Toni Strong ( Senior Physiotherapist - Owner )

I have been part of Ponsonby Physio for some time now, starting here when I was still competing in cycling and now as a business owner. It has been a joy to see how the clinic has evolved over this time and continues to provide quality physio care to our wonderful community.

Taking a holistic overview to health and wellbeing underpins Toni’s approach to helping her patients.

Toni studied at Otago University and has completed post-graduate studies in acupuncture and sports medicine.

Toni continues to have an interest in cycling and running. She has undergone training in Physio bike set-ups and offers this service at the clinic. Toni also has a passion for movement and exercise teaching classes at the clinic both in Reformer Pilates and Cancer rehab (PINC cancer Physio trained).

As with most physios, Toni is curious about what’s happening in physiotherapy and has developed special interest in hips, women’s health and tendons and aging well. She uses a combination of a hands-on approach to treatment using acupuncture, manual therapy, tissue work while also incorporating exercise therapy to help return patient to their activities. “Exercise is medicine” is something that really resonates with me.

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 ( Senior 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, muscle imbalance, chronic pain, patients affected by cancer, 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 & 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.

Furthermore, he is trained to use the VALD ForceDecks and DynaMo to capture quantifiable data on movement patterns, balance, muscle strength, power, muscle imbalances and performance. He incorporates this technology into his physiotherapy assessments and treatment to ensure optimal care and outcomes for his patients.

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 their 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, paddle boarding and golf.

Further Qualifications: 

AACP Foundation Acupuncture & Dry Needling, APPI level 1 Pilates, Mulligan’s Manual Therapy level 1, ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning, McKenzie Institute – The Lumbar Spine Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy, John Cronin’s Strength & Conditioning for Physiotherapists, Pinc & Steel – Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist Certification, Functional Movement Systems – Functional Movement Screen level 1 & 2, Manual Concepts Manual Therapy – low back pain, headaches, cervical & thoracic disorders.

Moira Dickson ( Physiotherapist )

With six years of experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy Moira has experience in treating a wide range of injuries, including sporting injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, and postural pain.

Her treatment skill set includes massage, dry needling, manual therapy, strapping, and exercise prescription. She has completed courses in Pilates and in Strength and Conditioning which enables her to tailor programs that considers clients injury history and training goals. Moira teaches clinical reformer Pilates in our studio and integrates Pilates postural principles and assessment techniques into her practice as a physio.

Moira is trained in biomechanical assessment using the VALD force plates to test jumping performance, balance and movement symmetry. This can be used as part of a running assessment or later stage rehabilitation assessment for injuries such as ACL and Achilles ruptures.

What’s the best thing about being a Physio?

The people! I have so many lovely clients that really do make my day. I love being able to have a positive impact and keep people on track with their recovery.

Hobbies & Interests: 

I love getting outside and am always planning my next skiing, tramping or bike touring trip. I also enjoy training in the gym and Pilates as part of my weekly schedule.

Further Qualifications: 

Pilates Mat Level 1 certification, PAANZ Dry Needling Foundation Course, John Cronin’s Strength & Conditioning for Physiotherapists.

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 her APPI level 1 in Mat Pilates, Teaching Tai Chi for arthritis by Dr. Paul Lam, Fundamentals of Dry Needling, Myofascial release and a variety of seminars for various conditions and developments.

Emma is passionate about you and takes a thorough client-centred approach to treatment and rehabilitation, aiming for better than before!

Emma tailors treatment to your goals and lifestyle, understanding that life doesn’t stop. She also believes in education and the importance of both physio and client education, applying a research based tailored approach to your treatment and rehabilitation.

What’s the best thing about being a physio? 

“Relieving someone of their pain and assisting their return to their life and activities is incredibly rewarding. I love empowering clients to return to the activities they love, setting them up to succeed and have the confidence to live their full life without restrictions.”

Hobbies & Interests:

Emma loves being active and getting out there whatever it is. She loves running, Pilates and hiking, but is also up for a boulder session, swim or almost any other activity.

She also loves sitting back with an audio book, a G&T and her crochet. And she will 100% ask you about your dog.

Further Qualifications:

Post Graduate Certificate in Western Acupuncture, APPI Level 1 in Mat Pilates, Teaching Tai Chi for Arthritis by Dr. Paul Lam, Fundamentals of Dry Needling, 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 health and fitness goals and getting people back to the activities they enjoy. She uses a combination of a hands-on and exercise-based treatment approach to help her patients return to their previous level of function.

Samara enjoys working with all ages and all types of injuries from strains and sprains to post-operative care. With a background in dance and dance instruction, she also has a keen interest in sports related injuries and injury prevention. Samara is trained to use the VALD ForceDecks and Dynamo to assess muscle strength, balance, power, and asymmetries.  She integrates VALD technology into her assessment and treatment to individualise rehabilitation programs, track progress, and improve performance.

What’s the best thing about being a physio? 

“Building relationships with clients and helping them achieve their functional and physical goals, however big or small they may seem.”

Hobbies & Interests:

Outside of the clinic, Samara enjoys staying active through dance, Pilates, and strength training. In her spare time, you will find her working on home DIY projects, and spending time with friends and family.

Further Qualifications:

Mat Pilates Level 1 certification.

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 at our reception when you walk through the door.

She worked in purchasing for many years in Denmark, before moving to New Zealand 10 years ago. Now she is enjoying getting to know the lovely community coming to see us.

Hobbies & Interests: 

Joan loves her daily walks, longer hikes, Pilates and hanging out with family & friends, reading, being creative, baking and travelling as much as possible.

Sandy ( Reception )

Sandy has worked several years in public health, both overseas and in New Zealand. She also held different customer service roles.

Working with and meeting people from all walks of life has been the most enjoyable aspect of her work.

Hobbies & Interests:

Sandy spends a lot of time in the garden and enjoys doing crafts.