Rachael Kingstone
I provide life enhancing care to those who are experiencing challenges from a health diagnosis or co
04/09/2024
I have commenced Maternity leave in anticipation of our precious baby’s arrival. Your health is important so here are the cover options whilst I am away:
St Johns & Botany studios have Lorna who is an experienced Oncology Physio & Lymphoedema therapist who will support current & new clients. There are also numerous in person Pilates classes available.
Alternatively check out my bio for the link to online exercise classes that are tailored to different levels & offer alternative options throughout the classes.
Life Coaching – if you require this & can’t locate a suitable alternative yourself then feel free to get in touch & I will endeavour to get back to you with a suitable option for you (albeit on maternity leave response timeframes).
Thank you for the kind messages, supportive advice & making my job one that I am fortunate to return to in the future.
Rachael x
04/09/2024
I have commenced Maternity leave in anticipation of our precious baby’s arrival.
Your health is important so here are the cover options whilst I am away:
St Johns & Botany studios have Lorna who is an experienced Oncology Physio & Lymphoedema therapist who will support current & new clients. There are also numerous in person Pilates classes available.
Alternatively check out my bio for the link to online exercise classes that are tailored to different levels & offer alternative options throughout the classes.
Life Coaching – if you require this & can’t locate a suitable alternative yourself then feel free to get in touch & I will endeavour to get back to you with a suitable option for you (albeit on maternity leave response timeframes).
Thank you for the kind messages, supportive advice & making my job one that I am fortunate to return to in the future.
Rachael x
14/08/2024
For those who are considering reconstruction post breast cancer treatments - check this out:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
is holding a Breast reconstruction education evening
Wednesday 16th October
Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre 6pm - 830pm.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get in touch with for details and to register
07/08/2024
Congratulations to the recent graduates of cancer rehab exercise classes at the botany & St John’s studios.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
16 lovely participants worked hard through 6 or 10 weeks of exercise classes 🙌🎉👏
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These were my final classes before maternity leave & it was special to lead these fabulous groups who had lots of chat, were incredibly supportive of each other & everyone courageously showed up to make progress over the weeks.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It takes courage to deal with cancer & its various treatments & it takes commitment to turn up to exercise sessions. We know that exercise can be incredibly beneficial to optimise during / following cancer treatments however actually finding the right type of exercise & doing it can be a challenge.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you or family want to attend funded cancer rehab classes in 2024 you’ll need to get in touch with as I’ll be on maternity leave.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
28/07/2024
I work with scars most days and one thing that can be really useful if you have a chest, trunk or abdominal scar is to use deep relaxed breathing as a form of scar therapy. By using breath scars can be gently loosened & “massaged” from the inside & therefore enhance any external scar therapy you are undertaking. So here is your reminder to breathe 🧘🏻
*remember this also applies to C-section scars
03/07/2024
Another group has started their cancer rehab classes botany studio
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Funding thanks to fundraising efforts locally & nationally for
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
02/07/2024
Due to clients cancelling (gosh winter sicknesses are continuing) I now have some appointments botany studio Thursday & Friday morning this week.
Get in touch with the clinic for bookings 😀
01/07/2024
has been undertaking an epic fundraiser for (cancer rehabilitation)
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds - if this sounds like something you’d like to join in then PLEASE JOIN OUR TEAM!!! - follow the links through my bio.
You can also donate directly to the cause through the bio link too 🥰🙏
We also have other fundraising efforts through raffles & sale of shower bombs & pilates props for sale at the botany clinic (other clinics have their own offerings)
💕🎉👏🙌
We believe 'No one should miss out’ on cancer rehab. By contributing to this fundraising drive you will make a huge difference to future recipients who are recovering or living with cancer and need the assessment and support from a PINC & STEEL trained physio and exercise classes.
cancer.rehab
19/06/2024
Congratulations to the recent graduates of cancer rehab exercise classes botany studio
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
8 lovely participants worked hard through 10 weeks of exercise classes 🙌🎉👏
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It takes courage to deal with cancer & its various treatments & it takes commitment to turn up to exercise sessions. We know that exercise can be incredibly beneficial to optimise during / following cancer treatments however actually finding the right type of exercise & doing it can be a challenge
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Well done to this group for showing up & making it fun!! 👍
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I already have another class at the St John’s studio underway & a full class at botany starting in July.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you or family want to attend funded cancer rehab classes in 2024 you’ll need to get in touch with as I’ll be on maternity leave.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
04/06/2024
I think it’s time to share some very special news
I am having a baby girl in September 💕
This pregnancy is something my husband & I don’t take for granted. And we are excitedly awaiting the safe arrival of a much loved baby.
So I am going on maternity leave in September.
In the meantime you’ll find me botany & St John’s studios.
Lorna who is a highly skilled & experienced physio will provide cover for cancer rehab whilst I’m on leave.
There are some adjustable plans in place for my return however in an effort to prioritise my health (potentially sanity) & the health of my baby I will see how parenting goes before I commit to the plans (but I’ll let you know closer to my return).
