We specialise in relief of pain and injuries using physiotherapy that targets deep tissue healing and restores strength. Combining state-of-the-art exercise prescription with European medical technology, hands-on treatments, and custom orthotic devices.
We believe that while exercise prescription will always be the foundation of physiotherapy many instances require a more integrative and holistic approach. This is especially true for people with the most stubborn pain and complex injuries.
''This is the most comprehensive and professional approach to Physiotherapy I have ever experienced''
Christian Cullen - Former Allblacks Fullback
aka The Paekakariki Express
Our Approach To Physiotherapy
Fast Symptom Relief
Real Tissue Healing
All In One Care
Our Approach To Physiotherapy
Fast Symptom Relief
Real Tissue Healing
All In One Care
The Physiotherapy Challenge
Stubborn pain and injuries can impact your work, exercise, relationships, mental health and sleep. So if they go untreated, they can pose a serious threat to our health and wellbeing.
Between 20-25% of people in Western society are battling with one or more chronic body pains. Many of these started off as an injury that wasn’t effectively rehabilitated. So the physiotherapy toolkit remains a very important one in the 21st Century.
Naturally, many of us struggle to find the right help with pain and injuries. Those who prefer not to manage their pain long-term with drugs and those who find exercises aren’t enough to fix their problems often suffer the most.
Even many pain sufferers who fully dedicate themselves to their recovery find it hard to get credible help. So often being exposed to over-simplistic options by clinics who only use one or two methods to target their recovery.
Our Team
Our team have all had our own struggles with pain and injuries. So we know what it’s like and we can empathise BIG time with anyone who is in pain. This awareness and a passion for helping people meet their full potential is what drives our clinic.
Zabad Michael
DPT, NZPA (Doctor of Physiotherapy)
At 15 I was hooked on badminton (and still am), but a torn ligament left me sidelined for months. Frustrated, I became obsessed with learning about how the body heals itself. I didn’t realise that at the time that injury would rewire my purpose. But I did innately sense that pain isn’t a problem to silence; it’s how the body asks for help.
After earning my Doctorate in Physiotherapy I moved to New Zealand, I discovered healing isn’t just about my hands. It’’s about listening to your story, your culture, and what “strength” means to you.
Regardless of which treatment I am providing my goal is the same: to help you move with ease and live a pain-free life. My love for badminton still fuels me. When I step onto the court now, I see the blessing of our bodies in motion—the sprints, the smashes, the sheer joy of movement. That’s why I help active people: to protect that joy, so they can play harder, longer, and without fear.
Kade Christensen
Sports Therapist BHSc. (Paramedicine) EMT, CERT. ST
I began my healthcare career as a Paramedic, earning his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) qualification over eight years. A life-changing hip injury in 2018, which took over a year to treat, led me to discover my passion for pain rehabilitation after being successfully treated by one of my mentors.
This experience inspired me to pursue postgraduate studies in Sports Therapy, followed by an internship at a clinic where I quickly adapted to pain management.
Outside work, I prioritizes self-care through yoga, meditation, exposure therapy, and retreats. These experiences keep deepening my understanding of physical healing. I have combined expertise in medicine, wellness, yoga, and rehabilitation with an empathetic approach that I hope makes me a useful pain clinician. I certainly relish the opportunity to help people going through pain and injuries.
Our Team
Our team have all had our own struggles with pain and injuries. So we know what it’s like and we can empathise BIG time with anyone who is in pain. This awareness and a passion for helping people meet their full potential is what drives our clinic.
Zabad Michael
DPT, NZPA (Doctor of Physiotherapy)
At 15 I was hooked on badminton (and still am), but a torn ligament left me sidelined for months. Frustrated, I became obsessed with learning about how the body heals itself. I didn’t realise that at the time that injury would rewire my purpose. But I did innately sense that pain isn’t a problem to silence; it’s how the body asks for help.
After earning my Doctorate in Physiotherapy I moved to New Zealand, I discovered healing isn’t just about my hands. It’’s about listening to your story, your culture, and what “strength” means to you.
Regardless of which treatment I am providing my goal is the same: to help you move with ease and live a pain-free life . My love for badminton still fuels me. When I step onto the court now, I see the blessing of our bodies in motion—the sprints, the smashes, the sheer joy of movement. That’s why I help active people: to protect that joy, so they can play harder, longer, and without fear.
Kade Christensen
Sports Therapist BHSc. (Paramedicine) EMT, CERT. ST
I began my healthcare career as a Paramedic, earning his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) qualification over eight years. A life-changing hip injury in 2018, which took over a year to treat, led him me discover my passion for pain rehabilitation after being successfully treated at by one of my mentors.
This experience inspired me to pursue postgraduate studies in Sports Therapy, followed by an internship at a clinic where I quickly adapted to pain management.
