Dr Judikje Scheffer
Dr Judikje Scheffer is a specialist Sport and Exercise Physician in Christchurch at Pinnacle Sports Physicians, providing expert diagnosis and management of sports injuries, musculoskeletal problems, exercise-related conditions, and return-to-activity planning for people of all ages.
About Dr Judikje Scheffer
Originally from Amsterdam, Dr Scheffer worked in emergency medicine and general practice before moving to New Zealand and developing a passion for sport and exercise medicine. She is a Fellow of both the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
High-performance experience
Judikje has extensive experience in elite sport, including nearly five years providing medical oversight to programmes at Rowing New Zealand in Karapiro, with additional roles across cycling, para-cycling, triathlon, canoe racing, swimming, hockey, basketball, and rugby.
Clinical style
Consultations focus on clear diagnosis, practical management plans, coordinated rehabilitation, and realistic return-to-activity pathways. Care is not just for athletes. It is equally valuable for active adults, older people aiming to maintain independence, and anyone wanting expert guidance on exercise, strength, conditioning, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
Dr Scheffer also provides telehealth consultations for patients who have no easy access to sports physicians in their region.
What I can help with
Specialist input for acute injuries, persistent musculoskeletal problems, and exercise-related concerns across all age groups — from competitive athletes to people wanting to keep moving well later in life.
Acute and persistent injuries
- Acute musculoskeletal injury assessment
- Persistent or recurrent joint, tendon, bone, or muscle pain
- Load-related pain and training setbacks
- Return-to-activity, return-to-sport, and return-to-work planning
Exercise, conditioning, and athlete health
- Endurance athlete medicine
- Exercise prescription and conditioning advice
- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)
- Bone stress injuries, stress reactions, and female athlete health
Staying active across the lifespan
- Support for older adults wanting to maintain strength, mobility, and confidence
- Guidance for safe progression back into exercise after setbacks
- Clinical input for rehabilitation progression and long-term activity planning
ME/CFS Diagnostic and Early Management Clinic
Dr Judikje Scheffer provides specialist diagnostic assessment and an initial management plan for people with suspected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The clinic is intended for patients who have not yet received a confirmed diagnosis or appropriate early guidance.
Due to high demand, priority is given to patients under 20 years of age, those who have been unwell for less than approximately six months, and those with significant diagnostic uncertainty. Patients with established ME/CFS are generally best supported through ongoing GP-led care, patient organisations, and evidence-based educational resources.
Consultations take place via Telehealth. Patients must have an ongoing relationship with a New Zealand GP, who remains responsible for ongoing general medical care and most repeat prescribing.