Category: Uncategorized
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By: Nompilo People always ask why I became a physiotherapist. Please allow me to share my life-changing experience that led me to this rewarding career. As a 12-year-old living in a deep rural area, my world was turned upside down when I was bitten by a venomous cobra. The pain was excruciating, and I was…
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By: Alex Unlocking Core Stability for Optimal Performance As a physiotherapist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of anti-rotational exercises on core stability. These exercises have revolutionized the way I approach strength training, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the benefits of anti-rotational exercises, exploring their role in enhancing core…
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A Physiotherapist’s Journey in the Neonatal ICU In the Neonatal ICU (NICU), the resilience of tiny humans truly shines! I call them my little fighters. As a physiotherapist working in this setting, I have the privilege of helping the most vulnerable among us: tiny premature babies. My journey with these tiny babies starts very early…
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By: Bailey Being pregnant usually creates a lot of excitement when you think about all things baby, there are also some moments of fear, fear of this unknown yet beautiful chapter called parenthood. No book, experience, or story I heard before quite prepared me for our baby arriving 3 months early. Meet Elijah, born at…
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By: Nompilo My uncle, 57, has been living with Type 2 diabetes for seven years. His journey has been marked by significant health issues that have greatly impacted his daily life. One of the most noticeable effects is diabetic edema, causing swelling in his feet. This has made mobility difficult, requiring frequent rest and limited…
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By: Tash Ramsumer With any profession, everyone has some sort of idea as to what that person does. In the case of a physiotherapist, people may think we only massage or run on and off a sports field. Some may think we are Hilter post-knee or hip surgery. There is so much more to it…
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By: Bailey 10.06.2022 is a day etched in my memory—the day I met Skyler and her incredible family. Just a few days after her first birthday, my colleague and I were referred by her doctor to the paediatric ward to assess and treat a little girl with delayed milestones. This hospital stay was challenging for…
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By: Tracey A month that highlights all our struggles and how we overcame them. Viva Women! I was asked what it means to be a woman? To be honest I felt this hard to answer and it got me thinking that being a woman is not singular but collective. I represent together with so many other…
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By: Jami Visagie Working as a physiotherapist in a hospital, I encounter patients from all walks of life, each with their unique challenges and stories. One story that has stayed with me deeply is that of Mr. Thomas (alias), a cancer patient with whom I shared a significant bond during his final months. Mr. Thomas…
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By: Danielle Dobson Influenza A, it’s spreading around the upper highway like wildfire now. The hospital is full of it and our team were a few men down because of it. Having experienced it myself I can sympathise with anyone who is sick now. I felt truly awful, and the symptoms can linger for quite…
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By: Tracy Ncama A Physiotherapist’s Perspective in South Africa. As a physiotherapist in South Africa, I have had the privilege of working in both public and private healthcare settings. My journey began in the public sector, where I was exposed to a high volume of patients and a wide range of conditions. However, straight after…
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By: Rose It was 1999, and I started my first period. I was 14 years old. I was given the birds and bees talk by my mum a few months ago (Indian Dads at that time never talked about sex with their kids!), and I was all prepared for the big day. All the girls…
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By: Alex des Tombe Concussion screening is not just limited to evaluating athletes in the moment of a potential injury; it also involves baseline testing, which is crucial for post-concussion rehab and comparison. Baseline testing involves assessing an individual’s pre-injury cognitive and physical functions, such as memory, attention, balance, and reaction time, when they are…
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By: Jami Visagie Since a very young age, I remember only ever wanting to be two things; a medical doctor or a culinary chef. On the one hand, my love for people and a deep curiosity about the human anatomy drove me towards Doctor. A “prestigious title for very smart people working in a hospital” my…
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By: Dani Dobson Christmas Eve we are sitting laughing, eating, and opening gifts. My dad suddenly says his back hurts. This is not uncommon for him, so I gave him a pillow and we carried on. Half an hour later the pain is too much, and he must go lie down. We thought he overdid…
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By: Poppie Human I often get the question of why physiotherapy would be involved in a concussion. Concussions are brain injuries and physiotherapists work with muscles and bones. In recent years, the topic “concussions” has been getting a lot of media attention and the research in the concussion world moves fast. It wasn’t long ago that the…
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By: Tracey Happy New Year to each and everyone reading this. Who am I kidding we all know it’s probably just my husband and my mom but worth a shot right? New year, New you… Welcome to 2024! What is it with humans? We feel the dread of the end of the year, the clock…
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By: Rose Just over a month ago, my colleague and I attended a course on pregnancy and the 4th trimester. It was delightful. Being very informative- much to our surprise, it answered most of the questions I had in mind and then some. Much to my dismay, I found myself thinking about the time I…
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By: Bailey Cancer…. A word flying around too frequently these days. There is not a person on this planet who does not know of someone who has cancer or lost a loved one because of this horrible disease. Well, recently, I have just walked this walk a little too close to home. My mom got…
