Active Health Team
Hamilton & Waikato
Meet Our Team
Helping you move better, recover faster, and feel your best.
Hamilton Physiotherapists
Mike Lovell
Physiotherapist / Director
Dip. Phty, PGDip HSc (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy), Dip. MT
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Dip. Phty, PGDip HSc (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy), Dip. MT
Mike has been the principal Physio and Director of Sports Med Physiotherapy since 1997. After qualifying a long time ago (last century) from Auckland School of Physiotherapy in 1992, he has since completed diploma’s in Manipulative Therapy, and Health Science (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy).
He has previously been the Physiotherapist for the New Zealand Triathlon Team and Rehabilitation Physiotherapist for the Chiefs Super Rugby Team.
Working with the Chief’s Rugby Team further developed Mike’s background in strength and gym-based rehabilitation. His patients are now being encouraged to perform resistance training to stay strong and active for work and home, not necessarily just for sport!
Mike’s appointments:
- NZ Triathlon (2002 – 2014): including the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and 2012 London Olympic Games.
- NZ Paralympic Road Cycling Physiotherapist for 2010 and 2018 World Championships.
- Chiefs Super Rugby Rehabilitation Physiotherapist 2007-2008, and 2011-2016.
- Waikato Rugby Team Physiotherapist 2001, and 2006-2007.
- NZ Secondary Schools Rugby Team Physiotherapist 2009-2010.
- Taupiri Rugby Football Club 1996-2005.
- High Performance Sport NZ Physiotherapist Provider 2000-present.
- Melville United FC Team Physiotherapist 2018-
Amanda Foster
Physiotherapist/Director
Masters in Health Practice with Distinction (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Sport & Exercise Science); BHSc (Physiotherapy)
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Masters in Health Practice with Distinction (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Sport & Exercise Science); BHSc (Physiotherapy)
Amanda graduated from AUT in 2006 and returned to the Waikato to begin her physiotherapy career. After gaining valuable experience at Waikato Hospital, she transitioned into private practice, where she continues to thrive.
In 2011, Amanda completed her Clinical Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with Distinction. This advanced training has equipped her with expert assessment and treatment skills, which she applies daily to support a wide range of clients – from competitive athletes to everyday weekend warriors.
Amanda has extensive experience working with sporting teams, particularly in netball. Driven by a passion for injury prevention, she spent two years delivering the NetballSmart programme across the Waikato/Bay of Plenty zone in a collaboration between Netball New Zealand and ACC.
Her dedication and expertise have led to progressive appointments with increasingly high-level teams, culminating in her current role as the physiotherapist for the New Zealand U21 Netball Team – a national-level position she began in July 2024. This milestone reflects Amanda’s strong professional reputation in the field of sports physiotherapy.
Amanda also contributes to the broader sports health community as a current member of the Sports Medicine New Zealand Executive Committee, helping to shape the direction of sports medicine nationally.
Team Appointments:
- New Zealand U21 Netball Team – Team Physiotherapist (July 2024 – present)
- Fast5 Ferns – Netball World Series Physiotherapist (2022)
- Waikato BOP Magic – Team Physiotherapist (2020 & 2021 seasons)
- NZA Netball Team – Physiotherapist, Cadbury Series (2020), Camp (2021)
- Netball NZ – Pathway to Podium (2018), National Development Camp Physiotherapist (2017–present)
- Netball NZ Secondary Schools Team – Physiotherapist (2017–2018)
- Waikato BOP Beko League Team – Physiotherapist (2016–2018)
- Waikato BOP U23 Netball – Physiotherapist (2013)
- Hamilton City Netball – Physiotherapist, Nationals (2013, 2015)
- Morrinsville Sports Senior Rugby – Team Physiotherapist (2010–2017)
Outside of work, Amanda is a proud mum of two girls. She and her husband enjoy spending time on the water fishing when the weather allows. Amanda also enjoys running (slowly!) and tramping, has discovered a newfound love for the gym, coaches her daughter’s netball teams, and is currently putting her DIY skills to the test as they renovate their home.
