Takapuna Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy

We have an experienced team of physiotherapists available to help you get on the road to recovery. We are all post graduate trained with several years of experience in a clinical setting.

Nikki Stevens

Nikki graduated from the Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy in 2003. She has also completed a Masters in Clinical Health Practice (Physiotherapy) and a Post-graduate Certificate in Western Acupuncture.

Nikki has worked in private practice physiotherapy and enjoys treating a wide range of conditions. She has a special interest in sports physiotherapy, and was the full-time physiotherapist for the Leicestershire County Cricket team in England for two years. Nikki has also had involvement with elite soccer and hockey teams, and enjoys the challenges of getting clients back to their chosen sport as quickly as possible. Nikki is very active in outdoor activities and enjoys running, waterskiing and going to the gym.

Susan McSweeny

Susan graduated from the Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy in 2006. She completed the Upper Limb New Zealand Association of Manipulative Therapy courses in 2008. In 2010 she completed the Back in Motion level one Pilates machine course and in 2011 completed the Post-graduate Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy degree.

She is a member of the New Zealand Pain society and has worked locally in private practice since 2006, treating a wide range of conditions. She is responsible for taking our twice-weekly Rehab Pilates classes held at the Yoga Tree.

In her spare time Susan enjoys playing netball, running, going to the gym and travelling. She understands the importance of being fit and enjoys helping people return quickly and effectively back to sport.

Richard Ellis

Richard graduated from the University of Otago in 1997 and worked in Dunedin Hospital for two years. He then spent 5 years working in the United Kingdom. Whilst in the UK he worked in a number of private practices including managing a private sports physiotherapy practice in North-West London.

Richard has completed two post-graduate diplomas (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Western Acupuncture) and is nearing completion in doctoral studies (PhD). Richard is also a Senior Lecturer within the School of Physiotherapy (AUT University) lecturing at both a postgraduate and undergraduate level. His is a member and tutor with the New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association. He has spoken at both national and international physiotherapy and sports medicine conferences, regarding his specialist research area, and has published several journal articles related to various physiotherapy topics.

Richard works with elite sports people and teams at both a national and international level. He has travelled overseas with the NZ swim team, NZ University Games team, Junior Tall Blacks and NZ Breakers basketball teams. Locally he has worked for the North Harbour Rugby Union and has been involved in club rugby for many years.

Originally from Wellington, Richard has lived on the North Shore since 2006. He is married and has two young children.

Richard has expert skills in clinical assessment, manual/manipulative therapy, exercise prescription and rehabilitation, and acupuncture. He has worked for many years with some of our top sports physicians, orthopaedic specialists, podiatrists, and strength and conditioning specialists building strong working relationships.

Pilates

1) Reformer Pilates: The reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment that enables the patient to work to their ability and challenge the muscles very specifically. These are one on one sessions that are very individualised to each patient depending on their goals.

2) Rehab pilates is a class led by one of our physiotherapists, Susan McSweeny. The class combines core strength, flexibility, balance and postural education. It is ideal for people with a history of back, shoulder or neck problems, as well as those wanting to improve their core strength and posture. Class numbers are limited to 12 people, which allows more time for individual feedback from Susan.

The class is held at The Yoga Tree, located on the corner of Lake Road and Tennyson Ave. Class times are Wednesdays from 5.30 - 6.30pm and Fridays from 11.30am - 12.30.

The classes are taught in ten-week blocks and bookings are essential.

The cost for a ten-week block is $160. Alternatively, casual sessions are $20 per session if space allows.

Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Takapuna Physiotherapy reception.

Massage Therapy 

We have three massage therapists who work at the clinic part-time. They have all been trained at the New Zealand College of Massage. Please see their profiles on our website for further information - http://www.takapunaphysio.co.nz/treatments-mas.html