Our TMJ Physiotherapists

Nikki has extensive experience in managing orofacial pain and disorders affecting the head, neck, and shoulders. She established About Faces Physiotherapy in 2004 to address the need for specialised, thorough assessment and treatment in this field. Nikki is currently the only physiotherapist in New Zealand who is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain (ANZAOP).

She serves on the Executive Committee of the Physiotherapy Acupuncture Association of New Zealand (PAANZ) and teaches needling techniques around the head and neck as part of the AUT Postgraduate Western Acupuncture programme. Nikki also instructs weekend Dry Needling courses and is available to present at clinical in-services and professional conferences.

Sasa graduated from AUT in 2006 with a Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy). She began her career working as a physiotherapist and Pilates instructor before joining a spinal rehabilitation clinic, where she spent nearly 10 years specialising in spinal and musculoskeletal conditions, particularly neck and back pain. During this time, she worked closely with orthopaedic surgeons as part of a multidisciplinary team.

In 2009, Sasa completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science focusing on Acupuncture and Women's Health. The following year, she trained at an international acupuncture centre in Nanjing, China. She further enhanced her skills by completing an advanced dry needling course in 2014, focusing on pain management and sports injuries. Sasa has a special interest in treating conditions related to the head, neck, and shoulders.

Sasa is a passionate musculoskeletal physiotherapist who believes in combining manual therapy with tailored exercise programmes to help patients achieve their goals and return to the lifestyles they enjoy.

Sarah is a highly experienced physiotherapist and clinical Pilates clinician with over 25 years of practice in both hospital and private clinic settings across New Zealand and the United Kingdom. She graduated from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 1996 and subsequently trained with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) in London. She is also a certified Polestar Pilates Clinician, internationally recognised for her expertise in rehabilitation and movement therapy.

Her extensive career includes acute hospital roles, private musculoskeletal practice, and international course presentation. As a travelling APPI presenter, Sarah lectured throughout the UK and Ireland and was instrumental in establishing the Pilates department at King Edward VII Orthopaedic Hospital in London, where she served as Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Physiotherapy.

For the past 20 years, Sarah has specialised in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a strong focus on diagnostic accuracy to ensure targeted, effective treatment. Her expertise covers lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine, as well as hip and shoulder injuries.

Sarah combines her passion for cervical spine rehabilitation with the assessment and management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, continuously expanding her expertise through international training. Returning to New Zealand in 2003, Sarah founded Bodyreform and has been its director since 2005.

Emma is a dedicated physiotherapist who holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology (AUT). She has gained valuable experience across a range of physiotherapy settings, including musculoskeletal rehabilitation, spinal cord rehabilitation, and acute paediatrics.

Her passion for musculoskeletal physiotherapy stems from her love of sport, particularly field hockey. As a former competitive player, Emma understands the importance of targeted rehabilitation and takes pride in helping people get back to doing what they enjoy. She is committed to ongoing professional development and actively pursues courses to expand her expertise.

Emma also has a strong interest in Pilates, which she integrates into both her personal practice and patient rehabilitation to support recovery and injury prevention. Additionally, she has developed a keen focus on managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, further enhancing her knowledge through postgraduate international courses.