Physio Pilates NP

18/03/2026

Fact #2: Disc degeneration is common in people without pain

It’s easy to feel worried if a scan mentions terms like disc degeneration, disc bulge, or disc herniation. These words can sound serious, but research tells us something really important:

These findings are very common in people who have no back pain at all.

Large studies looking at MRI scans of people with no symptoms found that many had disc degeneration or bulges, even though their backs felt completely fine.

In fact, these changes often increase as we age and are considered part of the normal ageing process, much like wrinkles on the skin or grey hair. They don’t automatically mean your spine is damaged or that they are the cause of pain.

The reassuring news is that most back pain improves with time, movement, and the right support, rather than needing to “fix” what shows up on a scan.

17/03/2026

This week we sadly farewell Rocki as she embarks on her next adventure across the ditch 💛

Rocki has flourished with us over the years. From her fluent, thoughtful teaching style to the extra spicy glute burns we all came to know and love, she brought care, warmth, and encouragement to every class. She has a wonderful way of making people feel capable, supported, and challenged all at the same time and we know many of you will miss her just as much as we will.

While we’re sad to see her go, we’re also so excited for her next chapter and everything that lies ahead for her. Thank you, Rocki, for the care, energy, and passion you’ve shared with our community✨

The good news is that her classes will all continue. From next week, Natalia and Rebecca will be alternating Monday evening classes, bringing their years of experience and knowledge to you. We know you’ll be in great hands.

And even better news — Natalia will also be teaching the Friday 9am class!

These class times are always popular, so make sure you book in early to secure your spot!

14/03/2026

Fact 1: Low back pain does NOT mean your spine is damaged

Your spine is an incredibly strong and adaptable structure. It is designed to bend, twist, lift, and support you through daily life. Experiencing low back pain does not usually mean there is structural damage. In fact, the majority of low back pain is considered non-specific, meaning there is no serious injury or disease causing the pain.

Rather than meaning your back is damaged, low back pain is often a signal that your body may need a change in movement, activity levels, strength, sleep, or stress management. The good news is that most people recover well with the right support.

If you are unsure why your back is sore then why not see one of our helpful Physio’s? Their experienced care will ensure you are in the right path to recovery & further assess for any red flags you may be concerned about 🚩

11/03/2026

ACC Maternal birth injuries- what you need to know💞

Did you know that we work with new mums who have experienced injury during childbirth? If you have had a childbirth injury that occurred after 1st October 2022 then you may be eligible to register it as an ACC maternal birth injury.

This means you can get access to partly funded physiotherapy care to assist in your recovery. & we can help you lodge an ACC claim if required too!

What injuries are covered?
Anyone who gave birth or delivered a baby on or after 1st October 2022 can be covered if you sustained a~
* pelvic organ prolapse
* coccyx fracture or dislocation
* Tear to the perineum, a**l sphincter, l***a, v***a, cervix or urethra
* p***c ramus fracture
* pudendal neuropathy
* symphysis p***s ligament tear

How do I lodge a claim?
If your injury wasn’t lodged at the time of delivery then we can lodge the claim for you at your first appointment.

Our skilled Pelvic Health Physio’s can diagnose and help treat all of these injuries, and help you restore core function post pregnancy.

Please don’t wait too long or suffer in silence from pelvic injuries. Please reach out to us if you are needing support❤️‍🩹

10/03/2026

Low back pain is one of the most common health conditions worldwide, yet many people still believe that pain automatically means something in the spine is “out of place,” “worn out,” or permanently damaged. In most cases, this simply isn’t true.

Pain in the lower back can be influenced by many different factors. Muscles and joints can become irritated or sensitive, including after new activities, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, stress, fatigue, or changes in routine. The nervous system can also become more sensitive, meaning pain can persist even when tissues are safe and healthy.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we go over some common myths about back pain & back it up with what is actually happening with evidence & helpful oversights.

08/03/2026

We hope everyone has a relaxing long weekend😎

07/03/2026

Celebrating the Women Who Shape Our World💞

Today we celebrate the women who surround us every day.