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By Dani Dobson Migraines are a debilitating type of headache that affects millions of people worldwide. The pain is often so severe making it difficult for individuals to carry out everyday activities. Although medication can help alleviate symptoms, there are also physiotherapy techniques and home exercises that can provide relief for those suffering from migraines. …
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By: Alex Des Tombe Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common among athletes and physically active individuals. These injuries can be caused by a sudden change in direction, a jump or a direct blow to the knee. The ACL is one of the most important ligaments in the knee joint, responsible for preventing excessive movement…
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By: Dylan Van Stavel Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to different types of stimuli. This process is essential to learning and the formation of new memories and can occur at any age. In the context of physiotherapy, understanding the concept of neuroplasticity is crucial for therapists to…
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By: Tashmika Sinus-related issues can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to our daily lives. From throbbing headaches to nasal congestion, the symptoms can significantly impact our ability to function. While many seek relief from medications, it’s essential to consider alternative treatments such as physiotherapy. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effectiveness of physiotherapy in…
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By: Demi Patients always ask me, “Why would you go into this line of work?” Which usually implies some sort of dirty nature! Before I went into pelvic health I was involved in a bladder program at a public hospital I was working at. If I am honest, I didn’t really know what I was doing but at the…
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What is a women’s health physio? How are physios involved in women’s health? These are all questions I asked myself. During university and my community service year women’s health was hardly touched on. The word kegals were mentioned and that was about it. Care before and after birth was not mentioned, menopause was not mentioned,…
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Ever seen someone walking around with a lumbar brace on, and looking rather stiff? There is a slim chance that they have had a back operation called a spinal fusion. This is an operation done to connect two or more vertebrae together. Screws, rods, and plates can be used in a fusion. This operation allows…
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By Bailey Did you know that our physiotherapy services are not restricted to the walls of the hospital or our treatment rooms. It can also be experienced in the comfort of your own home! Yes, you heard right, the beauty of physiotherapy is that it can be done anywhere. Home-based Physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial…
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By: Dylan Have you HEARD that your ear controls your balance and so much more? Your ear does a lot more than just give you the ability to hear. The ear is separated into three sections: the inner, middle, and outer ear. These three components form what we call the vestibular system. The vestibular system…
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By Nathan Graham Many of us set goals in our lives, from striving to reach those distinctions in Matric and later on degrees in university to sticking to a regular fitness routine or further yet to climbing your professional ladder within your job. All of this has one aspect in common…a goal needs to be…
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By: Danielle Dobson Back pain is extremely common for most people. No matter what your job is, no matter how active you are it is likely you will have experienced some sort of back pain in your life. Whether it was severe or mild, long-lasting or for a short period, caused by an injury or…
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By: Beth Cairns Have you or a loved one recently underwent surgery? Did you know that physiotherapy can help you after surgical intervention? No, it doesn’t include a massage, in case you were wondering. Let’s take a closer look how we can be of value in your road to recovery. Physiotherapy can: Improve strength, mobility,…
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By Tashmika Ramsumer. They say that you never forget your first patient as a student…they were right. My first patient with a neurological condition was a complete mystery. I remember feeling nervous as I entered the ward to treat her. The visage of my patient Infront of me, whose symptoms could only be described as…
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By Poppie Human Have you ever heard of the SIJ and thought it is just more medical jargon that you do not understand. Well, the SIJ is short for the Sacro-iliac joint and is more commonly referred to as the dimple’s in your lower back. What exactly is the SIJ? The SIJ is in the…
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By Danielle Dobson What? Physio can treat pelvic floor conditions? Yes, we can! Often pelvic floor issues are seen as something that we don’t talk about in polite company. Conditions associated with the pelvic floor are seen as embarrassing or something we just have to live with and its just not true. Many people suffer…
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By Nathan Graham Imagine this….. Bending down to pick your favourite flower without that pesky lower back pain, running on the rugby field without knee pain, or walking through a crowd without stress and anxiety. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? BA can improve your quality of life by giving you the freedom and joy in getting…
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Physiotherapy is one of many ways to take care of pain in your body. From a sore back to knee pain, Physiotherapy helps your body to gain strength and improve functionality. If you have not experienced a physiotherapy session before, here are a few things to expect during your first treatment. In your first session,…
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By Demi Humphries A mastectomy is a surgery to remove one or both breasts in the hope to remove cancerous cells. Recovery from this can take up 6 weeks. Its by no means an easy procedure and can be an exceptionally difficult road to recovery for most. When someone gets gangrene of the leg and…