❤️Rachael
30/05/2024
Shower bomb fundraiser 👏👍❤️ for (cancer rehab)
Awesome fragrances:
Lavender
Coconut & lime 🍋🟩
French pear 🍐
Breathe
Strawberry 🍓
All from the amazing Nz company 💕💕
Come have a smell botany branch
- Cash sales - $5 each.
30/05/2024
I know it’s not July but… in preparation…. has been busy to set up an epic fundraiser for (cancer rehabilitation) and we have started early.
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds - if this sounds like something you’d like to join in then PLEASE JOIN OUR TEAM!!! - follow the links through my bio.
As you can see by the photo there are lots of other ways to participate too - products & raffles 💕🎉👏🙌
We believe 'No one should miss out’ on cancer rehab. By contributing to this fundraising drive you will make a huge difference to future recipients who are recovering or living with cancer and need the assessment and support from a PINC & STEEL trained physio and exercise classes.
22/05/2024
Spending time in a body of water can be hugely helpful for lymphatic flow (sea, river, pool, lake but not spa due to the heat). 🐳💦There are so many body changes that occur as a result of cancer treatments & sometimes this includes lymphoedema or risk of lymphoedema. If you are in this category spending time regularly moving in a body of water can be incredibly beneficial.
*just make sure all surgical sites / post radiation clearance prior to doing so*
Also for some people it may mean their usual swimwear gets thrown out and new swimwear is needed before getting into the water. But try not to let this hold you back as there are soooo many amazing companies that make different products such as more covered options to help reduce sun exposure post radiation, one cup bra or flat chest options & flattering options if your body shape has changed. Do a Google for ideas & if in Auckland check out 🏖️
If you need support with lymphoedema, returning to exercise or other cancer related side effects do get in touch - let’s make a plan together 👏
cancer.rehab
11/05/2024
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds - I am raising funds for (cancer rehabilitation). My workplace is of course getting behind this too.
We believe 'No one should miss out’ on cancer rehab. By contributing to this fundraising drive you will make a huge difference to future recipients who are recovering or living with cancer and need the assessment and support from a PINC & STEEL trained physio and exercise classes.
PLEASE JOIN OUR TEAM!!! - follow the links through my bio.
If you aren't interested in going 'dry':
- you are more than welcome to choose a different 'challenge'
- Get involved to spread the word - be a cheerleader!
- Donate to others
If you can't manage to go dry for all of July you can get creative; you can choose a different start-end date, you can have 'cheat days' through a 'golden ticket' process.
has heaps of other plans for the coming months so keep an eye out & get involved!
11/05/2024
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges you to go alcohol-free and raise funds - I am raising funds for (cancer rehabilitation). My workplace is of course getting behind this too. We believe 'No one should miss out’ on cancer rehab. By contributing to this fundraising drive you will make a huge difference to future recipients who are recovering or living with cancer and need the assessment and support from a PINC & STEEL trained physio and exercise classes.
PLEASE JOIN OUR TEAM!!! - follow the links through my bio.
If you aren't interested in going 'dry':
- you are more than welcome to choose a different 'challenge'
- Get involved to spread the word - be a cheerleader!
- Donate to others
If you can't manage to go dry for all of July you can get creative; you can choose a different start-end date, you can have 'cheat days' through a 'golden ticket' process.
has heaps of other plans for the coming months so keep an eye out & get involved!
09/05/2024
I work to cultivate an environment in exercise classes where each participant is given permission to take a rest if required or to exercise at a more challenging level if they wish to. When recovering from cancer treatments energy and fatigue can be a tricky balancing act.
Sometimes it can be difficult to slow down, to rest, to say no, to decide to stop temporarily….
On the flip side it can also be difficult to challenge yourself & test your limits in order to help to progress given how depleted you can feel at times.
In classes each participant works to their own level on that particular day - they have permission to do what is best for them in a supportive fun environment 🙌
cancer.rehab
30/04/2024
In summary: Come & see me whenever you have something you are concerned about or want to work on or need to monitor. Though feel free to pop in or message me to say hi 👋 & tell me what you’ve been up to since I last saw you 🌟🌟
cancer.rehab
23/04/2024
We have recently started another round of cancer rehab classes - thanks to for funding. There are more classes Botany & St John studios starting later this year - come join in!! 😀
- fitness benefits 🌈
- gain strength🔥
- find some flexibility ⚡️
- have laughs with a social supportive group 🙌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get in touch for more details if you or a loved one are interested.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
17/04/2024
As an example Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can have lengths of 6 months, radiotherapy say 3 weeks, immunotherapy e.g. 6 months, hormone therapies for years - time stacks up, side effects stack up too.
A clients normal fitness regime isn’t always achievable during treatment phases of cancer. Instead with cancer physio we figure out a movement strategy during lengthy treatments to maintain fitness or prevent de-conditioning. I may change clients to include more resistance exercise to help reduce muscle mass loss & prevent against bone density reductions.
