Rachael Boyce – Director/Clinical Manager

Rachael is the Principal Physio and Director of Active Health South Canterbury.  Originally from Pleasant Point, Rachael has been owner of Active Health since 2001, after coming back from working overseas in the UK and Germany.

Rachael is passionate about how physiotherapy can help people, and as such has completed numerous post graduate courses and studies including Diploma in Sports Medicine, Certificate in Occupational Health, Hand therapy Course through AUT, Mckenzie courses A-D, Mulligan Spinal and Peripheral courses, Acupuncture, Mat Pilates and Pelvic Health, to name some.

Her main passions at work are helping complex cases, whether it be an injury or a return to work issue; training physiotherapists to pass on her knowledge; and keeping a fun environment for staff and clients! Outside of work, Rachael loves doing her own strength training at the gym and pilates, getting away to the mountains or lakes and hanging out with her beloved family and dogs!

Claire Thorby – Clinical Manager/Senior Physiotherapist

Claire has been working in Vocational Rehabilitation since early 2023, assisting people back to work by doing worksite visits, drawing up return to work plans and liaising with employers, GPs and specialists and ACC on patients behalf. Claire is often out and about and can also be found doing manual handling training at workplaces or doing workplace walk throughs advising businesses on best employee management of injuries or health issues.

In her spare time she enjoy’s baking and rowing.

Zohaib Khalid –  Senior Physiotherapist

Zohaib Khalid has done 5 years degree in Doctor of Physical therapy and also Master degree in Neuromuscular Physical therapy, bringing over 5 years of clinical experience to the practice and has now been in NZ since the start of 2024 as a senior at our clinic. Zohaib has been specialized in providing evidence based treatment plans tailored to each patients unique needs. In his spare time you will find him exploring the beautiful sceneries of New Zealand, at the gym, hiking or playing Cricket.

Muhammad Junaid – Senior Physiotherapist

My name is Muhammad Junaid, and I hold a Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy from Khyber Medical University, Pakistan. With over six years of experience in physiotherapy, I began my career in Pakistan, where I spent three years, including serving as a sports physiotherapist for a Futsal club. I then advanced my career in the United Arab Emirates, working for two years as a senior physiotherapist at a tertiary care hospital. In late 2024 I married and have now brought my lovely wife out from Pakistan to join me. My expertise spans dry needling, K-taping, manual therapy, and the rehabilitation of both outpatient and inpatient injuries. Since the start of 2024, I have been part of the team at Active Health, further honing my skills in delivering comprehensive patient care.

Anam Mahmood- Physiotherapist

Anam Rana is currently pursuing her PhD in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. She has garnered extensive experience in the field, having worked as Physiotherapist in various hospitals, universities, private practice and community rehabilitation programs. She is a passionate and determined physiotherapist dedicated to helping people improve their physical health and quality of life. Her mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential by providing personalized care and tailored rehabilitation plans. She loves seeing the transformation that comes from a combination of hard work, motivation, and effective treatment. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or striving for peak performance, she is here to support you every step of the way. Her moto is:  Let’s work together to achieve your goals and get you feeling your best!

Ayesha Abbasi- Physiotherapist

I’m Ayesha Abbasi, a dedicated physiotherapist specialized in sports and pediatric physical therapy. I completed my 5-year degree of Doctor of Physiotherapy from Foundation University Islamabad, Pakistan and have over two years of hands-on experience working in hospitals and clinics in both Abu Dhabi and Pakistan. I specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions, improving mobility, and providing rehabilitation, for all age groups. With a positive attitude and genuine care, I strive to create a supportive environment that fosters healing and recovery. I’m excited to have joined the team at Active Health in January 2025, where I continue to dedicate myself to enhancing the health and well-being of my patients.

 Feili Zeng – Acupuncturist

 Feili studied for 8 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Acupuncture and Moxibustion she then gained a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2017 in China. She has worked in hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China for many years before moving to New Zealand and starting work at Active Health in Timaru as an acupuncturist in 2023. She is a registered ACNZ member and CMCNZ member, and ACC Provider specializing in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Scraping (GUASHA), TUINA (Traditional Chinese Massage) and Chinese Herbs. She can use TCM theory with Acupuncture and other Chinese techniques to help to manage pain, improve women health problems, boost energy, relieve digestive issues and promote sleep. Feili will use a combination of Chinese medicine methods like: acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, tuina and Chinese herbs to treat the cause of the problems in a way with works with the whole body. During the treatment, the imbalances and uncomfortable are corrected, the body heals itself. In her spare time Feili enjoys traveling, cooking and table tennis.

Casey Belworthy – Operations Manager

Casey joined the team in 2019 as a Junior Receptionist and has since worked her way up to Operations Manager where she liaises with our Third parties and keeps an eye on the general every day running of the clinic. In her free time Casey likes spending time with Friends and Family and keeping fit by going for runs or you can catch her playing Hockey for Cambridge on the weekends.”

Thaila Higson – Receptionist

Thaila has recently joined our team and is the receptionist at the front desk. Thaila comes from a customer based background, so is always up for a good chat. Outside of work hours, Thaila likes spending time with her friends and family and reading a good book.