Get to the source of your headache today and start enjoying the more important things in life.

The Headache Clinic

After a mild concussion injury and suffering from Headaches and Migraines, Helen researched potential treatments that looked at the source of the problem. After studying at The Watson Headache Institute in Australia, Helen opened New Zealand’s first headache clinic of its kind, in Invercargill in 2014.

The demand for effective and high-quality treatment for Headache, Migraine and Concussion has led to the rapid expansion of our company. Opening clinics across New Zealand has allowed more patients to access our superior service and improve their quality of life.

Our team come to work everyday relentless in their quest to help their patients' take control of their symptoms. We are passionate and invested in making our patients' lives better, giving them the freedom to spend quality time with their families, socialise with friends and achieve goals that they never thought possible. We stay up to date with the latest research ensuring our patients' treatment plans and the techniques that we use are at the cutting edge. Our goal is to get our patients achieving a significant improvement in their symptoms within a few short weeks.

Meet our team

Helen Tufui

FOUNDER & SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT

Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Speaker at The International Watson Headache Symposium, Milan 2018 and online 2020
Research paper with colleagues from University of South Australia and The Watson Headache Institute - Manual Therapy as a Treatment for Migraine with Aura: A Multi-Site Case Series
Certified Complete Concussion Management Clinician

After sustaining a mild concussion injury, I was plagued with ongoing symptoms. Finding the underlying cause to my own symptoms was life changing. Being able to provide others with this same relief is what sparks my passion for treating headache, migraine and concussion. In 2014, I opened the first Headache clinic of its kind in New Zealand and have worked exclusively in the field of Headache, Migraine and Concussion treatment ever since.

I’ve amassed over 13,000 hours of practical experience in this medical field. Joining with my Australian colleagues, I’ve recently co-authored a research paper on the effectiveness of manual therapy on migraine with aura. My dedication, experience and expert knowledge has been acknowledged by national and international speaking invitations.

My key driver is inspiring my team and enabling my patients to take control of their symptoms rather than their condition controlling them.

  • Bridget Ford

    SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT and DIRECTOR - Christchurch

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy
    Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
    Complete Concussion Management Clinician

    I thrive on improving my patient’s quality of life and helping them achieve their goals. My passion for treating headache, migraine and concussion is fueled by the dramatic impact these conditions have on my patients lives. I love being able to give people back their lives and helping them realise that they can have control of their symptoms instead of feeling like their symptoms control them.

  • Hanlie Kuys

    SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Auckland - Ponsonby and Campbells Bay

    Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy)
    Complete Concussion Management Clinician

    My first memory of having a migraine is around age 6. With all the scans showing no clear cause, I spent decades of my life relying on pain medication, as no treatment would provide lasting relief.

    What a joy it has been to find a treatment that not only works, but works within just a few sessions! A true game-changer in the world of headaches and migraines. It gives me such pleasure to hear how patients are able to reclaim how they want to live, from one session to the next.

    My aim is to educate and empower each patient to manage their own symptoms, so we can all experience the joy that life has to offer.

  • Yulana Stynder

    SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT and DIRECTOR - Hamilton

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy
    Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
    Complete Concussion Management Clinician

    I have seen first-hand the impact of headaches, migraines and concussion in family members and patients lives over many years.

    I have been driven to find the most effective treatment techniques to help patients with their symptoms and absolutely love working in this area.

    I feel grateful to be working in a team that is passionate about changing their patients lives.

  • Yasmin Clynes

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Wellington

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
    Complete Concussion Management Clinician

    Managing patients with headache, concussion and vestibular dysfunction is my true passion. I thrive on seeing my patients live life without the debilitating effects of these conditions. My knowledge and experience enables me to equip my patients with the tools necessary for long-term relief.

  • Kate May

    SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Nelson

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy
    Complete Concussion Management Clinician

    Focusing on the field of Headache and Migraine treatment has been amazing and I’m excited about how advances in research and treatment are integrated into our practise to give you the most up-to-date care.

    In this fast-paced world, it’s often hard to prioritise our Health and Wellbeing. As a result, we trudge on and often lose sight of the fact that with some changes, we could be feeling and functioning so much better! I genuinely love seeing people recognise this and challenge themselves to make positive changes to take control of their Headaches and Migraine.