Justin Ralph
Physiotherapist/Director
BHSc (physiotherapy), PgDip HSc (musculoskeletal physiotherapy), Bike Fit Consultant
(Certified Advanced Serotta International Cycling Institute Bike Fitter).
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Justin is a musculoskeletal physiotherapist with a range of experience working in private practice and high-performance sport settings. Justin completed his physiotherapy degree at AUT in 2004 and post graduate qualifications in 2011. He then progressed into an area he is very passionate about and completed Bike Fit education at the Serotta International Cycling Institute in the United States and has progressed to become a Bike Fit Consultant.
Justin started work with Sports Med Physio in 2004 and following a couple of extended periods away has returned to the now Active Health in 2022. He started working in high performance sport in 2011, working through two Paralympic cycles and the recent Tokyo Olympic cycle leading the physiotherapy team with Cycling NZ. Justin has gained a range of skills over this time and has a passion for helping people plan and achieve their goals through physiotherapy, weather its injury management, injury prevention or just ensuring the body is functioning to its highest capability. He is very keen to help progress sports physiotherapy in New Zealand and is the current president of the Waikato Branch of Sports Medicine NZ.
Currently Justin works part time in the clinic as well as contract work privately and with Cycling New Zealand. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family including three young kids.
Justin’s appointments:
Waikato Rugby U20’s physiotherapist, 2005
Cycling New Zealand Road Team Physiotherapist, 2005-2010 including World Championships and the 2008 season at the European training base in France
Paracycling New Zealand Lead Physiotherapist & Bike Fitter 2011 – 2016, including the London and Rio Paralympic Games
High Performance Sport NZ/Cycling New Zealand Performance Physiotherapist & Bike Fitter 2017 – 2022, including Tokyo Olympics, 2018 Commonwealth Games and multiple World Championships and World Cups
Cycling New Zealand Bike Fit Consultant, Current
Jill Bell
Physiotherapist
Dip Physiotherapy, Dip Maniptherapy, Cert Acup, PGD Rehab
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I have joined the practice again after twenty years working in other areas of the Waikato and am enjoying working in a great team where we keep up to date with best practice and aim to do our best for patients.
Over the years I have worked with Waikato Netball, NZ Hockey, and Workplace Assessments. I have a special interest in back problems but enjoy all aspects of my work.
I make a point of explaining my findings and the rehab plan so that we work together for the best result.
Laura Nolan
Physiotherapist
Musculoskeletal & Women’s/ Pelvic Health, Sc(Hons) Physiotherapy; PGDipHSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy; Women’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Educated; Certificate in Pre- and Post- Natal Pilates; MPNZ
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Laura began working at our Ulster Street clinic in 2008 after completing her Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Physiotherapy, in Northern Ireland in 2006 and then travelling the world before settling in New Zealand. Since then, she has completed her Post-Graduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2015, furthering her evidence-based practice in this area. More recently, Laura developed an interest in Women’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and has completed various courses to develop her knowledge in this area.
Over the years, Laura has worked with sporting teams, including football, rugby and representative level netball teams. She has enjoyed having a mixed case load in the clinic involving people of differing ages and with a variety of injuries, including sporting and work- related injuries, rehabilitation post- surgery, pre- and post- natal conditions, and has an interest in working to prevent further injury.
Laura’s strong Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy background and realisation of how important both the core stability and breathing systems are in rehabilitation and exercise, and how intricately linked they are with pelvic muscle dysfunction, led her to her interest in Women’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy. Laura understands first-hand the physical and psychological aspects that are involved in what can be intensive and extended recovery processes after completing a lengthy rehabilitation to return to sport herself, after first having an ACL reconstruction on her knee, and then postpartum recovery following the births of her children. Her real interest within this field lies in treating pre- and post- natal conditions, including posture advice, pregnancy related musculoskeletal conditions, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder or bowel leakage, frequency or urgency, DRA (abdominal separation), functional strength assessment. Laura’s passion is in individual and group exercise and Pilates prescription through pregnancy, and for return to activity, running and sport post- partum
Laura currently works part -time and enjoys spending the rest of her time looking after her two young children. Laura has a passion for water-skiing and competes in New Zealand National tournaments each year. She also enjoys participating in a “mum bootcamp” regularly, running with her dog, has completed a few half marathons, and is a bit of a snow bunny in winter: skiing and snowboarding.
