Toni Strong ( Physiotherapist - Owner )

Having experience as an elite athlete herself (Toni represented NZ in cycling in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games), Toni has a great empathy for the injured athlete as well as the everyday pains and strains she sees. Since her graduation in 1997 she has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine from Otago University, the PAANZ Introductory Acupuncture course as well as completing Level 1, 2 and Pre and post-natal APPI Pilates courses, all which help her to provide up to date treatment to ensure your recovery is as quick as possible.

Toni has a keen interest in Sports Biomechanics, particularly in cycling and running, and will combine an understanding of the biomechanics affecting your injury in combination with manual therapy and muscle balance to improve your general wellbeing. She is also certified as a Pinc Cancer Rehabilitation physiotherapist. Toni understands effective communication with your GP and/or specialist can be key to analysing and treating your problem.

What’s the best thing about being a Physio?  “Helping and empowering people to get through their injuries or pain problems, being able to encourage them to be as active as they can and helping them reach their goals, however big or small they are.”

Hobbies & Interests:  Toni has a special interest in cycling injuries, bike set-ups/technique and coaching tips. As well as running injuries and helping to prevent injuries through biomechanical assessments and running technique.

Further Qualifications:  Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, Trish Wisbey-Roth Bike & Running Assessment, Athlete Life Coaching and courses in Strength and Conditioning. Pinc Cancer Rehabilitation Therapist, APPI Pilates Mat Work Level 1&2, Pre and Post-Natal. PAANZ Introductory Dry Needling & Acupuncture.

Max Jackson ( Physiotherapist )

Max graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physiotherapy. Graduating from Salford University in England, Max gained a wealth of experience working in hospitals and private clinics in the UK before moving to New Zealand and joining Ponsonby Physio in early 2017. Max treats a diverse range of patients, conditions and injuries – from musculoskeletal and sports injuries, to pre-and post-operative orthopaedic surgeries, fractures, chronic pain, muscle imbalance, occupational injuries and more.

Max is a highly experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist who utilises a wide range of physiotherapy treatments to help his patients on their road to recovery. With a passion for exercise therapy and Strength and Conditioning, Max can design and implement exercise programmes to help rehabilitate and improve the performance of his patients. He is qualified in performing Functional Movement Screens which allow him to assess his client’s movement and use the screen results to guide his decisions for corrective exercise programming and design.

Max added to his already extensive suite of post graduate qualifications, by becoming a Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Certified Physiotherapist in late 2019.

What’s the best thing about being a Physio?  “Meeting, and working with, a wide range of people and learning about their story. Helping people to recover from injury, return to meaningful activities, improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of re-injury. It’s very rewarding for me as a therapist to watch a patient’s journey as they progress from injury back to full fitness.”

Hobbies & Interests: Travelling, learning to play the guitar and keeping fit with weightlifting, running, squash, football, paddle boarding, mountain biking and golf.

Further Qualifications:  AACP Foundation Acupuncture & Dry Needling, APPI level 1 Pilates, Mulligan’s Manual Therapy level 1, ASCA Level 1 Strength and Conditioning, McKenzie Institute – The Lumbar Spine Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy, Pinc & Steel –  Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Certification, Functional Movement Systems – Functional Movement Screen Level 1 & 2.

Laura Quinn ( Physiotherapist )

Laura has spent the last 15 years polishing her skills as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist and has worked in private practice in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. During this time, she has developed special interests in spinal and pelvic dysfunction, biomechanical imbalances, and sporting injuries.  Laura feels taking time for a thorough assessment is important for an accurate diagnosis. She then uses a holistic approach including a variety of treatment modalities – breathing retraining, body awareness, core and postural strengthening through pilates rehabilitation, acupuncture & dry needling techniques, and manual therapy techniques.

Laura is a qualified PINC cancer rehabilitation therapist and qualified Pelvic Health physiotherapist. Both are areas that she is extremely passionate about. Find out more about our new Pelvic Health Service here.

What’s the best thing about being a Physio?  “I love to educate, instil confidence and motivate my patients to live their best lives. Whether it be to get through their day pain-free, understand the cause of their injury or have the skills to prevent reoccurrence, or complete their first triathlon. There’s no better feeling than seeing someone achieve a goal they have been working so hard for.”

Hobbies & Interests:  Travel, outdoor adventures, photography, the beach & summer, keeping fit with running, yoga, paddle boarding & swimming, nature, and socialising with family and friends.

