JOEL MOWAT - Senior Physiotherapist and Director
Joel graduated from AUT in 2008 with a BHSc (Physio) degree. Since then, he has completed a number of courses to refine his skills and interests. These include: Dry Needling, Bike Setup, Level 1 Crossfit Coaches Accreditation, and Neurolink training. Joel has a passion for musculoskeletal physio and helping individuals reach their goals. Whether your aim is to walk the dog without pain, or to make a new PB lift, he is eager to make this goal your reality. Joel has spent time working in vocational rehabilitation and alongside various sports teams and athletes including: runners, triathletes, cyclists, Cross-Fitters, rugby players and rowers. Joel prides himself on helping his clients more thoroughly understand their bodies. With this understanding, improvement is more tangible and therefore drastically increased. He takes a holistic approach, focusing not only on your physical presentation, but any external factors that may be contributing to the problem. With numerous treatment modalities available to him, Joel is able to pick and choose what will work best for you and involve you in the plan. Outside of a busy work and family life, Joel loves to run and get out for a surf whenever there’s a wave. |
MARINA SHANNON - Physiotherapist
Marina graduated from AUT with a BHSc (Physio) at the end of 2018. Throughout her time there, she learned the valuable skills of comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and management of both acute injuries and long term conditions. Marina enjoys examining a patient holistically and ensuring that their goals are kept at the forefront of treatment. Marina’s main area of interest is musculoskeletal physiotherapy, biomechanics and persistent pain management. Skills in manual therapy, injury prevention, dry needling, and exercise prescription are just a few foundational principals that Marina uses. Marina has done some additional training to assist patients managing persistent pain conditions, hypersensitivity and patients having difficulties with the way the brain is processing sensations. Marina has many tools to work with patients with chronic pain conditions such as chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and similar. Outside of work, Marina enjoys doing anything outdoors. She loves a good team game, stand-up paddle boarding, and exploring beaches along New Zealand’s coastline. Marina also enjoys photography and specialty coffee. |
ERICA BENSON - Physiotherapist
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia in the United States, Erica received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in South Carolina, where she focused her studies on Communication and Women’s Studies. With a passion for improving others’ quality of life, she continued her education, this time focusing on helping patient’s improve mobility and function. She received her doctorate in physical therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2018. Erica then moved to the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean where she worked to help restore patient’s function and improve quality of life. Erica strives to put each patient first in her clinical practice and enjoys helping patients achieve their goals and return to the activities they love. When not working, Erica enjoys travelling, trying new food, running, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. Her newest adventure is exploring the wonder of New Zealand with her partner Matt. |
ESTHER COENRADI – Physiotherapist
Esther graduated from AUT with a BHSc (Physiotherapy) at the end of 2021. Over the course, Esther gained skills working and interacting with a range of different students, people, and patients from differing backgrounds and learned to treat in a holistic, caring,manner that considers the patient as a whole and not just an injury. Esther has experience working in medical and rehabilitation wards in the hospital setting and thrives working with the differing challenges of private practice. She is passionate about helping people recover and achieve their goals and strives to provide professional care that will optimise her patient’s function. Esther enjoys musculoskeletal physiotherapy, including manual therapy, injury prevention, and exercise prescription, in combination or as needed, to achieve this. She is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and skills in dry needling. Outside of work, Esther enjoys trail running, cycling, surfing, rock climbing, and anything else that involves some adrenaline and adventure in the outdoors. |
EDDIE SCHURMANN - Physiotherapist
Eddie graduated from the University of the Free State in South Africa in 1995 with a BSc Physio degree. He later did a part time study in Psychology also at the same institution. He has worked in various hospitals and clinical settings in South Africa, the UK, the USA and New Zealand since graduation and did numerous courses in all these countries. He also owned or was share holder in private practices in South Africa and New Zealand. In order to work in the USA, Eddie had to write and pass the USA State Board Exams. He was also a part time lecturer at ETA (Exercise Teachers Academy) in Stellenbosch, South Africa Most of Eddie’s experience and his main area of interest is musculoskeletal physiotherapy in private practice settings. He focuses on manual therapy, Myofascial release, dry needling and exercise prescription. He believes that forming good habits are integral to good health and injury prevention (daily attainable exercise routines and physical activities that people enjoy, postural focus and keeping supple and balanced nutrition) He has worked with numerous University athletics teams, hockey and rugby teams and was part-owner and coach of a Triathlon Club in Bloemfontein, South Africa, working with children and adult athletes Eddie comes from a multisport and triathlon/duathlon background where he was fortunate to be chosen to represent South Africa. He also did the Hawaiian Ironman in 1997 and qualified for Xterra World Champs on 3 occasions. (Age Group racer). Over the years he has also completed numerous marathons (running and canoeing), ultra-distance races and multi-day adventure races. Nowadays he prefers to spend time with his family and is learning to surf. |