The Team at Parakiore 

Coming soon!

BPhty (Distinction); BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Ben graduated from Otago University with a Bachelors of Science majoring in Sport and Exercise science and went on to complete his Bachelors of Physiotherapy with his final year here in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Born and raised in Dunedin, Ben in typical Kiwi fashion is an avid sports player and keeps active outdoors on hikes, getting out in the sun whenever possible and getting stuck into the gym. More recently, Ben picked up a love for Olympic Weightlifting and honed his training skills during his Bachelor of Science where he worked alongside National athletes while also teaching newer lifters at his local weightlifting gym.

Over the course of his two degrees, Ben worked alongside various people from elite athletes undertaking sport testing, those recovering from injuries, to some aiming to maintain strength and independence into later life. This experience along with being active himself allows him to better understand both the physical and mental demands of an active lifestyle and how much this can differ from person to person. He appreciates how important it is that exercise and rehabilitation is catered to the person and strives to give tailored, personalised care.

BHSc, BPhTh (Credit), Cert Pain Mgmt, DipHlthSc, CEAP Cert, APPI Matwork L1, APPI Pre/Postnatal Pilates, Pinc & Steel Cert

Ashley has a strong background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and has developed a passion for pelvic health and pain management. She studied at Otago University before heading to Auckland for better weather, where she started working in pelvic health. After a few years up north, she returned home to Christchurch.

Ashley has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Continence Management and Pain and is currently working towards her Master’s in Pain Management. She loves helping both men and women regain confidence, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that they enjoy!

Ashley specializes in back and hip issues, postpartum recovery, bladder and bowel incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain, and she can fit pessaries for prolapse and stress incontinence. She also works in cancer rehabilitation, supporting people with fatigue, mobility, and scar tissue management.

When she’s not working or studying, Ashley enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs.

BHSc(Physio), PostGradAppTheo

Jo is an experienced physiotherapist who began her career in New Zealand working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, developing strong manual therapy skills. She then volunteered at a hospital in Nepal for two years working in spinal cord rehabilitation, including bowel and bladder complications. After having two children while working in musculoskeletal practice treating pregnant and postnatal women, Jo became frustrated at the lack of help for women with post-birth complications or those wanting a directed return to sport and exercise.

This led Jo to develop a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. She has completed extensive advanced training in pelvic health for women and children through numerous continuing education courses, often internationally, including pessary fitting and management for pelvic organ prolapse. Most recently, Jo has undergone advanced training in male and paediatric pelvic health physiotherapy, now offering comprehensive care for men, women, and children (aged 3 and up for bowel issues, 5 and up for urinary issues).

Jo’s passion lies in empowering her clients – whatever their age – with the knowledge and tools they need to live confidently and comfortably. She has particular experience with post-natal return to fitness and sports, pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence, post-operative gynaecological care, complex bowel issues, pelvic pain, and childhood wetting or soiling. Jo uses a friendly, practical approach with children, including videos and resources to explain causes and work with families on effective management strategies.

Jo lives with her husband and two children and can be found trying to keep up with her family in the hills tramping, biking, kayaking, skiing, or rogaining. She is also actively involved in her local Christian church and works out of both the Manchester Street and Jellie Park clinics.

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.

MOst

Luke completed his Master’s in Osteopathy after discovering the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment during his own competitive sporting career. He enjoys working with patients of all ages (5 years and older) and uses a comprehensive range of techniques including joint mobilisation/articulation, joint manipulations, soft tissue manipulation and release, fascial release, and craniosacral therapy. Luke understands the importance of movement, mobility, and strength for pain management and longevity, often prescribing exercises alongside nutrition, supplement, sleep, and stress management advice as part of osteopathy’s whole-body approach.

Luke’s passion for osteopathy was inspired by his interest in health and wellbeing, combined with experiencing firsthand how much osteopathic treatment can improve someone’s quality of life. He loves being able to find the root cause of someone’s pain, help with management strategies, and get people back to pain-free living as quickly as possible. He also enjoys regularly meeting people from all different walks of life.

Having participated competitively in multiple sports growing up, Luke believes that regular movement, sport, and play are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle. His treatment plans focus on creating unique management strategies for each patient, considering physical factors, individual lifestyles, interests, beliefs, and general wellbeing to improve quality, frequency, and duration of daily movement without pain and injury.

Originally from New Plymouth but preferring the South Island, Luke is an avid trail runner currently training to race a 100km ultra next year. When he’s not out running in the hills, you can find him hiking, at the gym, bouldering, playing chess, or reading. His diverse sporting background and ongoing athletic pursuits give him unique insight into the physical demands his patients face.

Coming soon!