Geraldine Physiotherapy

31/03/2026

A big thank you to Bidwill Hospital for allowing Olivia the opportunity to observe a theatre session with Mr Sean Van Heerden.

It was a fantastic learning experience and a great opportunity to see how other health professionals work together in a surgical setting.

Observing surgical procedures and the teamwork involved provides valuable insight that helps us continue improving the care we provide our patients.

We really appreciate the time and support from the team at Bidwill Hospital and Mr Van Heerden.

27/03/2026

Acute Low Back Pain

As physios, we’ve truly heard it all — “my back’s out,” “I’ve slipped a disc,” “I just need a crack,” or “my pelvis is out and one leg’s longer than the other.”

Often, these phrases even come from health professionals and they can create unnecessary fear and confusion for patients.

Clear, accurate language matters, because what we say has a powerful influence on how people understand their pain and their confidence to recover.

While these phrases can sound scary, the reality is they’re almost always misleading, and most back pain is far less serious (and far more treatable) than people think.

Common Myths

1. “I’ve slipped a disc”
👉 Most acute back pain is not due to a disc “slipping.” Discs don’t actually slip—at worst, they may bulge or irritate, and many people with disc changes have no pain at all.

2. “I need a scan to know what’s wrong”
👉 Early imaging (X-ray/MRI) is rarely needed. Findings often don’t correlate with pain and can lead to unnecessary worry.

3. “I should rest until it settles”
👉 Prolonged rest can slow recovery. Gentle movement and staying active (within reason) is one of the best things you can do.

4. “I’ve done serious damage”
👉 Acute back pain is very common and usually not serious. The back is strong and resilient.

5. “Pain equals harm”
👉 Pain doesn’t always mean injury. It’s often a sign of a sensitised system, not structural damage.

🔹 A Key Takeaway for Patients

👉 “Your back is strong, adaptable, and designed to move. Pain is real—but it doesn’t always mean damage.”

21/03/2026

Shockwave therapy: Because stubborn tendons sometimes need a wake-up call, not another stretch.

Targeted, evidence-based, and no nonsense—it kicks healing into gear so you can get back to doing what you actually want to do.

17/03/2026

At Geraldine Physiotherapy we’re incredibly proud of the team we have built.

Our physiotherapists and administration staff work together to create a professional, welcoming environment where patients feel supported from the moment they walk through the door.

What truly makes our team special is the genuine care and empathy they bring to their work each day. They understand how important it is to help people return to the activities that matter most—whether that’s work, sport, or everyday life in our community. It’s this shared commitment to professionalism, teamwork and patient care that makes Geraldine Physiotherapy such a great team to be part of.

12/03/2026

Winter sport season is just around the corner, and many of you are already getting stuck into preseason training for your chosen sport.

Preparing your body now can help you perform better, reduce injuries, and enjoy the season ahead. ❄️🏉🏑🏐⛷️

07/03/2026

27/02/2026

We are proud to have Liz Ball as the only qualified Registered Hand Therapist working in private practice in South Canterbury.

Liz provides expert assessment and treatment for:
✔️ Finger injuries
✔️ Hand injuries
✔️ Wrist injuries
✔️ Thumb injuries
✔️ Elbow injuries

Whether you’ve had a fracture, tendon injury, sprain, post-surgical repair, or ongoing pain, Liz offers specialised, evidence-based care to help you regain strength, movement and confidence.

✅ ACC Hand Therapy Contract Benefits:
• Selected bracing is covered by ACC under the hand therapy contract
• Initial ACC appointments: $65
• ACC follow-up appointments: $10

If you’ve injured your hand, wrist or elbow, early treatment can make all the difference.

📞 Get in touch with us today to book an appointment with Liz and start your recovery journey.

25/02/2026

🧠 Concussion Recovery – Don’t Just “Wait It Out”. Just ‘resting’ is NOT the answer!!

Had a knock to the head?

Still feeling foggy, dizzy, headachy, or “not quite right”?

Concussion symptoms can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness/Vertigo/Vestibular or balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Neck pain

The good news? ✅

Active, guided rehabilitation is now the gold standard for concussion recovery.

At our Geraldine physiotherapy clinic, we assess and treat:

✔️ Vestibular (dizziness & balance) issues
✔️ Neck-related symptoms
✔️ Return-to-sport planning
✔️ Return-to-work guidance
✔️ Persistent post-concussion symptoms

You don’t have to push through it alone.

Come in and see one of our physiotherapists who has years of concussion and Vestibular rehabilitation experience

📞 Book an assessment today and get a clear recovery plan.

Geraldine Physiotherapy
03 6936130.

18/02/2026

Pip leaves us next week after being with us for 1 year.

We thank her for her time while she was with us and wish her all the best with what’s ahead.

02/02/2026

Well, it’s mine turn! Internal pressure from within the practice has meant my profile is next. 😩😩.

I’m an experienced physiotherapist with over two decades of clinical practice in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

I graduated from the University of Auckland in 1999 with a degree in Physiotherapy, following an Honours degree in Physical Education from the University of Otago.

I have worked across a wide range of settings, including private practice and hospital environments, giving me a broad and well-rounded clinical background.

This experience allows me to manage both acute and complex musculoskeletal conditions, as well as postoperative rehabilitation, with confidence and care.

I am committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred care within the local community.

I have a special clinical interest in vestibular rehabilitation, knee and shoulder conditions, and post-operative rehabilitation.

I enjoy helping patients recover function, regain confidence, and return to the activities that are important to them.

Outside of the clinic, i enjoy golf, skiing, travel and fly fishing, and value spending time with my family.

I have been known for growing a 'travel moustache' when he is away from the clinic and have been known to wear a cowboy hat as well on special occasions. 🤗🤗.

25/01/2026

Let’s meet Rosie,

Hi everyone, I am Rosie and I have been closely involved with Geraldine Physiotherapy for many years. I am still on the front desk and it is, as it always has been, a pleasure to care for you.

Working with a team of professionals across both physiotherapy and support ensuring the best possible outcome for patients is paramount. We are all dedicated to the Geraldine community and enjoy being apart of this deeply skilled and dynamic team.

My background has been varied, I incorporated travel where I could with stints of working/living in Spain, America, England and Germany. In addition, my working life also included living in various cities throughout NZ; New Plymouth, Wellington, Whakatane and Hamilton before coming to Geraldine 18 years ago. I have worked in a variety of industry; health, hotels, travel, roading, and regional councils acquiring skills along the way mainly around administration, policy and procedures, HR, management, project management and governance.

I am involved in a number of community based organisations and thoroughly enjoy my interactions with everyone I encounter. My hobbies include oil painting, gardening, walking, music and reading.

It is a pleasure to care for you.