Outside work, I prioritizes self-care through yoga, meditation, exposure therapy, and retreats. These experiences keep deepening my understanding of physical healing. I have combined expertise in medicine, wellness, yoga, and rehabilitation with an empathetic approach that I hope makes me a useful pain clinician. I certainly relish the opportunity to help people going through pain and injuries.
Services We Provide
Extracorporeal Soundwave Therapy
Biomechanical Analysis
What Does Our Approach Do For You
Comprehensive Physiotherapy Treatments
We integrate established physiotherapy techniques such as dry needling, biomechanical assessments and strengthening protocols. Where appropriate, we also utilise modern technology and custom orthotic devices.
Evidence-Based Standards of Care
Our clinical approach aligns with international physiotherapy guidelines for managing pain and injury. This reduces reliance on quick fixes or unnecessary interventions, promoting sustainable recovery.
Targeted Symptom Relief
Our physiotherapists prioritise fast, effective symptom relief using a wide array of evidence-based tools, so you aren’t left relying solely on basic exercises or generic stretching programs.
Long-Term Injury Prevention
Pain and injury often return without proper follow-up. We focus on lasting outcomes by offering detailed rehabilitation plans, biomechanical correction, orthotic support, and lifestyle coaching.
Our Process
Step One - Book Your Initial Assessment
Schedule an initial physiotherapy consultation for a detailed history and physical examination. If you’re in significant pain, urgent appointments are available.
Step Two - Begin Personalised Treatment
Your physiotherapist will work with you to apply the most effective treatment options for your condition. The aim is to reduce pain and initiate a tailored plan for long-term recovery.
Step Three - Maintain Progress & Prevent Recurrence
We help you return to everyday activities comfortably. Ongoing support is available to implement simple preventative strategies that reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
What Our Clients Have to Say
”I have been extremely impressed Zabads approach to patient care ”I have recieved a great deal of healthcare in my lifetime and consider Poneke Physiotherapy to be the gold standard.”
John Raybould
Victoria University Professional Staff
”My busy contact round sports diary means that I am very reliant on the right healthcare. Poneke Phsyiotherapy is absolutely my first and last choice due the level of care I recieve there.”
TROY PALMER
Medical Assurance Society Wellington
”I can wholeheartedly say that this level of professionlism and holistic approach to a physio clinic is a new experience for me. Can’t say enough good things about my experience.”
ISAAC KING
CEO King Fitness Paraparaumu
Take A Tour Of Our Wellington Clinic
Our team offers a wide range of treatments, helping you to achieve your recovery goals.
Our Locations
Wellington
3/23 Waring Taylor Street
Wairarapa
82 Main Street, Greytown
Our Physiotherapy Approach Compared With NZ Standard Approach
Our Approach
- Exercise Prescription
- Dry Needling
- Referral For Scans / X RaysList Item
- Education
- Trigger Point Therapy
- LLLT Deep Tissue Laser
- Radial Extracorporeal Soundwave Therapy
- Focused Extracorporeal Soundwave Therapy
- Gait Analysis
- Custom Orthotic Devices
- Deep Tissue & Fascial Release
- Brainwave Entrainment
- In Depth Core Activation Coaching
- British Military Designed Spinal Mobilisers
Standard NZ Approach
- Exercise Prescription
- Dry Needling
- Referral For Scans / X RaysList Item
- Education
- Trigger Point Therapy
- LLLT Deep Tissue Laser
- Radial Extracorporeal Soundwave Therapy
- Focused Extracorporeal Soundwave Therapy
- Gait Analysis
- Custom Orthotic Devices
- Deep Tissue & Fascial Release
- Brainwave Entrainment
- In Depth Core Activation Coaching
- British Military Designed Spinal Mobilisers
Questions And Answers
Yes absolutely you can make an ACC claim through us or bring your existing claim number with you. We are also covered by any private health insurance you may have.
We are ‘allied’ healthcare but certainly not ‘alternative’ The methods and approaches we use are all backed by extensive research and we stick firmly to the international guidelines for pain and injury management.
Treatments like extracorporeal shockwave and LLLT laser are extremely popular overseas and have been researched extensively in the US and Europe. There is far less awareness of them in NZ, even amongst healthcare professionals.
The million-dollar question. The duration of your recovery depends heavily on how long you have had pain and your general state of health. We regularly see people who have had pain for years resolve it within a handful of months. Similarly, if you have only been in pain for weeks it could feel substantially better after 2 sessions,
Yes absolutely. The long list of treatments we have are all optional so if you only want exercise prescription we can and do offer that at all times.
An increasing number of people with concerning scan findings (like osteoarthritis, tendon tears, disc damage) are finding that they can make excellent recoveries through a comprehensive rehab process instead of surgery. We are routinely able to secure excellent outcomes for patients in this category.