Carli Richter

I have been with CHC since 2020, with previous positions at Dunedin Hospital, other private practice, as a Clinical Tutor for physiotherapy students, and my own rural physiotherapy and Pilates practice in Little River, Canterbury. Hands-on treatment (manual therapy), education and functional rehabilitation and exercise has been the mainstay of my practice. Further training in Pilates, acute low back pain, dry needling, myofascial release, scoliosis management, postpartum health and the BradCliff Breathing Method has broadened my skill base. I also completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy in 2021.

As a mum of three and committed to staying active through all stages of life, I understand the importance of regaining our health and function after injury, surgery or illness as quickly and fully as possible. I see most people as “athletes of life” where moving and breathing efficiently and without pain is at least as important as in the competitive athlete. However, with a return to competitive volleyball in my later years I am also passionate to keep older athletes in their game!

Originally from Canada, I was involved in competitive sport of all kinds from a young age… ball sports, ice hockey, swimming… and played varsity volleyball at UVIC for 5 years. I had originally planned to study physiotherapy at UBC in Vancouver but after travelling NZ and visiting Dunedin, where I felt at home with the lifestyle — living and playing close to nature — I ended up here at Otago. During my studies I met my now husband on a mountain bike trip to Naseby and completed my BPhty in 1999.

I currently teach a community Pilates class, coach high school volleyball, and love tramping, mountain biking, trail running, gardening (growing food especially), making sourdough bread and hanging out with my family and pets at home.