When musculoskeletal pain persists, it can cause a person to adapt, slow down and change their lifestyle.
But physiotherapist Peter Melvin says that while pain is a necessary part of the healing process, exercise and physio can assist people of all ages to live an active lifestyle.
Peter, who started Coast Physio more than 25 years ago, recently relocated his Orewa Clinic to 28 Centreway Road. It wasn’t a big shift, but the new premises include modern consulting rooms and a rehabilitation gym.
“Exercise is a primary tool when it comes to helping people overcome or manage pain,” Peter says. “The gym means we have the space to demonstrate and supervise prescribed exercise programmes.”
Heading the team of physiotherapists in Orewa are Tony Forde and Nikki Ellis, who have both been with the practice for 10 years.
Tony believes that thanks to the internet, people are generally more “body aware”.
But he cautions against making a self-diagnosis.
“It really takes a full biomechanical check to identify the source of recurring pain, treat it and design an individual management plan,” Tony says.
He has a special interest in working with young athletes and their parents to ensure their activity is appropriate for their age.
“Young people between 10 and 16 years old are susceptible to structural growth problems such as severs (ankle pain) and knee problems. It’s very important to manage their activity to avoid problems later on.”
Nicol Ranger, an experienced pelvic health physiotherapist, has recently joined the team, specialising in incontinence, which affects both men and women.
Orewa is one of three Coast Physio clinics. The other two are at Whangaparaoa and in the Silverdale Medical Centre, which includes Coast Hands (hand and wrist clinic).
