Our Physiotherapists

Jo Young

Dip. Phyty, Dip.Manip.Phyty, MPNZ

Jo is the principal of the business and has been working in the heart of Petone for over 20 years. She did her undergraduate physiotherapy study in Otago and returned to complete post graduate study in manipulative physiotherapy. Jo loves being part of the local community and helping people reach their full potential. She believes not only in the benefits of hands on therapy but also education and exercise to empower people to manage and prevent their problems from reoccurring. As part of this philosophy she takes small mat work pilates classes with a rehab focus. She is also a Certified Mulligan practitioner and works onsite and offsite providing Occupational physiotherapy services.

Outside of work Jo loves to ski and has been slowly working her way through her karate belts!

jonny dittmer

BHsc, MPNZ

Jonny has a real passion for helping people overcome injuries by empowering them to understand their own body.  Jonny believes in the benefits of hands on therapy, educating the patient on their injury and the implementation of a step by step exercise plan to ensure patients achieve their goals.

Jonny graduated from Auckland University of Technology as a mature student and has continued with post graduate manual therapy courses.  He has worked with the NZ Tag team, Wellington Samoan Rugby team, Poneke Premier Rugby team and has provided cover for the Wellington Saints Basketball team.  He is currently working with the Wellington Golf team and a selection of New Zealand amateur representatives. 

Prior to Physiotherapy Jonny played on the New Zealand Golf tour, Australian PGA and the Middle Eastern Mena Tour.  Outside of work Jonny has a passion for living a healthy lifestyle, staying fit, spending time with family and playing golf down at Shandon Golf Club.

Steve Young 

BSc, BHsc (Physiotherapy)

Steve is a part time physiotherapist and graduated from AUT in 2007 as a mature student. He has been working in Petone ever since and is a strong believer in the benefits of physiotherapy. He has continued with post graduate manual therapy courses and dry needling, and enjoys combining those skills with his love of exercise rehab.

When he is not working Steve plays basketball, is an active member of the Seido Karate club and travels whenever possible.

Ruth Noakes

DipPhys (Otago), Dip.MT, MPNZ, CMP

Ruth is an experienced physiotherapist, with post graduate qualifications in manual therapy, acupuncture, and is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner. She has also trained in Pilates, up to Level 5 though Dance Medicine Australia.

Ruth has managed her own private practice for the last 33 years and has now joined the team at Petone Physio on a part-time basis.

Ruth is a strong advocate for thorough assessment to identify your problem which then directs appropriate and effective treatment. Hands on therapy and teaching you effective strategies for self management are all part of the package, aiming to return you to your active lifestyle.

Watch out for Ruth on the hills - she is a keen trail runner!

NIShtA PUTHRAN

BHsc (Physiotherapy)

Nishta is a passionate Physiotherapist who has experience working with all age groups and a variety of conditions. She has a keen interest in sports/gym injuries, paediatrics, post operative rehab, and chronic pain.

She enjoys getting to know people, and aims to treat holistically with a hands on approach and progressive exercise programs.

Nishta graduated from AUT and has experience in post operative rehabilitation and musculoskeletal conditions. She believes in using exercise therapy, and education for clients to better understand how their body works.

She is also certified to dry needle as part of treatments, and is currently working to achieve a Pilates instructor qualification.

SETH MCSWEENEY

BPhty

Seth recently graduated from Otago University. Throughout his studies he worked with patients in a variety of different settings, from older adults in the community, to providing care for the acutely unwell in hospital. Ultimately, he discovered his passion for treating and diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries and helping patients make a graded return to sport.

Seth believes that respect for patient autonomy and the individuals’ goals to be crucial in delivering effective, patient centred treatment. He is always interested in learning new ‘hands on’ techniques to help provide his patients with the best possible care!

When Seth is not working in the clinic, he is an avid rock climber, attends the gym, and enjoys fishing and running.