APM Physiotherapists

Haumanu Korikori APM

NZDF provides civilian physiotherapy support to all camps and bases for military personnel. Their main role is to assist service personnel to recovery, from various types of physical injuries that have hindered their ability to perform and do their job. They are part of the wider Health Multidisciplinary Team that manages care plans and treatment pathways in relation to the overall care of NZDF personal, working closely with the doctors and exercise rehabilitation instructors (ERI).

What is the role of a Physiotherapist

A Physiotherapist uses proven techniques to help restore movement and function to anyone affected by an injury, disability or certain health conditions.  It is a therapy that can help you achieve movement for life.

Physiotherapists hold a university degree and must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.  Registration ensures qualifications and competency and all physiotherapists must adhere to the Physiotherapy Board Standards of Practice.

How a Physiotherapist can help you

Physiotherapists have a wide range of skills to treat and manage a wide range of health problems that may involve the musculoskeletal, nervous or cardiovascular systems.

APM services

• Assessment and advice
• Acupuncture or dry needling
• Addressing breathing dysfunction
• Exercise prescription
• Hand therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Injury prevention
• Manual therapy – mobilization or manipulation
• Occupational health
• Pelvic health
• Pregnancy and Post partum advice
• Sports specific modalities

APM also offers a number of other services in the community such as employment support, community rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, pain management, paediatrics, aged care etc.  Contact your APM NZDF administrator or physio to find out more.

What is the process to see a Physiotherapist?

Direct appointment

As physiotherapists are primary health providers you do not need a doctor’s referral to receive physiotherapy.  You can come directly to a physiotherapist to assess, diagnose and code your injury for ACC purposes, whether work or non work related.

Medical referral

In the following situations it is recommended you are assessed and receive a referral from the Defence Health Centre Medical officers, Nurses or Medic:

• If you do not know what caused your injury
• You are pregnant or post partum
• You have a gradual onset of pain/discomfort
• You have a breathing disorder
• Suffering from anxiety
• You have suffered a concussion, head trauma or brain injury

When should I contact a physiotherapist

Ideally you should make an appointment as soon as you have injured yourself. It is much easier to manage conditions in the early stages than when they become chronic but we have seen clients, who have been bothered by recurrent or chronic injuries for many years, respond to treatment.

Acute/Urgent appointments. An acute appointment is reserved for those whose injury is swelling, there is loss of function or it will impact on your ability to keep working.  We have an obligation to see you within 3 working days but will make every effort to see you earlier if you alert us to this.

Important information for your visit

Unable to attend. Please make contact, making email ‘high importance’ to cancel your appointment as soon as you can.  This allows someone else to receive an appointment in a timely manner. Your command will be notified of repeat missed appointments.

Appointment duration. Initial appointments take about 30-40 minutes. Review appointments are shorter at 20-25 minutes.

What to wear. Your PT kit or clothes you can move about comfortably in. Outer clothing may need to be removed to assess or treat the injured area so shorts, sports bra or similar help maintain modesty.