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I have lived in Table View since the age of 2 years old.
I attended Table View Primary School and matriculated from
Milnerton High School in 1986. I graduated from Stellenbosch
with a B.Sc. degree in Physiotherapy in 1990. My first physiotherapy
post was at Groote Schuur Hospital. I then started working
in private practice at Bayside Centre in Table View in 1991.
After 2 years of employment I bought the practice that I was
working in. I still have the same practice, although we have
since moved to Blaauwberg Therapy Centre, which is a multidisciplinary
centre. I work with another physiotherapist, 4 psychologists,
a colonhydotherapist, remedial therapist, social worker, reflexologist
and a masseuse. The Centre was established in 1995.
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In my physiotherapy practice, we treat a broad spectrum of conditions,
including the following: headaches, neck and back conditions (acute
and chronic), sports injuries, sinusitis, chest conditions (e.g.
bronchitis and pneumonia), bursitis, bedsores and other open wounds,
peripheral joint problems like tennis elbow, overuse and repetitive
strain injuries.
We give advice on ergonomics (correct posture and computer work
station set-up) preventative back and neck care. We do dry needling
and McConnel taping techniques. We also do one on one rehabilitation
after back injuries, surgery or sports injuries. We treat both acute
and chronic problems and do maintenance treatment. I have a special
interest in treating neck conditions, especially headaches originating
from the neck. Although we have equipment in the practice, we do
mainly hands-on treatment.
We unfortunately do not have the facilities to do back rehabilitation
classes and do not treat tone problems (like strokes and cerebral
palsy).
We do home visits when required. We charge medical aid rates and
are open 8.00 am- 6.30 pm weekdays and 8.30 am- 12.00 pm on Saturdays.
Physiotherapy treatment now also available at Discovery Health, Heron Crescent , Off Century Boulevard, Century City . Treatment is available on Thursday mornings by appointment only. Please phone 021 557 6066 to book. When booking please mention that you would like to be seen at Century City .
What is the role of physiotherapy in the management of low back pain?
Assessment : A thorough evaluation to pinpoint the cause of the symptoms
Prevention : education of patients regarding back care, good posture, ergonomics
Promoting : healthy lifestyle habits, exercise, stress management, coping skills
Treatment : manual therapy especially in the first 6 weeks of onset of low back pain
Rehabilitation : especially important in chronic cases and to prevent recurrences in acute cases
Appropriate referral to : GP, Specialists, biokinetisist, psychologist, liason psychiatrist
What treatments do we offer patients with Low Back Pain at Blaauwberg Therapy Centre?
Manual therapy: MAITLAND, MULLIGAN & McKENZIE mobilisations, soft tissue massage, manipulation
Ergonomic advice, posture correction – how to position your pillows, how to choose a mattress, how to lift correctly and how to sit correctly at your desk, how to set up your work area
Dry needling / McConnell taping techniques
Rehabilitation - involving strengthening exercises specifically (but not exclusively) to Transversus Abdominus and Lumbar Multifidi muscles, stretching exercises and pause exercises which can be performed at work, Pilates
Electrotherapy ( laser, ultrasound, interferential) and heat
All the physiotherapists at Blaauwberg Therapy Centre concentrate on a combination of hands-on therapy and rehabilitation after a thorough assessment is done to determine the origin of the problem.
We charge the recommended medical aid tariffs.
CHOOSING A GOOD BED
FOR PEOPLE WITH BACK PROBLEMS
With up to a 1/3 of our lives spent in bed, a good base and mattress id very important. It won't cure an existing back problem and is no substitute for medical attention. However, a bed which offers correct support will prevent problems from developing or worsening.
Ask yourself these questions to establish whether or not your (or your child's) bed is providing the correct support.
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Is it more than 8-10 years old;
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Has the mattress gone floppy, uneven or lumpy;
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Can you feel the springs easily;
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Do you and your partner roll together unintentionally;
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Do you wake up stiff, or with back/neck pain?
1. FIRMNESS CHECK
It is not recommended to have a rock hard mattress. Far from easing a back problem, a hard bed could make the condition worse than ever. On the other hand, a bed which is too soft can inhibit ease of movement, and makes the spine sag. It is important to realise that there is no standard of firmness to which the term “orthopaedic” applies. Manufacturers and retailers use it for marketing the extra firm beds in their ranges.
You will therefore need to make your own assessment of support, guided by factors such as build, weight, your preferred sleeping position and age.
Use this simple test to help you assess the correct support:
Lie down on your back and slide your hand, palm down, between the small of your back and the mattress:
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Can you slide your hand through fairly easily, but without there being a large gap? Then the support is about right.
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Is there a gap – too hard!
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Struggle to push your hand through – too soft!
2. HEIGHT CHECK
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Can you get off and on the bed easily?
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Is it a comfortable height for making each morning and changing the bedding?
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Higher beds are easier to get into and out of if you have back problems.
3. SIZE CHECK
4. PRICE CHECK
SHOPPING TIPS
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Do try out your new bed. Lie on each bed you test for as long as you can, in the position you normally sleep in.
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Take your sleeping partner with you.
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Don't automatically assume that a bed described as “orthopaedic” is what you need. If your current bed is old and unsupportive it may be that that all you need is a new bed.
ATTENTION: PREGNANT LADIES
Here are some tips on back care:
What causes back pain in pregnancy:
Back pain can occur at any time after the 1 st trimester, though not everyone will get it. As your baby gets heavier, your centre of gravity changes. You will probably adapt your posture without realising it, leaning backwards as you walk. Hormonal changes relax the ligaments in the lower back and this means less support for the joints. Your abdominal muscles usually help to support the spine and in pregnancy these muscles are stretched and become weakened. Increase in breast size can strain the upper back. Fatigue can also lead to pain. Back pain may be completely unrelated to pregnancy – it can also be caused by poor posture, poor work environments, sitting or standing for too long without moving, bending whilst twisting, and lifting or carrying heavy objects.
How to reduce back pain:
- Try to get in shape before becoming pregnant
- Gentle exercise whilst pregnant will help you stay fit, supple and help you relax
- Give up smoking. If affects the blood supply to your back (as well as your baby) and delays recovery
- Choose shoes with low heels
- Pace yourself and spread out housework during the week
- Avoid picking up and carrying anything heavy at all
- Try not to sit for more than 20 minutes without getting up
- Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees and in front of you to help support your tummy
Dealing with a painful back:
- Use gentle exercise to relax and relieve the pain
- An ice pack can help reduce inflammation
- Take a warm shower to relax
- Have a gentle massage
- Try visit a physiotherapist that can make individual recommendations and possibly prescribe a back support
After the baby arrives:
- Take extra care not to strain your back through picking up and carrying your baby around
- When lifting your baby in and out of a cot, try not to bend over. Instead, bend from the knees and squat next to your baby. Bending your knees, not your back, is the key to lifting any small child
- When breastfeeding your baby – tuck a cushion behind your waist and a pillow on your lap to support your arm. Bring your baby to the breast rather than leaning over to take the breast to the baby
- Avoid carrying your baby on one hip and carry him/her on the front of your body with their legs around your hips.
Back pain is rarely serious, but if you have any of the following symptoms, see your GP straight away.
- If you have a high temperature as well as severe pain
- If you become incontinent
- If both legs feel weak, you feel numb or have pins and needles in both legs or around your back passage, genital area or inside the tops of your thighs.
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