The women who raised us, who taught us resilience, kindness, and courage long before we understood how powerful those lessons were.

The women we work alongside — showing up with strength, determination, intelligence and compassion, often all at once.

And the women we support in our clinic, who trust us with their stories, their injuries, their recovery and their wellbeing.

Women nurture families, lead communities, support friends, build careers, and still somehow make space to care for others💪

That quiet strength — the ability to lift others while continuing to grow themselves — might just be the greatest superpower of all.

Happy International Women’s Day💞

25/02/2026

What a fantastic treat this morning, thank you More FM Taranaki 93.2, Theory Food & &Stock coffee ☕️

Well done to the team over at Physio Pilates NP for winning this weeks tea shout! 🎉

Big love to our friends at Theory Food and Proof & Stock Coffee for the tasty goodies! 😀

18/02/2026

Sometimes in business — and in healthcare — we need to look inward❤️

Today we stepped away from the day-to-day for a dedicated vision workshop. Time to reflect on why we do what we do, who we want to be for our community, and how we continue moving forward — together — with clarity and purpose.

It’s easy to get caught up in appointments, admin, and our busy schedules. But sustainable excellence in healthcare requires something deeper. It requires alignment. Shared values. Honest conversations. A commitment to continually refining how we show up for the people who trust us with their recovery and wellbeing.

I’m forever in awe of the talented, empathic women we have the great fortune to work with💞They consistently go the extra step — thinking critically, listening deeply, and striving to ensure we excel in our practices. Not because we have to. But because we genuinely care.

With a clear vision, our work becomes even more meaningful. And I’m so proud of the team we’re building and the direction we’re heading🙌

Thankyou to the wonderful .kibbel & for your guidance today ☀️🌱

09/02/2026

Meet Natalia | Senior Physiotherapist & Women’s Health Physio

Natalia has a wealth of experience across musculoskeletal and women’s health Physio. Natalia combines evidence-based practice with advance manual therapy skills, with a genuine compassion & understanding of what bodies need to move well—whether you’re recovering from injury, returning to sport, or navigating pregnancy and postnatal changes.

Natalia’s areas of specialty include:
• Sports injuries
• Orthopaedic conditions
• Women’s health & pelvic rehabilitation
• Pre- and postnatal back, hip & sacroiliac joint pain
• Hip labral injuries & post-operative hip rehabilitation
• Dancer & performing arts injuries

Natalia also has a strong interest in Clinical Pilates and enjoys teaching Reformer Classes on Mondays & Wednesdays- supporting clients to rebuild strength, control, and confidence in movement🤸🏼

Stay tuned for more info on our fantastic team💞

05/02/2026

Tēnā tātou katoa 🌿
We will be CLOSED today in recognition of Te Rā o Waitangi.

We hope you’re able to connect with whānau, and reflect on the importance of this day.

Enjoy the long weekend, & we’ll see you as per normal from tomorrow ☀️

05/02/2026

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS)

Patellofemoral pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of knee pain in runners. It’s often felt as pain around or behind the kneecap and is typically aggravated by running, hills, stairs, squatting, or prolonged sitting. Rather than being a single “structural problem,” PFPS usually develops when training loads exceed what the knee can tolerate, often combined with suboptimal biomechanics and strength deficits. Recently, we assessed a runner & here’s some info we provided her 🏃‍♀️

We started with lower limb strengthening, focusing on key patterns such as squats, hip hinges or deadlifts, calf raises, and outer glute work to support the knee during running.

Next, we tidy up running technique. This often includes improving cadence, reducing overstriding, and optimising her Q angle, all of which can increase patellofemoral load.

Finally, we address running volume and structure. Most runners initially cap running at a maximum of three runs per week, prioritising easy effort runs.

These running consultations continue to grow in popularity because we’ve invested heavily in delivering a genuinely high-quality assessment & rehab plan. Knowing exactly what to do with a clear structure, why you’re doing it, and how to progress is often what allows runners to finally move past persistent knee pain and get back to doing what they love to do 🏃‍♂️

** Disclaimer: this is generalised advice. You should always seek an individualised assessment & treatment with a healthcare professional