Dr Ian Wallbridge graduated from the University of Auckland Medical School in 1988 and spent three months on his elective in Mexico working as a volunteer with Mercy Ships. He gained postgraduate Diplomas in Paediatrics and Obstetrics (Dip Paeds, Dip Obst) in 1995 from Auckland and then completed a Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (Dip MusM)  in 1997 from Otago University and then gained a Fellowship at the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) in 1998. From 1998-2006 Dr Wallbridge worked in both group and solo General Practitioner practices in Rotorua skewed toward musculoskeletal medicine, children and obstetrics. In 2005 Dr Wallbridge became a Fellow of the Australasian  College of Musculoskeletal Medicine (FAFMM), now  known as the NZ College of Musculoskeletal Medicine.   In 2006 he completed a postgraduate Diploma in Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (Dip Nutr Med & Env Med) from Swinburne. In 2007 Dr Wallbridge moved from General Practice to work in Musculoskeletal Medicine full time. In 2019 he set up PAINDOC Musculoskeletal Pain Clinic.

Musculoskeletal medicine uses an eclectic approach, attempting, if possible, to localize the source of nociception (“pain”), and then treat with a combination of “ pills”, “skills” and “needles” instead of “knives” (surgery) with an emphasis on longevity rather than  exclusive high performance.

 “Pills” can involve the use of standard medication, but also can involve guiding  patients in complimentary medicine, as many patients already use supplements but are not sure of the best way forward. 

“Skills” can involve patient centered postural advice, exercises, trigger point release, stretching, breathing, cognitive processes and understanding of the pain process, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and neuromuscular therapy mobilization. 

“Needles” are higher tech approaches to pain management. Needle procedures may include the protocols of the International Pain and Spine  Intervention Society (IPSIS) using diagnostic medial branch blocks to try and localize the source of nociception (“pain”) in the cervical and lumbar region for chronic somatic cervical and lumbar pain proceeding to  Percutaneous Radiofrequency Neurotomy (PCRFN). For sciatica (radicular pain)  fluoroscopic guided  lumbar transforaminal epidurals can be helpful, sacroiliac joint blocks for chronic sacroiliac somatic pain, and autologous conditioned serum for shoulder/hip/knee osteoarthritis.

When he is not working Dr Wallbridge enjoys spending time with his wife Helen,  three adult sons, daughter in law and grandson  as well as gardening, exercise, windsurfing and tramping.