PHYSIOTHERAPY SPECIALISTs

We have two Physio Specialists in the clinic. Physiotherapy specialists are expert physiotherapists who have advanced education, knowledge and skills to practise within a specific area of clinical practice;

• as specialist clinicians, they demonstrate leadership in consultancy, education and research;
• they work collaboratively with the physiotherapy profession and within the wider health team across a range of health and disability settings;
• physiotherapy specialists actively participate and take a leadership role in professional activities, including local and national strategy and policy development; and
• they work in partnership with individuals, whanau, families and communities to optimise health outcomes.

Referrals must clearly state they are for a “Specialist Physiotherapy Assessment”, referrals to physiotherapy cannot be accepted.

Katy Carnachan is a registered Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy specialist. She is one of only three specialists in Auckland and the only Physiotherapy specialist in Auckland with a subspecialty in spinal injuries and complaints. Katy has extensive experience in managing back pain, neck pain and headaches, as well as pre and post spinal surgical management, including spinal fusions. 

As a physiotherapy specialist, Katy’s role is to provide expert assessment and diagnosis and treatment plans to assist physiotherapists, doctors and other health care practitioners with the management of complex injuries and conditions. 

Cat Pollard is NZ registered Physiotherapist Specialist in pain. Cat provides expert knowledge, skills and clinical reasoning for complex clinical cases. She designs individualised therapy programs designed to assist patients to learn to manage pain, improve function and quality of life. She has a special interest in chronic pain and complex regional pain syndrome.

Changes to ACC funding for specialist physiotherapy from 1 November 2026

From 1 November 2026, ACC is changing the way it funds specialist physiotherapy. Under the new ACC contract, funded specialist physiotherapy is for assessment and treatment planning only. The following options are available:

• Initial consultation (fully funded by ACC) - one session for assessment and treatment planning.
• Follow-up session (fully funded by ACC) - one session for reassessment.
• Specialist treatment session - available with a $200 surcharge per 30-minute appointment (partially funded by ACC).

A maximum of two funded sessions (one initial consultation and one follow-up) is available per ACC claim, across all specialist physiotherapy providers in New Zealand. Please note that if you have seen another specialist physiotherapist the surcharge will apply. 

If you would like ACC to consider covering the treatment surcharge, you can contact ACC to request this; each request is assessed case-by-case by your ACC case manager. You may also be able to receive some cover under private health insurance - if you have Southern Cross insurance we can check your policy for you and for all other providers please contact them for pre-approval.