Further Qualifications:  Post Graduate Papers in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Breathing Mechanics) 2017; APPI Pilates Level 1, 2 & 3 (Qualified 2016) and AACP Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling (2013), PINC Cancer Rehabilitation Therapist (2017).

Moira Dickson ( Physiotherapist )

Moira is a physiotherapist who enjoys helping patients achieve their physical goals and improve their overall well-being. She has experience in treating a diverse range of injuries and conditions, including post-surgical rehabilitation and sports injuries. Moira is skilled in using a variety of techniques and approaches, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, and dry needling. During a consultation, Moira will work with you to determine the most effective treatments and interventions for your specific needs and goals. Moira is also committed to staying up to date on the latest research and developments in the field, and regularly attends continuing education courses and workshops to further her knowledge and skills.

What’s the best thing about being a Physio?  The opportunity to make a difference – It can be someone leaving the clinic and feeling great that day or working together for months to get those hard-won results. It’s that feeling when a client and I look at each other and go ‘Yes we’ve made it!’, it’s just the best.

Hobbies & Interests:  Moira enjoys staying active with trail running, skiing, and tramping. Currently, she is working on building up her running distance to compete in some trail races and eventually run some of the Great Walks in New Zealand.

Further Qualifications:  Pilates Mat Level 1 certification, PAANZ Dry Needling Foundation Course

Emma Mundell ( Physiotherapist )

Physiotherapist Emma holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology. After graduating Emma furthered her education by gaining a post graduate certificate in Western Acupuncture. She has also completed courses in fundamentals of dry needling, myofascial release, and a variety of seminars for various conditions.

Emma is passionate about her clients and she believes in rehabilitating her clients to a better level of health than they were prior to injury. Emma pairs client education with a research-based approach to treatment, tailoring each treatment to the individual and their lifestyle in order to get the best results. Treatments will often include stretches, exercises, soft and deep tissue release, mobilisations and western acupuncture, among others.

What’s the best thing about being a physio?  “Relieving a client of their pain is incredibly rewarding, and so is empowering clients to return to the activities they love and setting them up to succeed. I love being able to give clients back their confidence to live their full life without restriction.”

Hobbies & Interests:  Emma is a ‘jack of all sports’ and loves gymming, running, swimming, bouldering, and surfing. She also loves iced chocolates, any opportunity to meet up with friends and family, and doggos!

Further Qualifications:  Post Graduate Certificate in Western Acupuncture, Certificate in Myofascial Release.

Samara Boroughs ( Physiotherapist )

Samara holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology. Samara is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and getting them back to the activities they enjoy. She uses a hands on and exercise based treatment approach tailored to each individual when treating injuries. With a background in dance and dance instruction, Samara has a keen interest in sports related injuries and rehabilitation. Other areas of interest include injury prevention and pelvic health.

What’s the best thing about being a physio?  “Building relationships with clients and watching them achieve both their functional and physical goals.”

Hobbies & Interests:  Outside of the clinic, she enjoys staying active with strength training, hiking, Pilates, and cycling.

Mia Zackowski ( Massage Therapist )

Mia has been working as a massage therapist since 2004. She trained in Ithaca, New York at The Finger Lakes School of Massage and has helped people feel better in the USA, England, and New Zealand ever since.

She has a special interest in helping people manage chronic pain, jaw discomfort, diaphragm and breathing troubles, stability issues, and migraines.

Mia blends a number of specialist massage techniques in each treatment to create the ultimate balance between actual results you can feel combined with a wonderful massage experience. She works closely with her clients on an individual basis to figure out what they need and what will work best for them and their lifestyle.

Joan ( Reception )

Joan is one of the friendly faces on our reception when you walk in the door.  She worked in purchasing for many years, before moving to New Zealand about 6 years ago. Since immigrating to NZ Joan has enjoyed taking care of her family, but felt a need for change now the kids are older, and jumped at the chance of getting back to work!

Hobbies & Interests: Joan loves her daily walks, Zumba, hanging out with family and friends, reading/book club, baking and travelling.

Sandy ( Reception )

Originally from Germany, Sandy now calls New Zealand home. After travelling the country, she decided to stay and has been living here for a number of years, thoroughly enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.  Sandy worked several years in the public health system, both in Germany and New Zealand. She also held customer service roles in the organic sector. Working with and meeting people from all walks of life has been the most enjoyable aspect of her work.

Hobbies & Interests: Sandy loves reading and spends a lot of time gardening. In her spare time, she often enjoys the outdoors.