  • Lauren Shepherd

    SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Wanaka

    BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
    Complete Concussion Management Clinician

    I am passionate about treating concussion, vertigo, dizziness, headaches and migraine and love working exclusively in this area to help patients improve their quality of life and get back doing the things they love!

    From personal, family and many patient experiences in this clinical area, I thrive on making a positive impact on their lives.

  • Lena Bekhuis

    SENIOR HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Invercargill

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy
    Certified Watson Headache Practitioner

    Growing up with family members and close friends that have suffered with headaches and persistent concussion symptoms, I have seen the way these symptoms can weave their way into all aspects of an individual’s life and how this can affect those around them as well. Working exclusively in this field allows me to focus my skills and knowledge, and importantly, to make a meaningful difference to the lives of my patients. The greatest reward is when my patients are in control of their symptoms.

  • Anna Zhai

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Invercargill

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy

    During my years at university, I felt the impact of migraine and headache first hand; writing off a full day became completely normal and reliance on prescriptions and sleep were the only tools I had considered.

    Being able to treat the cause of headaches and migraine and provide long-term relief has been an eye-opening experience.

    It is a true passion of mine to treat and empower my patients with a treatment approach that can render them headache and migraine free.

  • Nic Klever

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Christchurch

    Bachelor of Physiotherapy

    Working in the field of headache, migraine and concussion has been an eye-opening experience. Finding that there is such an effective treatment for headache, concussion and the many different types of migraine without relying on medication has made me feel truly privileged to be able to work in such an exciting field.

    I am passionate about educating people about their symptoms, helping them understand why it is happening, and how they can take control of their symptoms, instead of their symptoms controlling them. It is so rewarding being able to provide results to people who are struggling with these conditions.

  • Colum Mackey

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Christchurch

    BSc Hons Physiotherapy (Ire)
    PG Cert Orth Man Th (Aus)

    I am driven to improve the outcomes and quality of life for people living with headaches, migraines, concussion and their associated symptoms.

    I have seen first-hand the significant impact that these conditions have had on friends, family, athletes and patients.

    My motivation has been to find the most effective treatment techniques to help people regain their quality of life, and to take control of their condition for themselves.

    It is inspiring to work with a like-minded team of clinicians who are dedicated to the same goals.

  • Stephanie Dickins

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Auckland

    Headache, migraine and concussion are heavily prevalent in our day-to-day lives. Whether it is a partner, family member or friend, we all know someone who has or is suffering from them.

    I am very excited to have the privilege of working here at ‘The Headache Clinic’, to make a difference to these people’s lives. I am passionate about helping people and extremely driven to giving my patients the best quality care and education. The impact we have on our patients is inspiring and I am excited to be part of an amazing team.

  • Fiona Fulton

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Wellington

    Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
    PG Diploma (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy)

    I have an extensive history of working with vestibular, headache and concussion patients in various capacities, including working with the Concussion Service in the Wellington region.

    Working with these patients has fueled my passion for assisting and facilitating people’s wellbeing.

    Working at The Headache Clinic has enabled me to exclusively treat vestibular, headache and concussion patients and help my patients get the most out of life.

  • Jonathan Potter

    HEADACHE CONSULTANT - Dunedin
    Bachelor of Physiotherapy

    Throughout my life I have seen people close to me suffer from headache, migraine, and persistent concussion symptoms, and the debilitating effects that these conditions have on their daily lives.

    I am passionate about finding effective solutions to these problems and giving patients the power to manage their own symptoms, allowing them to focus on what really matters to them.

    I feel privileged to be able to help ease the burden of these symptoms for so many people, allowing them to get the quality of life that they deserve.

Business Partnerships

We have collaborated with many businesses, sharing our knowledge and expertise. Here is just a few of them.

Join us

Are you a qualified, passionate physiotherapist? Do you thrive on personal development and want the opportunity to grow within this industry? Does the thought of running your own clinic excite you? Then you could be what we are looking for!

We are always searching for enthusiastic and eager physiotherapists to join our team. We have clinics spread throughout New Zealand with one main goal – helping people get more of what they want out of life. By enabling clients to take control of their headaches and migraines, they can take living life to a whole new level.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, contact us today!