Karori Podiatry Centre is the sports and general podiatry practice of John Sloane, based at The Village Health Centre on Karori Road in Karori, Wellington. The clinic combines hands-on everyday foot care with a technology-led sports medicine approach, treating everyone from general walkers through to elite athletes.
John graduated from CIT in 1987 and went on to practise at Guy's Hospital in London — including time in its diabetic clinic — and at a private sports clinic, before returning to New Zealand. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine from Otago University and Level 1 biomechanical accreditation, is completing a Masters in Sports Medicine, and is a provider to the New Zealand Academy of Sport.
On the sports side, a digital motional analysis system, electromyographic muscle evaluation and a treadmill are used to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries from the back down, with a focus on muscle balance, core stability and technique changes. General podiatry covers nails, corns, general foot pain and difficult foot care using sterilised instruments and modern techniques, with home visits available if necessary. Please note there is a charge for private podiatry services regardless of age — ring 04 920 4562 to book.
Karori Podiatry Centre is the podiatry practice of John Sloane, offering sports and general podiatry from The Village Health Centre at 146 Karori Road in Karori, Wellington. It is a clinic with a dual personality: on one side, meticulous everyday foot care; on the other, a technology-led sports medicine service trusted at national elite level.
John graduated from CIT in 1987, and his career since has spanned hospital wards, sports clinics and two countries. He practised in London at Guy's Hospital — including experience in its diabetic clinic — and at a private sports clinic before returning to New Zealand. Back home he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Medicine at the University of Otago, achieved Level 1 biomechanical accreditation, and is now completing a Masters in Sports Medicine while working towards a higher biomechanical accreditation. He is also a provider to the New Zealand Academy of Sport.
What distinguishes the sports side of the practice is how injuries are diagnosed. Rather than treating only where it hurts, John uses a digital motional analysis system, electromyographic muscle evaluation equipment and a treadmill to study how the lower body actually moves and works. "To fully utilise my sports medicine and biomechanical ability, I use a digital motional analysis system and electronic muscle evaluation equipment to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries from the back down," he explains.
That phrase — from the back down — defines the clinic's scope. The lower back, hip, knee, ankle and foot form a linked chain, and a problem in one link often shows up as pain in another. By assessing muscle balance, core stability and technique, the process aims to uncover why an injury developed, with treatment built around technique changes as much as hands-on care. Crucially, it is not reserved for elites: the same assessment suits general walkers just as well as competitive athletes.
Conditions treated range across sports and everyday complaints alike: injuries of the lower back, hip, knee, ankle and foot, plus problems such as blisters and athlete's foot. That breadth means the clinic can follow a patient's whole journey — from diagnosing a training injury with the analysis system, through rehabilitation focused on muscle balance and core stability, back to routine care that keeps everything working smoothly.
The general podiatry side of the clinic is just as considered. Routine treatments cover nails, corns, general foot pain and difficult foot care — the sorts of problems that gradually erode comfort and independence if left alone. Instruments are sterilised and modern techniques are used throughout, and John's time in the diabetic clinic at Guy's Hospital adds valuable perspective for patients whose feet need particular care. For anyone who finds travelling to an appointment difficult, home visits can be arranged if necessary.
Appointments are made by ringing 04 920 4562. Podiatry is provided as a private service, so there is a charge regardless of age — worth knowing before you book. If your visit concerns a sports or biomechanical issue, it is worth mentioning that when you call; if it is a general foot problem, routine care will cover it. And if getting to The Village Health Centre is a challenge, ask about a home visit when you ring.
Whether you are an athlete chasing a comeback, a walker with a niggle that will not settle, or simply someone who needs skilled help with foot care, Karori Podiatry Centre pairs genuine specialist experience with the convenience of a local Karori location.