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Physiotherapy - Outpatients
Welcome to Outpatient Physiotherapy
Nau mai, haere mai ki te whare ko mirimiri
Our Physiotherapy outpatient departments are based in Waitakere Hospital and North Shore Hospital with some clinics based in the community. We are a team of Physiotherapists, therapy assistants and administrators who work collectively to meet the holistic needs of our local community.
We are currently able to offer face to face appointments, however, we can also offer you the option of a telehealth appointment. If you would prefer this please speak to our reception team or your Physiotherapist to arrange this.
We are working alongside the Ministry of Health recommendations for patient contact and COVID-19. If for any reason your appointment will be affected by COVID-19, a member of the Physiotherapy department will be in touch with you.
Our Physiotherapy Services
We provide input for a variety of conditions including:
- On-going rehabilitation of injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Exacerbation of a chronic condition e.g. Chronic pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Following surgery
Arthritis
Arthritis is a term used to cover over 140 conditions that affect the joints. Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms. Your GP or health-professional may have referred you to Physiotherapy for management with your Arthritis symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. However, there are other types of arthritis that a physiotherapist can help with too. Arthritis can affect one or many joints and may impact your daily activities. Whilst you wait for your first Physiotherapy appointment, we encourage you to remain as active as you are safely able to be.
We recommend that you read through the resources below:
Your healthcare professional may refer you to our Physiotherapist for symptoms of lymphoedema (swelling) or following treatment for cancer. Our service provides care for patients who have had treatment for:
- Breast cancer and/or breast reconstruction surgery.
- Gynaecological cancer
- Skin cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Other types of cancer
Our lymphoedema service also provides assessment and treatment of non cancer-related lymphoedema/swelling.
You may find some useful information here:
Your health professional may refer you to see pelvic health Physiotherapist. Referrals are accepted for all genders and assessment and treatment options will be individualised to ensure your comfort and work towards your goals.
Common conditions that can benefit from referral to a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist include:
- Bladder incontinence
- Bowel incontinence/dysfunction
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Obstructed defecation
- Antenatal and postnatal concerns
- Pelvic pain.
Our pelvic health physiotherapists also see patients on the Maternity and Gynaecology wards by referral.
Whilst you are waiting for your pelvic health appointment, have a look at the links below to learn more about Physiotherapy and pelvic health-related conditions:
Your healthcare provider may have referred to you physiotherapy for help with your breathing (respiratory). Difficulty managing your breathing can have a big impact on your quality of life. Our respiratory Physiotherapist can provide advice and treatment for a variety of conditions including:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Hyperventilation syndrome
- Bronchiectasis
- Other breathing conditions
Your physiotherapy treatment may include exercise, techniques for clearing secretions (phlegm) and/or advice on managing your breathlessness. Your physiotherapist will work with you to achieve your goals.
If you are feeling more breathlessness or unwell, please speak to your Physiotherapist or other healthcare provider BEFORE you come into hospital.
Please see a list of recommended websites below:
Our physiotherapists treat patients who have experienced a neurological event for rehabilitation (e.g. stroke). You may have worked with a physiotherapist during your stay in hospital, or this may be your first time seeing a physiotherapist. You will work with your physiotherapist to set goals that relate to being back at home and develop an exercise programme to help you achieve your goals.
As part of your treatment plan, your Physiotherapist may refer you to a local community neurology rehabilitation service to assist you and your whānau in the long term.
For further information, please visit:
You may have been referred to see a physiotherapist if you have been dizzy or off balance lately. Our outpatient Physiotherapists are able to treat vestibular conditions and can help you improve your dizziness and balance.
Your GP of health-care professional may have referred you to our chronic pain team to discuss the best ways to manage your pain.
Whilst you wait for your appointment, have a look at some of our videos or read through the below information:
Telehealth
Physiotherapy appointments are now being offered via telehealth. A telehealth appointment can either be an online video appointment or even a phone call. Choosing a telehealth appointment could save you time and money. Please be aware telehealth may not be suitable for all patients. Talk to your Physiotherapist about whether a telehealth appointment could be right for you.
Interpreter services are available for telehealth appointments. Please give our department sufficient notice so we can arrange this.
Please help your Physiotherapist by preparing for your appointment. You can do this by:
- Downloading and trying Zoom at least 15 minutes before your appointment time
- Ensuring your device has enough battery
- Wearing appropriate clothing (for example shorts if you are seeing a Physiotherapist about your knee)
- Having your appointment in a private and quiet room with no disruptions.
- Having a list of your medication and other health conditions with you.
- Ensuring there is adequate space around you to move safely Having your camera set up so your Physiotherapist can see you clearly
For further information regarding telehealth, please refer to the following:
COVID-19
We are abiding by Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines.
If you feel unwell please contact us, do not come to the hospital. You may be offered a telehealth appointment or your appointment can be rescheduled. You must not come to your Physiotherapy appointment if you are unwell.
For up-to-date and accurate information on COVID-19 and where you can get tested, visit covid19.govt.nz
You are welcome to wear a mask to attend your appointment. Likewise, your Physiotherapist may wear a mask or other protective equipment (PPE) during your appointment. Please discuss any concerns about this with your Physiotherapist.
Please note: Outpatient Physiotherapy follows Ministry of Health guidelines when alert levels change. Changing of alert levels will impact whether your appointment can be offered in person and whether masks or other PPE must be worn.
Physiotherapy Students
Clinical experience is a necessary part of qualifying as a Physiotherapist in New Zealand. To support this we often have Physiotherapy students working within our clinics under the supervision of qualified Physiotherapists. The Physiotherapy student may be leading or observing the appointment. Please let us know if you have any concerns about working with a Physiotherapy student.
How to Find Us
Please note: Your Physiotherapy appointment may not be held at the main hospital locations – please carefully check the location on your appointment letter.
| Waitakere Hospital | Entrance F, Waitakere Hospital 55-75 Lincoln Rd, Henderson |
| North Shore Hospital | Entrance 3, North Shore Hospital Shakespeare Rd, Takapuna |
| OA&HH Community Outpatient (Te Whare Karaka) | Entrance 5, 9 Karaka St, Takapuna |
| OA&HH Hibiscus Coast Clinic | Community Health Centre 136 Whangaparaoa Rd, Red Beach |
| Health New Lynn | Level 2, Totara Building 1 McCrae Way, New Lynn |
Parking and Transport
If you are parking on-site for your appointment, please allow extra time to find a parking space and to get to the department.
More information:
- Parking costs
- Hospital maps, public transport, taxis and shuttle service info
- Te Whare Karaka location and Allied Health services
Feedback and Complaints
We value your feedback about our service – if you have anything you would like to share about your experience please complete our feedback form.