We are a team of dedicated physiotherapists who pride ourselves on getting the right diagnosis every time. This enables our treatment techniques to be focused and specific to help get you ‘better faster’. We believe it is important to consider the biomechanics of the whole body to help gain complete recovery from injuries. We are all sports people ourselves and so understand the need to get back in action as quickly as possible.
What makes us different:
- We listen to what you say and what your body tells us
- We get to the origin of your problem, not just treating symptoms
- We understand you are busy and need to recover quickly
- We don’t want your injury to come back again either
- We work with you not for you, to achieve efficient recovery
- Small lifestyle changes can make a large effect on recovery
Leanna Veal – BPhty, PGDipSpMed, MNZSP
Physiotherapist
After qualifying I based myself in the UK for 8 years where I spent lot of time travelling. I also used that opportunity to attend a variety of different courses to further develop my physiotherapy skills. Recently my professional journey has me working my way through a series of Connect Therapy courses both in NZ and Australia. This is a fantastic integrated whole body system approach incorporating both assessment and treatment.
I genuinely love being a physio and am passionate about hearing each patient’s story and getting the opportunity to help them reach their goals. I especially love working with athletes where small changes can make huge differences in performance. I also love the challenge where patients feel like there is no solution left to help them.
My vision, as a clinic owner, it’s to have a clinic with passionate physios who love what they do and strive to provide the best treatment for each and every person who comes through the door.
When I am not working I am either running or spending as much time as I can having fun with my husband and 4 children.
Claire Vanderpoel – BPhty Physiotherapy – Currently on Annual Leave, Returning January 2023
Physiotherapist
A graduate from Otago Uni in 2015, my working life has since been in Tauranga and in England. I enjoy the excitement of acute injuries, including on the rugby field, but also the challenge of problem-solving with long-term or complex injuries.
I love using my knowledge and skills to not only treat a person, but educate them to facilitate self-management and promote long-term health. I ensure that advice and exercises are individualised and achievable in your daily schedule. We will also discuss lifestyle factors that impact your symptoms and well-being.
I simply love to be outside and, of course, exercising – practice what you preach!
I’m constantly trying to beat my PB running up the mount, to improve my shot percentage of 2-pointers at indoor netball, and to decrease my number of nose dives off the surfboard.
Spac
Michelle Dykes – Physiotherapist
Physiotherapist
After graduating from Otago University, I have moved back up to the sunny Bay of Plenty having grown up here in Papamoa. I enjoy the profession of physiotherapy knowing that I will forever continue learning and exploring new skills.
I have played a variety of sports throughout my life, so I understand the need to get back into action as soon as possible. I believe it is important to treat people with a holistic approach by focusing on both the physical injury and understanding the cause of the injury.
I have been involved with surf lifesaving most of my life. So, you will likely find me anywhere near the ocean, whether that is in it, on it or alongside it. I am looking forward to meeting you so we can work together to get you back on the field or track and help you to achieve your goals.
Sasha Woodard
Reception
Hey! I’m Sasha and I’m the receptionist who has taken over from Kelly while she is on Maternity Leave.
I’ve worked in administration and customer service across a variety of industries since I was 14 in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom – having 3 passports has its perks and definitely helped with my love of travel!
With a back injury in my teenage years and a recent wrist surgery (and breaking the other one), I know the importance of physiotherapy and how important it is to get you Back In Action.
In my down time you’ll find me reading a book, watching some Netflix, online shopping or in the kitchen baking up a storm – I’m on the hunt for the perfect brownie recipe so you can imagine how many I’ve tried.
BIA Physi
Gabrielle Flint – Physiotherapist – Currently on Annual Leave, Returning April 2023
Physiotherapist
Kia Ora, I’m Gaby.
Originally from the UK, I spent most of my life growing up in Pāpāmoa. After High School, I made the move to Auckland to study Physiotherapy at AUT. Since graduating, I decided to move back home to the beautiful Bay of Plenty.
Although having had my fair share of injuries, I found my passion for physiotherapy started in high school where many of my friends were dealing with sporting injuries and related surgeries. Watching the ups and downs of their rehab journey inspired me to learn more and help others through this time.
During my time as a student, I have had the privilege of working with club and higher-level representative rugby teams. It is here I found not only my love for acute on-field injuries but also longer-term rehab.
In my spare time, you’ll likely find me at a local coffee shop, enjoying the sunny weather or booking my next weekend trip away.
I love meeting new people and working alongside them to meet their rehab goals and look forward to meeting you to get you back to what you are passionate about.
Lindsay Duhig – BSc Hons Physiotherapy, MCSP – Currently on Maternity Leave
Physiotherapist
Hi, I’m Lindsay, I’m from Northern Ireland but moved to Tauranga in 2015. Since graduating from the University of Ulster I have worked in both public and private healthcare settings and have experience in Paediatrics, Women’s Health, MSK and spinal injury, Pre and Post-Operative Rehabilitation.
Back in NI I have worked with professional Rugby Union and Netball athletes: the Northern Ireland U21 Netball team to the World Youth Championships in 2013 and with Ulster Rugby developing skills in prehabilitation and strength & conditioning techniques. My Physio passion is within Contact Sports Injury and Rehabilitation, and I thoroughly enjoy my time with both Greerton Marist and Rangataua Sports Clubs being a side-line supporter and a Sports Medic.
I like to use a variety of treatment techniques including Pilates, Sarah Key Method, Myofascial release and Connect Therapy. Within my treatment sessions, I enjoy taking a full body approach and treating not only the painful area but ensuring a full recovery through injury prevention and prehabilitation techniques.
Outside of work I have a passion for travel and love exploring the beautiful country I now live in but spend most of my free time at Bootcamp or trying to be a baking Queen! I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey!
Kelly Waite
Office Manager – Currently on Maternity Leave
Hi my name is Kelly and I am the Receptionist and Administrator for Back in Action Physiotherapy. An experienced Office Manager with qualifications in medical administration, I am always on hand to help you find an appointment or answer any questions you may have.
In my down time I am an avid reader, enjoy the cinema, amateur photography and I love to travel. I lived in Ireland for six years and thoroughly enjoyed it. I explored a little bit of Europe while I was there but not nearly enough.
When I was 16 I had a small accident that resulted in a shoulder stabilisation surgery at 17 and shoulder reconstruction surgery at 19. Following both procedures was lots of physiotherapy to regain my range of motion and strength, so I have had a bit of physiotherapy myself in my time! Read more about shoulder injuries here. I look forward to meeting you and aiding your recovery in any way I can to help you get Better – Faster.