WELCOME TO INTEGRATED RHEUMATOLOGY

Integrated Rheumatology is a private practice in Auckland, New Zealand that combines expert medical care with personalised patient education and complementary holistic therapies, to support mind and body wellness.  As a patient, you can expect a personal touch, beginning with a bespoke care plan customized just for you.

ABOUT INTEGRATED RHEUMATOLOGY

With Dr Nikki’s unique dual position as a Rheumatologist and Yoga Medicine® Therapeutic Specialist, we facilitate a truly 360-degree approach to health.

Our services include: 

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs), including infusions of biological medications, such as rituximab

  • Telemedicine (phone or video consultations)

  • Joint or soft tissue injections

  • Lifestyle education to optimize quality of life 

  • Consults for Clarity

  • Mind-Body Medicine to reduce pain or inflammation:

    • Yoga Therapy Programs

    • Meditation & Mindfulness

    • Myofascial Release

    • Breathing exercises

    • Progressive Muscle Relaxation

At Integrated Rheumatology, you will find cutting edge medicine seamlessly blended with holistic healthcare.

Learn more about:

  • Rheumatology is a sub-specialty of Internal Medicine which focuses on the diagnosis and management of arthritis, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, and various musculoskeletal diseases.
    As an experienced rheumatologist with expertise in all areas of rheumatology, we specialise in the following areas:

    · Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    · Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
    · Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) or related spondyloarthropathy
    · Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE or Lupus)
    · Connective Tissue Disease such as Scleroderma, Sjogren’s Disease or Myositis
    · Vasculitis
    · Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
    · Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
    · Osteoarthritis
    · Fibromyalgia

  • It has long been recognised by ancient and indigenous cultures that the mind and emotions have a profound impact on our physical body, in many cases, either triggering or exacerbating physical diseases. In more recent times, the scientific field of Psychoneuroimmunology has shown that Mind-Body techniques such as yoga can help to reduce musculoskeletal pain, boost immunity, and enhance wellbeing in rheumatoid arthritis.

    Yoga research is an exciting, evolving field and has already shown that our breath is connected to the way our nervous system functions, meaning that breathing exercises can alter the way we experience pain, even reducing pain. Mind-body techniques can be helpful adjuncts for rheumatic conditions because they encourage relaxation, improve coping skills, reduce stress and pain, and may reduce the volume of medication needed.

    Mind-Body Techniques available through our service, include:

    • Meditation and mindfulness

    • Progressive muscle relaxation

    • Breathing exercises

    • Physical movement (yoga asana)

    • self Myofascial Release

    If you are interested in accessing Mind-Body Medicine for your health condition, please let your specialist know.

The Referral Process

  • 1.

    Consultations with our service are available on referral from your GP or healthcare provider. A referral letter is needed for appointment booking and for insurance reimbursement. You will be referred to us if they need a specialist opinion for diagnosis, treatment plan, or holistic rheumatology approach.

  • 2.

    The referral will be triaged. This means some referrals will take priority, for example, due to life-threatening symptoms. Most patients are seen within 4-6 weeks. A member of our team will contact you to book your appointment.

  • 3.

    We usually require specialist laboratory tests +/- imaging to be done before your appointment with us. Our team will notify you via email. Getting these tests done before your appointment makes diagnosis and treatment faster.

  • 4.

    At your initial consultation:

    Comprehensive medical and lifestyle history will be taken.
    Medications will be reviewed.
    Physical examination will be conducted; please dress in loose, easy-to-move clothing.
    Examination may be general or joint-specific.

    A treatment plan will be coordinated.
    Support person is welcome to attend.

  • 5.

    Further investigations may be required such as lab tests, x-rays, scans or other specialist opinion.

  • 6.

    If appropriate, Mind-Body Medicine techniques will be made available based on your lifestyle history or interest. Please note: yoga therapy is not covered by medical insurance so will incur a separate charge.

  • 7.

    Timely communication with you and your GP about diagnosis, test results, and treatment suggestions.

  • 8.

    Ongoing follow-up with our service or transfer of care back to your GP may be recommended. Most people with autoimmune rheumatic disease require ongoing follow up. We will arrange that for you.

Not sure or have questions?

Ready to take the first step towards wellness?
Contact us today!