Strictly hands-on as physio launches her own practice

DOOR'S OPEN: Rachael Gallagher has her Wicksteed St clinic up and running.PHOTO/ JOHN MASLIN070815WCMAS01

Physiotherapist Rachael Gallagher has decided on a change of direction in her career and is branching out on her own, setting up business as Whanganui Physiotherapy from her clinic at 176 Wicksteed St.

The doors officially opened on Monday.

Though she will provide traditional physiotherapy treatments, Ms Gallagher is introducing a unique treatment which is believed to be a first for Wanganui.

Services include acupuncture, strapping services and physiotherapy treatment itself, but she will also offer Pilates services, using the Pilates Reformer, a specialist piece of equipment aimed at strengthening, injury prevention and recovery.

Invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates, the reformer is a bed-like frame which promotes length, strength, flexibility and balance.

"Exercises can be done on the reformer lying down, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the foot bar, perched on shoulder blocks, upside down and sideways," Ms Gallagher said.

"In other words, the reformer can train many parts and dynamics of the body in so many different ways with just one relatively sleek piece of equipment. This can be included as part of patients' treatment plans or as a separate conditioning."

Ms Gallagher has spent most of her career doing musculo-skeletal private practice work in Wanganui but decided the time was right to set up on her own.

"My goal is to use effective evidence-based physiotherapy to assess and find the cause of injury. Rehabilitation programmes will be tailored specifically to individual needs to restore movement and optimal function, using a combination of hands-on treatment and exercise.

"We aim to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment to enhance recovery and get you back to what you enjoy."

Whanganui Physiotherapy will also allow clients to book online through its website www.whanganuiphysio.co.nz.

"I understand people lead very busy lives, and sometimes ringing up to make an appointment can be put in the 'too hard' basket," she says. "Having an online booking system allows patients the chance to see what appointments are available and book from the comfort of their living room."

The clinic will be open from Monday to Friday with late nights on Monday and opens at 9.30am on Monday.