Our Clinic
About Us
Welcome to Oamaru Physio, a locally owned and operated clinic run by a husband-and-wife team (Mike and Michelle) who are passionate about helping people move well and live well.
As long-time Oamaru locals, we’re proud to provide quality physiotherapy care to our community and visitors alike. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing ongoing pain, or simply wanting to improve your strength and mobility, our goal is to help you get back to doing what you love, safely and confidently.
With years of professional experience, we take a personal approach to every client. We listen carefully, assess thoroughly, and design treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Our approach combines hands-on therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and practical education to support lasting results and long-term wellbeing.
At Oamaru Physio, we believe great care starts with genuine connection. You’ll always be welcomed into a supportive, friendly environment where you’re treated as more than just a patient, you’re part of our community.
Owners and Physiotherapist
Husband and Wife – Mike and Michelle
Our Team
Mike Stewart
Practice Principal
Mike Stewart – Practice Principal
Mike brings over 40 years’ physiotherapy experience to the practice. He has an extensive background working with elite sport, including physio for more than 19 years with the North Otago Rugby Team and 14 years with the Māori All Blacks. His postgraduate study includes manipulative physiotherapy, sports medicine, acupuncture and occupational health. Mike’s areas of expertise include manual therapy, exercise-based rehabilitation and managing complex musculoskeletal pain.
Why he stands out
Whether you’re an athlete chasing a comeback or someone with persistent pain, Mike’s blend of high-level sport rehab experience and everyday clinical insight gives you confidence in the path forward.
Michelle Sintmaartensdyk
Practice Principal
Michelle Sintmaartensdyk – Practice Principal
Michelle has many years’ experience as a physiotherapist and specialises in helping clients with more complex and chronic problems. Her postgraduate credentials include manipulative physiotherapy, sports medicine, acupuncture and pain-management. She also holds a qualification in breathing disorders.
Michelle has a particular interest in persistent pain conditions, helping clients move beyond relief of symptoms to meaningful improvements in function and quality of life.
Why she stands out
If you’ve been dealing with long-standing pain, complex physical issues or want a physiotherapist who will take the time to dig deeper into underlying factors, Michelle’s the one.
Duncan Drew
Physiotherapist
Duncan Drew – Physiotherapist
Duncan graduated in 1998 from the University of Otago with a physiotherapy qualification, after attending Waitaki Boys’ High School. He has a strong sporting background, having provided physiotherapy services to the Otago Volts cricket team for seven years and worked with various Otago age-group teams. Duncan is also credentialled in the McKenzie method (spinal assessment and rehabilitation). His special interest is advanced rehabilitation.
Why he stands out
If you’re coming through sport, returning from injury or want a physio who understands performance demands and structured rehab phases, Duncan brings relevant experience and discipline.
Joel Brosnan
Physiotherapist
Joel Brosnan – Physiotherapist
Joel grew up locally, attending Waitaki Boys’ High School and later completing a degree in Anatomy at the University of Otago (2021). He then followed that with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, graduating with distinction in November 2024, and joined the clinic in January 2025. Joel is passionate about the musculoskeletal field and keen to work with clients who want to move, recover and perform better.
Why he stands out
As a newer member of the team with fresh academic background and local roots, Joel brings enthusiasm, contemporary training and a strong connection to the community.
Niki Newlands
Physiotherapist
Niki Newlands – Physiotherapist
Nicola graduated as a physiotherapist in 1994, and initially worked at the clinic for seven years before moving to community-based rehabilitation, where she focused on chronic pain, concussion management and vocational rehabilitation. She returned to the clinic in early 2015.
Nicola holds post-graduate qualifications in manipulative therapy, sports medicine and occupational physiotherapy. She enjoys treating a wide range of conditions including sports injuries and general muscle and joint issues. She also assesses and treats dizziness and works alongside concussion service providers. She also works with local sports clubs during their seasons. Outside work, Niki is active on the family farm and enjoys the outdoors and golf.
Why she stands out
If you have an acute sports injury or concussion-related dizziness, Niki’s experience and thorough approach can help. Her sports medicine and concussion management skills address both the injury and related symptoms like dizziness.