Physiotherapist - Kaihaumanu korikori
Physiotherapy at Pitau-Allenvale is about removing barriers so that students can be independent and participate in physical activity.
Physiotherapists work with students, whānau / caregivers, class staff and other members of the specialist services team to develop and maintain physical wellbeing. Physiotherapists are trained to evaluate and improve movement and function of the body with particular attention to physical mobility, balance, breathing, posture, fatigue and pain.
Physiotherapy in Pitau-Allenvale can look different for different students based on need and can include:
- Provision of equipment to support mobility, transfers and optimal development of bones and muscles through growth e.g. walking frames, standing frames, hoists etc.
- Supporting and sharing information with teaching teams to develop, implement and monitor effective, meaningful individual and group programmes.
- Individual goal-based programmes to address concerns and develop skills can include programmes for toe walking, stretching or strengthening for muscle or postural changes
- Group based programmes can include morning fitness, riding for the disabled, swimming, gymnastics, yoga etc.
- Participation-based therapy to support a student’s access to physical programmes or managing health conditions.
- Supporting families by liaising with other organisations and disability services including returning to school post-injury or surgery.
Ko wai au? Who am I?
E te tī, e te ta / To those from all directions
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa / Greetings to you all
Ko wai au? / Who am I?
No Ōtautahi ahau / I am from Christchurch
He Kaihaumanu korikori ahau ki te kura o Pītau-Allenvale / I am a physiotherapist at Pītau-Allenvale School
Ko Vanessa Carrington tōku ingoa / My name is Vanessa Carrington
Mauri tū, mauri ora / An active soul is a healthy soul
Nō reira, tātou mā, tēnā koutou katoa / Therefore, to all here, greetings
I started my role as a Physio at Pitau-Allenvale in May 2022. I have worked with children and whānau for over 20 years in New Zealand, and the UK, both in their homes and their education setting. I believe whānau know their children best. It is important to me to value what you share about what is happening for your child now and your aspirations for the future. This way I can support a programme that has meaningful value for home, school and the young person themselves.
It is a real privilege to get to know the students and whānau at Pitau-Allenvale and learning their individual strengths. I feel strongly that my role as a physio can support each student to understand how their bodies work and assist them to experience a sense of achievement through movement and physical exercise. I also enjoy helping students to feel the benefits of calm breathing and how this links to their ability to regulate themselves and their hauora.
I am always keen to talk with whānau to discuss any concerns or opportunities for growth for their tamariki / children.
Vanessa Carrington
Monday to Friday