fbpx

Total Health Physio & Podiatry: Community, Care, Coronation St

by | Jun 29, 2021 | Silverstream News

Located in Silverstream’s retail village, Total Health Physio & Podiatry provide a comprehensive physiotherapy and podiatry service that caters for all. We had the pleasure of chatting with owner, Teresa, to delve into what makes this Total Healthy Physio & Podiatry a cherished part of the Silverstream community.

 

When did you start Total Health Physio & Podiatry and why?

I first met the developers of Silverstream over three years ago when they were in the process of developing the health hub. I had done something similar over in the Rolleston area and it was through that connection that we got into developing the medical centre, the physio clinic and the other different entities which are here. It was an opportunity I didn’t expect, but I’ve really enjoyed coming to the Silverstream area. The clinic is much smaller than a clinic I’ve had in the past and I’ve quite enjoyed that change. We have some local physios working here and we have been here since July 2018.

It’s really nice having people aligned because it’s a really good experience for our clients as well. My son works with us as a podiatrist, so it’s kind of nice having it in the family as well. 

 

What makes Silverstream special?

It’s a lovely wee community, the stream is great, and just the fact that everyone works so well together. You can wander into the pharmacy or the GP practice if you need to know something, and it’s just a great community. I think in this day and age, community is really important.

I sort of say that it’s like Coronation Street – everyone trots past and waves in the window and it’s really nice. And it’s not just the medical community, it’s also the people in the community that we’ve gotten to know really well. It’s been a privilege to be part of it.

 

What made you choose to open in Silverstream?

I think it was the opportunity and the fact that there was a health hub. I like the concept of having all the medical professionals working together. Also, the long-term growth with The Sterling retirement village and the intergenerational aspect of that. Silverstream is just a nice place to be and it’s also a little bit smaller and quieter than I’ve had in the past, which I really enjoy.

 

What is your favourite part about working in Silverstream?

It’s so relaxed and I always come back to the community focus. I like the family and I like working with other health professionals. Also, the fact that I’ve got a great team of physios and podiatrists working with me and being able to provide services for the local area. It’s also nice getting up and walking down the stream if you have time during lunch as well, it’s a good chill factor.

 

Are you excited about the future of Silverstream and why?

Yes, which is again because of the growth factors. It will be really nice once the intergenerational retirement village is on the ground. Just for the difference with the concept of having different generations being able to work together as opposed to having just a retirement village.

I just really enjoy the opportunity to have my son on board along with the two physios we have. And even though I live on the south side of Christchurch, it’s only a 25-minute trip for me on the motorway so it’s really quick and I don’t have to go into town. It’s great!

Check out their reviews!

After care of a sholder surgery and nerve trapping. Teresa did a fantastic job in helping me back to work. Highly recommend to anyone who is in the need of a total package of phyiso and recovery program. AAAAA+++++

Robin

Facebook Review

Best Hedging Options
  • Griselinia varieties especially Griselinia Canterbury (extremely hardy, fast-growing, perfect for shelter)
  • Pittosporum varieties especially Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ (attractive, dark green foliage and a reliable hedge option)
  • Teucrium fruiticans – Silver Germander (excellent for low hedging, providing silvery foliage all year round with pale blue bee-attracting flowers)
  • Lonicera nitida – Box Honeysuckle (rapid growth rate, makes excellent hedging)
  • Corokia Geenty’s Green (yellow flowers in Spring followed by red berries in Autumn)
Native Options
  • Coprosma (many varieties, attracts native birds)
  • Carex (numerous varieties for all conditions from dry to wetland—excellent for mass planting, bulletproof)
  • Marble Leaf (good for underplanting)
  • Poa cita/Silver Tussock (ideal for revegetation)
  • Manuka (attracts bees)
  • Kanuka (hardy native option)
Reliable Colour Shrubs
  • Nandina/Heavenly Bamboo varieties (attractive year-round foliage):
    • Gulf Stream
    • Lemon Lime
    • Firepower
  • Lavender (attracts bees, thrives in dry conditions)
  • Camellia (good winter/early spring flowering)
  • Escallonia (can be grown as either shrub or hedge)
  • Hebe Wiri Mist (popular, reliable, and low maintenance)
  • Hebe Red Edge (a robust plant with lilac-coloured flowers which gradually fade to white)
Trees That Work
  • Paper Bark Maple (hardy variety)
  • Norway Maple (reliable performer)
  • Prunus /Flowering Cherries (beautiful seasonal display)
  • Malus/Ornamental Apple (excellent for gardens)
  • Weeping Pear (sturdy branches handle local conditions)
  • Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ (smaller variety, good for gardens)
“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach.”

Plan Smart, Plant Smarter

Careful planning is the key, says Paul Saunders, Nursery Manager at Sublime.

“Soil preparation is a foundation that’s particularly important in new developments where topsoil may have been scraped away during construction, leaving less-than-ideal growing conditions behind,” he says.

“Then, rather than rushing to fill every corner with plants, I suggest taking an observational approach.”

There’s often the temptation to rush in and quickly plant everything straight away, says Paul, but the key is to take your time.

“Start with your hedging and shelter first,” he says. “This foundational step will create beneficial microclimates throughout your garden and an initial shelter belt that not only protects against Canterbury’s winds but also helps manage frost patterns across your section”.

Indeed, careful attention to sun exposure and positioning should help you decide which plants should go where.

“Just like when an architect considers which way a property faces when designing a house, Canterbury gardeners need to take the same approach,” says Jo.

“Plants on your north face need to be the ones that don’t mind full-on sun, which can be quite harsh, especially along with those easterly winds. Good fencing can help in that respect.”

“Think of your garden as a blank canvas—just with some unique factors you have to take into account to get the best result.”

Simply put, success comes from working with the unique Canterbury environment rather than against it. By choosing locally adapted plants and taking the time to understand your property’s specific conditions, you can create a garden that not only survives but thrives through our region’s dramatic seasonal changes.

© Lime Developments Ltd 2025