Claudia McKenna
Physiotherapist
BPhty (Hons)
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Claudia began working for Active Health in January 2021, after completing her studies at the University of Otago School of Physiotherapy in 2020. She completed her degree with First Class Honours.
Originally from Christchurch, Claudia made the big move to Hamilton this year and is thoroughly enjoying her time in the Waikato. Growing up, Claudia was involved in many sports including tennis, netball, and rowing, and had strong interests in biomechanics, health and anatomy which lead her down the path of physiotherapy.
Since starting at Active Health, Claudia has had the opportunity to work alongside Hockey New Zealand, supporting the Women’s Black Sticks squad at the 2021 North vs. South series, as well as the Hockey New Zealand Performance Network training camp in July 2021. Alongside her colleague, David, she has also worked with the Wintec Waikato Hockey Men’s U18 team at the 2021 Vantage National tournament.
Claudia is currently working out of our Thomas Road clinic. You can also find her at the Hamilton City Netball Centre on a Saturday providing an acute injury assessment and treatment service.
Hayley Dibley
Physiotherapist
BPhty (Distinction)
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Hayley joined Active Health in October 2022. After completing her physiotherapy studies at University of Otago School of Physiotherapy in 2020, Hayley initially gained experience in musculoskeletal, aged care and post operative orthopaedics and cardiac physiotherapy at a clinic in Hamilton. She also completed additional training in Women’s health and reformer Pilates.
Growing up, Hayley kept busy playing football and was exposed to the benefits of physical activity and nutrition. She then developed a passion for physiotherapy after spending some time with a physiotherapist in her adolescent years. She has keen interests in Women’s health and adolescent athletes.
In her spare time, Hayley enjoys staying physically active in any way possible, teaching reformer Pilates, and baking.
Hayley enjoys empowering clients of all ages during their injury rehabilitation to manage and return to their full function.
Tim Grimes
Physiotherapist
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Tim qualified from University College Dublin in 2017. He has an interest in sports injuries and rehabilitation, helping people to continue to do the things they enjoy. Tim enjoys working with young and old. He has an interest in persisting pain and finding ways to continue to move forward. Tim enjoys the challenges of trying to find solutions for any injury and find a rehab plan that works for your lifestyle. When not at work, Tim enjoys surfing and wandering.
Amiria (Meeds) Koopu
Physiotherapist
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Tēnā tatou
He uri tenei nō Te Whānau-ā-Apanui me Ngāti Kahu
Ko Amiria Koopu ahau
Amiria (Meeds) has recently graduated from Wintec with a Bachelors in Physiotherapy.
Barry Cavanagh
Physiotherapist
BPhty (Hons)
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After deciding on a career change, Barry has graduated from Wintec with honours in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. While studying Barry worked as a Physiotherapy Assistant at Waikato Hospital where he was able to get experience in Cardio-Respiratory, Oncology, Orthopaedics, Acute care, and Rehabilitation care.
Growing up, Barry competed in Athletics, representing New Zealand on many occasions, mainly in sprints, long jump, and hurdles before moving on to other sports such as indoor netball and basketball. Barry still competes in Netball having played for Waikato Tainui and winning gold in the 2024 Mixed grade and Men’s grade masters nationals teams!
In his spare time, Barry is an experienced netball coach, loves spending time with his family, playing board games and has recently found his green thumb, enjoying growing house plants!
Katy Shivers
Physiotherapist
BPhty
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Katy has recently moved to Hamilton, from Derry in Ireland. She studied at Ulster University and throughout her student years was able to work with Basketball Ireland, Intercounty soccer teams and was the Physio for the U19 Derry Ladies Gaelic team in 2023.
After needing physio for a sporting injury and experiencing the impact rehab has first hand, Katy knew this was the career for her. Her favourite aspect of physio is empowering patients and watching them progress and achieve goals they didn’t think possible. She is excited to continue to progress as a physio and develop her career here at Active Health.
Katy grew up in a household big into sports and she enjoys playing Gaelic football and camogie. In her spare time she also enjoys the gym and getting outdoors for a good hike.
