Physiotherapist at University of Canterbury, Christchurch
Comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for UC students, staff, and the wider community — on campus at the Puaka-James Hight Building Undercroft.
Mon–Fri (see full hours below) · Closed weekends
Physiotherapy services at UC Undercroft
You First Physio UC Undercroft provides physiotherapy and rehabilitation services for University of Canterbury students, staff, and the wider Christchurch community. Located in the Undercroft (lower level) of the Puaka-James Hight Building, we’ve been part of the UC campus for over twenty years — making it easy to access physiotherapy without leaving campus.
Our approach is built on collaboration — we work with you, not on you. Every treatment plan is tailored to your needs, your goals, and your schedule. For students especially, being able to fit appointments around lectures, labs, and training schedules makes recovery more manageable. We welcome patients from all cultural backgrounds and support people are always welcome at appointments.
The UC Undercroft clinic is your go to place for all sports injuries, running-related conditions, and the acute and overuse injuries common in active student and campus populations. We offer ACC-subsidised physiotherapy, private appointments, and online booking seven days a week.
Who we help
We treat people at all stages of activity and study — from acute sports injuries and running problems to postural issues from study, post-surgical rehabilitation, and return-to-sport programmes. Our team has particular interest and knowledge in:
- Sports injury assessment and rehabilitation
- Running-related injuries and biomechanical issues
- Acute injuries (sprains, strains, falls)
- Post-surgical recovery (ACL reconstruction, orthopaedic surgery)
- Concussion and head injury rehabilitation
- Postural pain from study and computer work
- Overuse injuries (tendinopathy, stress reactions)
- Return-to-sport and performance rehabilitation
Our approach
Your first appointment is 45 minutes. Your physiotherapist will assess your injury, explain what’s happening, and work with you on a treatment plan. You don’t need a referral and you don’t need to have seen a doctor first.
Treatment may include hands-on manual therapy, movement retraining, exercise prescription, taping, and education to help you recover well and stay active. We focus on getting you back to the activities that matter to you — whether that’s sport, study, or everyday movement.
We have a sports-focused team of physiotherapists at UC Undercroft, experienced in working with active student and campus populations and the unique demands of balancing study, sport, and recovery.
ACC and the cost of treatment
If your injury was caused by an accident — including a sports injury, a fall, or any other accidental event — ACC may cover a portion of your physiotherapy costs. You’ll pay a surcharge per appointment, and ACC covers the rest. Many students don’t realise ACC covers common sports and activity injuries — if you’re not sure whether your injury qualifies, ask us when you book or at your first appointment.
If your injury is not covered by ACC, standard physiotherapy fees apply.
Two campus locations
You First Physio operates two clinics at the University of Canterbury — here at UC Undercroft, and at the UC Recreation Centre. If your rehabilitation requires access to gym equipment or a different setting, your physiotherapist can discuss whether the Recreation Centre clinic might suit you better.
Physiotherapy services at UC Undercroft
Sports Physiotherapy
Learn MoreBiomechanical Assessments
Learn MoreACL Rehabilitation
Learn MoreConcussion Rehabilitation
Learn MoreVocational Rehabilitation
Learn More
Discounted Student Pricing
We offer physiotherapy appointments at discounted rates for UC students.
Staff are charged our usual charges listed elsewhere.
Meet the UC Undercroft team
Our UC Undercroft physiotherapists are sports-focused and experienced in the kinds of injuries common in an active student and campus community — including running injuries, sports trauma, postural issues from study, and return-to-sport rehabilitation.
What our patients say
Can't recommend enough!
Great physio, the one at UC is my local, can't recommend enough.
Brody James
Excellent experience!
Excellent experience! Andrew is a legend. I had a knee pain from football from a long time so i was doing therapy here for few months. Now I'm back on the field and with no pain at all! Would definitely recommend them.
Kenzi Gonsalves
Visiting our UC Undercroft clinic
Puaka-James Hight Building Undercroft, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041
Get DirectionsWe are located in the Undercroft (lower level) of the main library which is in the Puaka-James Hight Building on the University of Canterbury campus. There are multiple entries to the building and any of them will find us on the ground level. We are beside the University Pharmacy with a highly visible sign-written glass frontage.
- Wheelchair friendly
- Accessible toilets
We welcome support people at all appointments. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please call us before your visit.
We are on the ground floor of Undercroft so access is wheelchair friendly. Accessible toilets are available nearby at Undercroft.
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments (including payWave and phone/watch payments). We do not accept cash payments. If you have Southern Cross health insurance that covers physio, we can bill them directly.
UC Undercroft one of five You First Physio clinics across Christchurch. See our other locations at
RiccartonAvonheadLonghurstUC Rec Centre