Meet the Team


 

 

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.

 

Spac

Gabrielle Flint – Physiotherapist

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.

 

 

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 Riddle

Reception

Hey! I’m Sasha and you’ll find me hanging out behind the reception desk or on the phone answering your calls and manning our social media channels.

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 2022 wrist surgery (and breaking the other one 6 months later!), as well as a husband who is heavily involved in Freestyle BMX, 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 studying for my Bachelor of Arts (History), watching some Netflix, hitting the gym or with my nose buried in my Kindle!

BIA Phys

Kelly Waite

Finance Administrator

Hi my name is Kelly, an experienced Office Manager with qualifications in medical administration and I am the Finance Administrator for Back in Action Physiotherapy.

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.