Individualised Cancer Rehabilitation Christchurch

Susan has been a physiotherapist for over 30 years. She started her career in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and developed valuable manual therapy skills before pursuing her special interest in pelvic health. Having completed extensive training in Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health physiotherapy in Australia, America, and New Zealand, Susan is able to offer a unique and comprehensive physiotherapy approach to pelvic health issues for both women and men.

Susan also has a passion for cancer rehabilitation and works with patients before, during, and after medical cancer treatments. She enjoys helping those affected by cancer return to the things they love by successfully treating side effects like pain, fatigue, weakness, and pelvic health symptoms that may be holding them back. Working alongside the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centre in Colorado she had the honour of learning from highly regarded clinicians and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her team at Active Health. A special area of interest for Susan is working with women and men affected by pelvic cancers.

Priding herself on continued development of knowledge, Susan’s advanced qualifications include a Certificate of Advanced Study in Physical Therapy (Orthopaedics) and a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy (Boston, USA), a Post Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health and Continence (Curtin University, Perth), Functional Dry Needling Certification (Colorado, USA), Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapy Certification (NZ), and numerous continuing education courses. Most recently Susan travelled to Brisbane with her colleagues Jo and Ashley to undergo advanced training in Male Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.

Professional recognitions include 2022 Canterbury Physiotherapist of the Year (PNZ) and 2024 Finalist in the Oncology Rehabilitation Excellence Awards (Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation).

Susan has returned to her hometown of Christchurch with her husband Keith, 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, as well as going on fun adventures with their border collie, Luca.

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 graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and started her working career in musculoskeletal and pelvic health physiotherapy in Auckland before returning to her hometown of Christchurch. Ashley has extensive experience working with musculoskeletal injuries and sports teams, offering skilled care in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. Advanced study in both female and male pelvic health physiotherapy allows Ashley to combine her musculoskeletal and pelvic health skills to provide a deep understanding of pelvic injuries and conditions. For this reason, she particularly enjoys working with complex lower back, pelvic, glute, and hip pain.

In Auckland, Ashley worked with women soon after delivery at Birthcare, and has a passion for educating and guiding women on postpartum recovery and safe return to exercise. She has received training in the fitting of pessaries and finds this a valuable option when working with women with pelvic organ prolapse. Having undergone international training in Male Pelvic Health Physiotherapy, Ashley is excited to be able to offer care of bladder and bowel symptoms, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction to both women and men.

Ashley has also completed training to become a certified cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist through the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation. She works closely with those affected by cancer to prepare for treatment, to optimise movement and activity during treatment, and then recover optimally once medical treatments are completed.

Ashley believes in individualised rehabilitation and goal setting to empower and motivate her clients to return to doing the things they enjoy. In addition to attending multiple educational courses on pelvic health, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and cancer rehabilitation, Ashley has completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Pain Management and a Diploma in Health Science focused on Continence. This year she will focus on working towards her master’s degree, specialising in Pelvic Pain.

When she’s not at work or studying, Ashley enjoys walking with her dogs, reading, and drinking coffee.