Allied Health

Different people can be part of your allied health team. This group of health professionals is large and not entirely covered by the list below. Having arthritis can be a stressful experience; it can change the way you do things every day, and it can take time to get your head around who and what needs to be in place to support you. Identifying who might be in your allied health team is an important part of the journey to living well with arthritis.

How to see an allied health professional

You do not always need a referral from your GP to get help from health professionals such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, chiropractors, or optometrists. Access to allied health professionals may also be possible through some GP practices – check with your GP or practice nurse in the first instance. Access to allied health professionals through the public system will vary across New Zealand depending on geographical region.

Dietitian

A Dietitian is a registered health practitioner who evaluates scientific evidence about food and nutrition and translates it into practical strategies. New Zealand dietitians are usually consulted when a patient has a health condition that is directly affected by diet – such as kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes. Dietitians work in partnership with individuals, whanau, communities and populations to support optimal health and well-being. For more information, visit Dietitians NZ

Hand Therapist

A Hand Therapist is a registered physiotherapist or occupational therapist with additional qualifications to specialise in the treatment of conditions from the elbow to the hand. The hand, wrist, and arm are incredibly complex so there is a lot to know. Hand therapists can diagnose and treat a range of conditions including arthritis and pain and nerve damage. Treatments can involve the use of heat, ice or electrotherapy, splints for muscle, tendon, and ligament damage, and specifically targeted exercises to improve movement and strength. They often work in conjunction with other practitioners, such as hand surgeons. Find more information at Hand Therapy New Zealand

Naturopath

Naturopathy is a system of traditional and complementary medicine that is recognised by the World Health Organization. A naturopath may include clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, diet and lifestyle advice, nutritional medicine, herbal and other botanical medicines including aromatherapy, naturopathic physical modalities (such as massage, lymphatic drainage, and hydrotherapy), and mind-body therapies. Naturopaths work collaboratively with other health professionals in client-centred care. To find qualified, registered naturopaths in New Zealand, visit Naturopaths & Medical Herbalists of New Zealand

Nutritionist

A Nutritionist focuses on disease prevention and health and well-being promotion in the general population. In New Zealand, the term is not protected so it is important to seek the advice of a Registered or Associate Registered Nutritionist. A Registered Nutritionist is a trusted authority on nutrition who will provide nutrition advice to the public informed by scientific evidence as well as individual dietary advice by those working in practice. For more information, visit Nutrition Society of New Zealand

Occupational Therapist

An Occupational Therapist helps you adapt daily activities by using tools, aids, modifications, and strategies. They may work for NASC providing assessments and recommendations for home equipment, vehicle modifications, household management and personal care, and home modifications, or they may work privately or in a hospital. For more information, visit Occupational Therapy New Zealand | Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa. For more information on needs assessments, visit Needs assessment services | Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People.

Orthotist

An Orthotist fabricates or provides devices that support existing body parts (e.g. Ankle, Foot Orthotics (AFOs), Knee Ankle, Foot Orthotics (KAFOs), Foot Orthotics, Footwear modification, Upper limb bracing). For more information visit NZOPA – Promoting Orthotics and Prosthetics in New Zealand.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinical exercise physiologists specialise in clinical exercise interventions. They often work in a multidisciplinary allied health team alongside other professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and medical doctors. Their aim is to prevent and manage disease or injury and assist in restoring optimal physical function and health through progressive exercise rehabilitation programs. Interventions may include functional capacity testing and screening, lifestyle modifications and education, and work-place hazard identification, and do not include physical manipulation of the body.

A post-graduate qualification with a focus on exercise physiology or exercise prescription for special populations is required.  Find a practitioner registered with Clinical Exercise Physiology NZ FIND AN EXERCISE EXPERT | cepnz