Rebecca Armstrong
Physiotherapist
BPhty
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Rebecca graduated from Ulster University in Northern Ireland with a Bachelors of Physiotherapy. After which she embarked on a 14-week backpacking trip through Southeast Asia before deciding to make the move to Hamilton and begin working for Active Health.
Sport has always played a big role in Rebeccas life, growing up in a ‘rugby mad’ household she developed a love for both sport and injury rehab. She has played hockey since she was eight representing at school, university and county level. After getting injured whilst on a hockey tour in Amsterdam and discovering the importance of functional rehab she realised physio was the career path for her and hasn’t looked back since.
From a small county in Ireland, Rebecca loves to travel and is excited to explore the Waikato, and New Zealand during her time here.
Hamilton Vocational Rehabilitation Team
Tracey Daysh
Registered Nurse │ Rehabilitation Manager
RCompN, MHealthSci(Rehab) – Distinction
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Experience: Graduated from nursing in 1991 completing Masters in Health Science speciality Rehabilitation in 2013 from University of Otago. Has held senior roles in rehabilitation for the Ministry of Social Development, ACC, and APM Workcare specialising in Vocational Rehabilitation. Rehab Exp: Vocational Rehab since 2000
Other Specialities: Quality Systems Management, Relationship Management, Education and Mentoring.
Sarah Gudsell
Senior Occupational Therapist
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy), AUT 2004
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Experience: Vocational Rehabilitation since 2004 specifically Stay At Work Contract. ACC Training for Independence Programmes, Initial Occupational Assessments and Escalated Care Pathways.
Other Specialities: Pilates, preventative workstation assessments and education for corporate clients.
Hamilton Sports & Exercise Physicians
Dr Kevin Bell
Sports Physician
MBChB, PGDSM, MMedSc (Hons), FACSEP
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Kevin has been a specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine working in Hamilton since 2014, having completed his fellowship training in Wellington and Sydney. He completed his Masters degree investigating the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy with autologous blood injections and his work was published in the prestigious British Medical Journal.
He diagnoses and treats all kinds of acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems including sport, leisure and work related injuries.
He has a special interest in treating chronic tendon injuries and in the non surgical treatment of osteoarthritis. He has been carrying out ultrasound guided Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Orthokine injections to treat osteoarthritis and tendinopathy for many years.
He also uses extracorporeal shockwave therapy to treat tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis.
He has been team doctor for the Chiefs, Wests Tigers, Northland Taniwha, Wellington Lions and attended two FIFA age group soccer world cups in the past.
Kevin has two young children that keep him busy at home and is a keen cricketer and golfer when the weather allows.
Dr Brendan O'Neill
Sports and Exercise Physician
MBChB, FACSEP, Australasian Sport and Exercise Physician
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Since beginning the ACSEP training programme in 2005, I have been deeply involved in elite sports medicine and my passion for exercise involves both elite sports performance and general health benefits. I enjoy helping individuals recover from injuries and reach their health and fitness goals through advancing their own knowledge of activity as “medicine” and developing individualised performance or rehabilitation strategies.
Recently I have become interested in non-surgical management of ACL ruptures, with research identifying some of these injuries healing through a Cross Brace Protocol.
Cycling and trying to keep up with my kids are my main sporting passions these days! I avidly follow the health recommendations around activity, nutrition, and general lifestyle options to maintain an active body and mind as I age – my current focus is on preserving muscle and balance function which a critical factors in keeping one’s independence.
Hamilton Massage Therapists
Nicola Bane
Massage Therapist
Bachelor of Sports & Exercise Science; Cert. Sport & Remedial Massage; Cert. Fitness Management; PG.Dip. Sports Medicine; HPSNZ Approved
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A wide range of people benefit from the care of our very experienced Massage Therapist, Nicola Bane. From serious athletes who wish to promote muscle recovery and growth right through to someone wishing to put some balance back in their everyday life.
Why massage?
Massage is used worldwide to improve everyday health and wellbeing.
Stimulate blood circulation.
Massage Therapy is used as a great complement for the treatment of an injury and to manage chronic pain.
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.