Active Health Team
Hamilton & Waikato
Meet Our Team
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-
Mark Hollands
Director
PGDip SportsMed, BPhty (credit), BPhEd, BSc, CertAcup (UK)
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PGDip SportsMed, BPhty (credit), BPhEd, BSc, CertAcup (UK)
Mark has 25 years’ experience in Leadership, management and the provision of High Performance, Health and Wellbeing services. Mark has worked internationally in both the public and private sectors, and as a member of both amateur and professional elite sporting organisations. He has led key business partnerships and stakeholder relationships across local government, regional sports bodies and teams, professional service providers, and corporate health customers. Mark has a real passion for helping make people be the best they can be and being the facilitator of their total Health and Wellbeing. This involves:
- A proactive multidisciplinary holistic approach
- Faster rehabilitation and return to work
- Reduction of steps in the health pathway
Mark is willing to go the extra mile to ensure positive outcomes for individuals, families and companies and truly believes in ACTIVE HEALTH FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE.
Mark’s experiences and qualifications include:
- Helping lead a successful business recovery and change the strategic direction of Active Health following the Christchurch earthquakes.
- Currently working with NZ Rugby, New Zealand Lacrosse and Northern Districts Cricket
Board Member ADASTRA Foundation supporting up and coming athletes - Previous High Performance Impact Manager, Cycling New Zealand – leader, manager and provider in New Zealand’s High Performance environments with an on-going and enduring focus on collaborative care and teamwork for the benefit of athletes.
- 25 years as Performance Impact Member of New Zealand Olympic Teams to the Sydney, Beijing, London and Rio Olympic Games– medals included 3 Silver and 4 Bronze
- Physiotherapist to New Zealand Cycling Teams at Manchester and Delhi Commonwealth Games and 25 World Championships
- Strong lecturing background having taught in Anatomy, Biomechanics, Motor Learning and Control and Exercise Physiology
- Degrees in Science (Physiology), Physical Education (Kinesiology), and Physiotherapy (Credit)
Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, Post Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation
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.
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)
Since graduating in 2006 from AUT, Amanda returned to the Waikato, spending just over a year working at Waikato Hospital and then moving into private practice.
Amanda completed her Clinical Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in 2011. This extended training has provided her with excellent assessment and treatment techniques which she uses in her day-to-day practice to help her patients achieve the best possible results – from the aspiring athlete to the weekend gardener.
Amanda has worked with a number of sporting teams, predominantly in Netball.
Keen to make a difference in reducing serious injuries in sport, Amanda worked in an injury prevention role with Netball New Zealand & ACC for two years – delivering the NetballSmart injury prevention programme across the Waikato/BOP Zone.
Amanda finished this role in late 2019 when she was appointed to the Waikato BOP Magic Netball Team as their team Physiotherapist.
Team Appointments:
- Fast5 Ferns Netball World Series Physiotherapist 2022
- Waikato BOP Magic Netball Team Physiotherapist (2020 & 2021 Seasons)
- NZA Netball Team Physiotherapist – Cadbury Series 2020, 2021 Camp.
- Netball New Zealand Pathway to Podium (2018) & National Development Camp Physiotherapist (2017 to present)
- Netball New Zealand Secondary School Team Physiotherapist 2017/2018
- Waikato BOP Beko Netball National League Physiotherapist 2016 – 2018
- Waikato-BOP U23’s Netball Physiotherapist 2013
- Hamilton City Netball Physiotherapist at Nationals 2013, 2015
- Physiotherapist to Morrinsville Sports Senior Rugby Team 2010-2017
Aside from work, Amanda is a mum to two girls and along with her husband, when the weather allows, they will often be out on the boat fishing. Amanda also plays squash, coaches her daughter’s netball and is currently getting a bit of DIY experience, helping to renovate their home.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 Osteopath
Alastair Treacher
Osteopath
Master of osteopathy (MOst) and Certificate in Allied Health Performed Ultrasound (CAHPU).
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With more than twelve years clinical experience in osteopathic practice, I offer comprehensive care addressing a wide range of injuries and movement disorders. My approach is based on a deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics and a commitment to ensuring the integrity, mobility, and resilience of joints and tissues.
I hold additional qualifications allowing me to utilise musculoskeletal ultrasound to aid in accurate diagnosis and implement targeted treatment strategies such as real time biofeedback to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize outcomes.
In addition to my clinical work, I have five years of experience teaching in both undergraduate and master’s programs at Unitec Institute of Technology. As a lecturer and clinical coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring the next generation of osteopathic practitioners, instilling in them the same dedication to excellence and patient-centred care that defines my practice.
Services Offered:
- Osteopathic Diagnosis and Treatment
- Musculoskeletal Point-of-Care Ultrasonography
- Injury Rehabilitation and Movement Disorder Management
Hamilton Nutritionists
Lillian Morton
NZ Registered Nutritionist
MSc SpExSci (Dis), IOC Sports Nutrition Diploma, ISAK Level 3 Anthropometrist
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Nutrition is not a one size fits all and Lillian believes in working with you, and your lifestyle, to deliver highly individualised information catering to your goals and needs. Lillian is experienced, with over 12 years of experience in the sports science field, her background includes a variety of sports, ages, and performance levels, providing her with the tools to confidently educate and help anyone reach their nutritional goals. She holds an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Diploma in Sports Nutrition as well as a Masters in Sport and Exercise Science. Her experience is supported by her scientific knowledge and education.
Her aim when working with clients is to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to allow them to independently and confidently manage their day-to-day nutrition long-term.
She is currently the Lead Team Nutritionist to:
• NZ Black Ferns XVs
• WBOP Magic Netball
• Northern Districts Cricket
A basic consultation is a perfect place to start if starting is the hardest part. Maybe you want someone on one time with a professional? Maybe you have some goals you want to achieve on your own, but don’t know how to make those changes happen? Or maybe you just have some questions? Catch up for an hour and discuss goals, challenges, budget, and lifestyle habits, so we can work with you to identify what will work best for you. Get highly personalised and individualised nutrition advice to get you started working towards your goals, as well as weekly follow up for two weeks.
Nutrition Experience
NZ Rugby Black Ferns XV’s – Lead Nutritionist, World Cup Winners 2017
High Performance Sport NZ – Performance Nutritionist, responsible for athletes competing in following sports
– NZ Rowing
– NZ Triathlon
– NZ Netball (Waikato based Silver Ferns)
– NZ Athletics
– NZ Boxing
– NZ Men’s and Women’s Sevens (Waikato & BOP players)
– NZ Paracycling
– Hockey
– Football
Pathway to Podium
Waikato Rugby Football Union Academy
Taranaki Rugby Union
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.
Caroline Daly
Massage Therapist
MNZ Level 6
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I started massaging back in 2002 because after using massage as a tool to keep my competitive swimming career alive, I knew it made a difference. These days I enjoy a good endurance adventure and it’s only made possible by my regular massage tune-ups.
I completed my study in Boulder, Colorado and worked the next 10 years in various clinics and fitness centres in Arizona and Colorado.
On returning home to NZ I spent 6 years working for HPSNZ working predominantly with the rowing team, and have since moved on to my private clinic.
I’ve worked with elite athletes, Olympian’s and weekend warriors. I know bodies and I know pain. Massage played a key role in avoiding my way out of back surgery.
I believe massage is an essential part of any wellness and maintenance plan. In order to move freely and without pain, we need to have a balanced body. Every-day life takes a toll on our body mechanics, and this can be reversed with a consistent strength and muscle activation routine and some regular soft-tissue release.
I’m MNZ Level 6 certified and can accept Southern Cross members.
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.