Never seen a podiatrist or physiotherapist? Contracted an injury? Concerned about body, leg, foot pain? Our health professionals answer your FAQs.


Who should see a podiatrist or physiotherapist?

What are orthotics?

Can podiatrists help with ingrown toenails and problem toes?

Is PodiatryMed Physiotherapy ACC registered?

How many visits will I need?

Do I need a referral?

Will you tell me to wear sensible shoes all the time?

My child has an unusual walking/running pattern, should I take them to a podiatrist or physiotherapist?

What should I bring with me to my appointment?

What is a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists are highly trained health professionals who treat people of all ages and specialize in foot care and lower limb conditions. Many people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and inflammatory arthritis are encouraged to seek help from a podiatrist on a regular basis. In addition, many sports people are treated by podiatrists.

In New Zealand, anyone practicing podiatry must be registered with the New Zealand Podiatrists Board and have a current Annual Practicing Certificate.

What is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists are trained in enhancing the mechanics of the human body. Physiotherapists are health care professionals who work to both prevent and rehabilitate injury and work with all different types of people from those involved in sport to older populations wanting to stay active.

In New Zealand, physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand.

Treatment Options.

The treatment options available at PodiatryMed Physiotherapy include:
Acupuncture, Orthotics, Footwear, Minor Surgery, Verrucae Dry Needling, Stretching, Strengthening, Strapping, Education, Video Gait Analysis, Manual Therapy, Muscle Balancing, Soft Tissue Massage, Core Strengthening, Training Advice, Postural Assessments, Bike Set-up, Exercise Prescription, Fungal Nail Treatment.



Who should see a podiatrist or physiotherapist?

Anyone with a lower limb complaint, whether it is a new injury or long standing, should see a podiatrist. Leg, hip, knee and foot pain are not all we treat, we can also help with nail and skin issues including in grown toe nails, corns and verrucas.

Anyone who wants to optimize their physical performance and prevent or recover from injury should see a physiotherapist.

What are orthotics?

Foot orthoses (orthotics) are custom made and adjusted therapeutic devices. They improve your health by properly supporting and stimulating the sole of your foot. Custom foot orthotics are prescribed to specifically suit your individual problem, foot, activity and type of footwear. Accurately prescribed and adjusted foot orthotics are comfortable and very effective in relieving problems and preventing future ones. Foot orthoses should only be prescribed by a fully qualified podiatrist.

The type of orthotic we most commonly use is a Formthotic. Formthotics are made from thermoformable foam which we heat-mould to your foot shape which increases proprioception, comfort and control. Formthotics should last a year, if not longer, this does however depend on frequency of use, type of activity and injury. In some cases hard based plastic insoles made from a mould of your feet are required; these can last up to four years.

Can podiatrists help with ingrown toenails and problem toes?

Yes, in many cases we will see you and perform the procedure to correct the toenail right then and there.

Is PodiatryMed Physiotherapy ACC registered?

Yes, PodiatryMed is ACC approved.

How many visits will I need?

Your individual treatment plan may only require between two to four visits. We believe in educating you to be able to self-manage and will provide you with the right tools such as foot orthoses and exercises to achieve this. We may develop a treatment plan that involves referring you to other specialists, doctors, massage therapists or chiropractors.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can simply call us to make an appointment, although your GP can also refer you. If a health provider does refer you, please remember to bring your referral letter to your appointment.

Will you tell me to wear sensible shoes all the time?

Not always. We work with our patients and factor their individual lifestyle into our treatment plan. It may be that we encourage you to wear sensible shoes for part of the day but we understand everyone’s requirements are different.

My child has an unusual walking/running pattern, should I take them to a podiatrist or physiotherapist?

Yes, we see a lot of children at our practice and can come up with a treatment plan to suit. It may be that a simple soft orthotic or stretching education is all that is needed.

What should I bring with me to my appointment?

For your first appointment please bring exercise gear, your current orthotics (if relevant) and a selection of your shoes including work, casual and sport. You will be advised what to bring next time at your initial consultation.