sure who to see, give us a call and we can help find the best clinician for you.