My Story

In March 2023, my health suddenly and significantly deteriorated, after getting two viruses back to back. After many years in the clinician’s chair, I suddenly found myself in the patient’s chair. I went from training 14+ hours per week for a full ironman, to using a wheelchair and Mum moving in to look after me.

Despite seeking help from many healthcare professionals, during the first year of my illness all I accumulated was an increasing list of symptoms, worries, and misdiagnoses. It was confronting for me to see how difficult it can be for people with complex conditions to find appropriate care. It felt like the health system I had proudly worked in for many years didn’t know how to help me.

In time, I did find professionals with knowledge in complex conditions. The empathetic, and knowledgeable support I received from them was hope in a very dark time. I felt firsthand how invaluable good healthcare is. From this experience, I knew I wanted to help other people in my situation, and have focused on upskilling in this area to be able to do so.

I feel privileged to be part of my patients’ journeys because I know how important, life-changing, and difficult this journey is. I want to be the health professional who listens and helps you on your own journey. My lived experience shed invaluable insight into the reality of life with severe chronic illness. I learned how incredibly overwhelming and scary it is. I learned how impactful it is to feel dismissed and unheard. It was deeply confronting to see how my voice — once sought after and respected as a physio — was suddenly ignored when I became a patient. I feel that people with chronic symptoms are regularly let down in our health system, and deserve better support. I feel proud, and privileged that I have the skills to help these patients.

I built Hokonui Physio to be the kind of clinic I wish I had when I became unwell — a place where people feel heard, supported and receive thoughtful, evidence-based care, whether their condition is straightforward or highly complex.

I am a passionate advocate for post-viral illness research and improved patient care. I provide educational talks to patient and professional groups on neuro-immune dysfunction and complex chronic illnesses.

A good health professional can make all the difference - I hope I can make that difference for you.

We provide

• Specialised knowledge in neuro immune dysfunction, including:

  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS),

  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)

  • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or Chronic fatigue syndrome

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Long Covid

  • Dysautonomia and POTS

  • Chronic and persistent pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

• Understanding your symptoms

• Screening for potential missed diagnosis

• Providing a range of treatment options

• Pacing

• Recommend medications and tests to discuss with your GP

• Recommend onward referral to knowledgeable specialists

• Safe exercise prescription

• Return to work

• Workplace and healthcare system advocacy

• Nervous system regulation

• Emotional health, somatic therapy