What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy addresses peoples pain or physical limitation and helps them improve via movement to achieve their functional goals. We are a primary health care provider and an Allied Health Profession.

We listen to your injury history and use that to help guide a physical examination to establish a diagnosis of your pain.  We then work with you to help create a management plan to help you achieve your goals.  In New Zealand you do not need a referral to come to see us.  We can also register your injury directly with ACC.

If appropriate we can order your x-rays and ultrasound directly. In NZ we cannot order MRI’s, however we have a close relationship with Sports Medicine Doctors and will refer you on if needed.

Alpine Physiotherapy has several different types of physiotherapists: musculoskeletal, sports, Women’s Health, concussion and Osteoarthritis.

Why are we the best physiotherapists in Wanaka?

Alpine Physiotherapy strives to keep up to date with the latest research and evidence based practice. We believe in getting to the cause of your problem not just treat the symptoms.

Several of our physiotherapists have done post graduate study in our specialist fields. We regularly attend courses to improve our care and management of your injury.

We have long initial consult times to ensure that you get a thorough assessment, treatment, the correct advice and exercises to help continue to improve at home.

We are big advocates of physical exercise and will find a way to keep you moving and doing what you love.

What is Concussion Physiotherapy?

Concussion is also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) which temporarily affects brain function. Symptoms vary from pain, loss of balance, dizziness, headaches to being more irritable and emotional. Not many people lose conciousness when sustaining a concussion. 80-90% of concussions resolve in 2 weeks, however others can last several months.

Physiotherapy helps assess and address neck joint stiffness, headaches, vestibular problems, motion sensitivity and balance deficits.  We also conduct the Buffalo Assessment for cardiovascular exercise tolerance. We use our assessment to help guide exercises to desensitise and get you back to your normal self.

At Alpine Physiotherapy we have concussion trained physiotherapists who can help you through your rehab journey. You do not need a referral to come see us however if you get a GP referral specifically to Alpine Physiotherapy through the Concussion Clinic then ACC will fully subsidise your rehab.  We work closely with Occupational Therapists and Neuropsychologists to form a cohesive approach to your rehab.