After main treatments are finished clients are often unable to go straight back to their hobbies - e.g golf, boating, swimming, running etc. instead we work together, create a fitness plan which will help to gradually return to meaningful hobbies. This takes time, courage & perseverance. It also often requires patience & a careful balance of energy output & energy input (nutrition, sleep, rest).
With lengthy treatments come long lists of side effects that can have a lengthy recovery period which needs careful & skilled therapy.
Cancer rehab is an essential part of a quality cancer treatment regime. Make sure you or your loved one gets access to this vital therapy.
cancer.rehab
14/04/2024
Yes it’s another one of those “awareness weeks” Why bother with knowing about or participating in cancer rehab awareness week?
Because you like me will know someone with or recovering from cancer treatments (or you will know someone in the future so remember this for a later date).
Because you may already be undergoing cancer treatments & wondering 🤔 what next?
Cancer rehab is the what next - it’s the helpful practical info you can provide to loved ones - “did you know you can access fabulous one on one Physiotherapy to help you with the side effects you are facing?”
It’s the gentle prompting “did you know there are
group Physiotherapy led exercise classes that are fully funded?”
Knowledge is powerful - so spread the knowledge you now have about cancer rehab 🙌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
30/03/2024
Happy Easter!
Big bunnies and little bunnies I hope you have an enjoyable day!
Do swipe to see all the bunnies! 🐰
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
27/03/2024
Congratulations to the most recent groups who have completed their rounds of cancer rehab classes!!! 🙌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There are more classes Botany & St John studios starting later this year - come join in!! 😀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get in touch for more details if you are interested.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
07/03/2024
Post part 2: To try to avoid skin infections these tips can help (relate them to your specific at risk at risk):
- protect your at risk area from cuts, pricks, bites, scrapes - long sleeves / socks / gloves for dish washing etc
- use insect repellent or clothing etc to avoid insect bites where able
- consider your best options for hair removal in at risk area eg bikini, legs or underarms (perhaps you can swap shaving which can cut skin for an alternative or perhaps you can be more careful especially around areas that are numb). Monitor for ingrown hairs as well.
- regularly moisturise your skin with non scented moisturiser (prevents cuts from dry skin)
If you get a skin injury or bite do good basic first aid. If more severe see your doctor / nurse early for a better dressing & care. Sometimes they may consider antibiotics early if it’s particularly at risk of infection.
If you do have an infection you see your doctor team first to get it under control but then see your lymphoedema therapist for support if swelling has developed or worsened or you are concerned.
Get in touch for support 🙌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
06/03/2024
If you have had cancer surgery or radiation that has affected your lymph nodes your medical team may have mentioned you have a risk of developing lymphoedema. Some chemotherapies can also add risk. If you have diagnosed lymphoedema then skin infections can increase the swelling making it more difficult to manage.
Skin infections in the area affected by your surgery or radiation leads to increased inflammatory response of your body to fix the infection. This involves your lymphatic system. As it is likely to have limited / reduced function it may get overloaded and lead to (or worsen existing) swelling called lymphoedema.
The next post has info on how to prevent infections….
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
04/03/2024
Lymphoedema Awareness 👋
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Lymphoedema is a condition where the accumulation of excessive amounts of protein-rich fluid in the tissue results in swelling of one or more regions of the body. Another way of explaining is that it is a specific type of swelling.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- cancer treatments including surgery, chemo & radiotherapy can increase risk of lymphoedema development
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- lymphoedema can affect any part of the body but tends to be easier to manage in the trunk and more support required to manage in legs, arms, breast, ge****ls, head & neck.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Importantly if you are at risk of developing lymphoedema you can get monitoring, if you develop it you can get treatment, support & education to help manage it.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Get in touch for support 🙌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
15/02/2024
Appointments available with me botany clinic next week
Get in touch with me or the clinic to book
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
14/02/2024
In my role I come across helpful tips & I hope this is helpful for those who have had or are undergoing cancer treatments which leads to hair loss but would prefer not to rock the bald look all the time.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- There is a wig / hairpiece subsidy available from Te Whatu Ora if you want to purchase your own wig or scarf or similar products.
- There is a Wig library available in Glendowie - worth checking out & also looking at their other support services available
- if you have finished with your wig then perhaps the hospice might want to add it to their collection.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Finally remember there is no right way with these types of decisions there is just your way so you do you 😊😊🙌🙌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀cancer.rehab
03/02/2024
Todays world cancer day
Ultimately a day that I find challenging to get my head around - how does one acknowledge this day?
I suppose what I’ve come up with is
- this is a day to acknowledge the tough, rough & brutal aspects of cancer.
- A day to recognise those lost.
- A day to give thanks for new treatments, research & the healthcare professionals that help people.
- A day to remind you to do your health checks!!
- And importantly a day to look for HOPE.
There is so much hope around if you look for it and one example is of .wightman who has just walked the length of Nz raising awareness & funds for & (gyne cancer). If you get a chance to see her at the finish with her hands in the air 🙌 - that’s hope & so much more 💕💕
cancer.rehab