Not Your Average Osteo. Not Quite a Physio Either.
If you’ve been looking for help with an injury or ongoing pain, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Do I need a physio or an osteo?”
And if you’ve landed here, you might be even more confused — because I’m an osteopath in Cromwell… who works a lot like a physio… but not quite.
Let’s clear things up.
I’m not a physio.
I’m an osteopath based in Cromwell — but thanks to my background in personal training and strength rehab, the way I treat patients looks a little different from what most people expect from osteo or physio.
Why Do People Get Us Mixed Up?
Honestly? Because the lines are getting blurry. And that’s a good thing.
Traditionally, physiotherapists focus heavily on exercise rehab — especially within the ACC system. You might get a bit of hands-on work, but the focus is usually on stretches, activation, and progressive movement-based treatment.
Osteopaths, on the other hand, often focus more on manual therapy, joint manipulation, soft tissue work, and whole-body assessments. Many osteos don’t provide structured rehab plans or long-term strength work.
I sit somewhere in the middle.
In fact, I created my clinic, The Recovery Project, to bridge the gap between the rehab world and the fitness world. That’s why I’m often mistaken for a physio. And I don’t mind.
My Approach: Hands-On + Strength-Focused Rehab
Here’s what to expect when you work with me:
Yes, we’ll do hands-on work. If your back’s locked up, your hip’s not moving well, or your nervous system needs calming, I’ll address that.
But also — you’ll get up off the table and move. You’ll be coached through exercises that retrain how your body loads, balances, and handles pressure.
You’ll leave your session with a plan — not just a band-aid.
I don’t just treat pain, I treat the why behind it.
And we build the strength, mobility, and confidence to stop it from coming back.
Why You Might Come to Me Instead of a Physio
Let me say first, I work alongside great physios. But here’s why many people choose to see me:
They’ve done the standard ACC route and feel like they’re getting nowhere
They want longer, more tailored appointments that combine hands-on and active treatment
They’ve been told to "just rest" or "take it easy" — but they want to get stronger
They’re tired of bouncing between osteos, physios, chiros, and massage therapists
If that sounds like you I get it.
You’re not looking for someone to just treat the pain. You want someone to look at the bigger picture and give you a way forward.
Osteo, Physio… Does It Matter?
Not really. Not if you find someone who helps you feel better and function better.
At The Recovery Project, I help people go from:
Feeling stuck in the injury cycle
Scared to return to the gym or the trails
Frustrated with being told different things by different people
To feeling clear, strong, and back in control of their body again.
Let’s Talk Specifics: Who I Help
I work with a lot of people dealing with:
Back pain (from desk workers to weekend warriors to farmers)
Hip issues (glute pain, tendon problems, stiffness with running or lifting)
Recurring injuries that haven’t responded well to quick fixes
Chronic pain, where no one seems to have the full answer
And I do this with a mix of:
Osteopathic treatment (manual therapy)
Strength and rehab programming (coaching, home plans, or in-person training)
Education and support that actually makes sense
Final Thoughts
So yeah …I get why people confuse me for a physio.
But labels aside, what matters is this:
If you're looking for a Cromwell osteo who won’t just crack your back and send you on your way — but instead will take the time to understand your body, treat what’s needed, and help you build back stronger — then you’re in the right place.
Ready to Move Better and Feel Stronger?
Let’s stop the cycle of quick fixes and fluff.
Book online today, or reach out with your questions. I’m always happy to chat and see if we’re the right fit.