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By Nathan Graham Everybody experiences pain, which is a healthy response in the body. Have you ever experienced persistent pain that just seems to not want to go away? Has this pain been around for 3 or more months? Is this pain impacting your impact sleep, work, home life, leisure activities? If you answered “YES!”,…
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By Nathan Graham Well done! You ran a 90km and survived the ultimate human race called the Comrades Marathon! Remember, running a marathon doesn’t end at the finish line, proper recovery is just as important as preparation. Many people who train for a marathon, whether they are experienced competitors or first-time runners, overlook the importance…
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By Poppie Human Snap, Crackle & Pop! The sounds you want to hear from your breakfast cereal…not your knees! “What is with the snap, crackle and pop in my knee?” This is one of the most common questions that I get. It is not unusual for people to hear a cracking or a popping sound in…
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By Bailey Squires In reality, there’s no such thing as being double–jointed. (Wait…..what?). The term implies that you have two joints where there should be one, which isn’t possible. It may be a cool party trick but what people think of as ‘double-jointedness’ is actually a term called ‘hypermobility’. ‘Hypermobility’ means your joints can move beyond the…
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By Bailey Squires Have you ever walked through a hospital ward and heard a hollow, percussive noise echoing down the corridors? If you have, you will know that the physios have descended! Chest physio is often requested by your pediatrician to assist your little one with clearing excess mucus in their airways. The referral for…
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By Poppie Human It is considered a once in a lifetime opportunity when asked to join a sports team for their competition overseas. In this case, it was truly amazing! One of our lucky Physios (Poppie Human) had the amazing opportunity in joining the Toyota Gazoo Racing SA Team (aka. The winning team) at the Dakar…
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By Tracey-Lee Du Plessis So, what does a Physiotherapist actually do? Bet you all think we give a mean massage and wear our torture badge with pride…right? Wrong! OK yes, I admit we do forms of massage, and it can be torturous to the other person receiving it…but we do so much more then a…
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Recently, I was reinspired by the “back to basics” physiotherapy treatment of a hematoma after a patient had an unfair match with a flight of stairs, cut to the end of the story … the stairs won. She sustained a massive hematoma to her right hip area. OUCH! So what is a hematoma? Have you…
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By Nathan Graham As we draw near the end of 2021, spending the last two years battling the worldwide pandemic caused by COVID – 19, it is time to reflect, not on the economic impact or lockdown levels, rather I feel it is time to reflect on those who have been impacted by COVID on…
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By Dominique O’Donnell You’ve read it in the news! You’ve read it in your emails! Now read it in our blog! At CW Physios we take your personal information very seriously! We have always dealt with your personal information with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. We believe in transparency and therefore feel that it is…
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By Tracey-Lee Du Plessis “Sisters are doing it for themselvesStanding on their own two feetAnd ringing on their own bellsSisters are doing it for themselves” This song comes to mind when I reflect on my partnership with Demi. I am filled with an immense amount of pride and all the good feels…viva us! Here we…
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By Poppie Human “And I would walk 500 milesAnd I would walk 500 moreJust to be the man who walks a thousand milesTo fall down at your door” You know this song right? Who doesn’t! So are we doomed to walk forever by slapping the earth with the full brunt of the flippers at the…
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By Nathan Graham Is your back or neck sore that no matter what exercises you do seem to never get better? Maybe the answer lies elsewhere in the body, maybe your back or neck pain is coming from a compensation pattern you didn’t know you had? Instead of fixing your “symptoms” maybe it’s time to…
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By Michelle Keyser Round and perky glutes may be good for the aesthetic look of it, but the truth is that strong, activated glutes help us propel ourselves forward in everyday movements. We have 3 gluteal muscles and they each have a primary function and movement which they engage in. These muscles are: Gluteal…
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By Demi Humphries Cough? Blocked nose? Body aches? Headache? In today’s world one would automatically think…” Do I have COVID!?!” But seasonal colds and flus are still around and with us going into flu season let’s have a look at how physiotherapy can help. Physiotherapists have certain techniques that help loosen and clear the chest…
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By Dayne Goetsch Ever heard of ‘the mind-body connection’? What’s in the body is in the mind and what’s in the mind is in the body. People express themselves in different ways. Posture is one of those ways. Think of a time when you have been feeling very down or depressed. How did you portray…
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By Bailey Squires It’s no longer a ‘friend of a friend’ who has suffered from or succumbed to the devastation of COVID-19. In more recent times the tragedy of COVID-19 has hit closer to home and the effects lasting longer than anyone wished for. WHAT IS LONG COVID? Long COVID, now also known as Chronic…
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Are you ready to dive in, get your swim on? Pull out those board shorts and cozzies because things are about to get wet! Hydrotherapy/Aquatic physiotherapy is physiotherapy in warm water. As opposed to land-based therapy the buoyancy of the water unloads the weight of the body relieving stress on the joints and allowing freedom…
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By Tracey-Lee Du Plessis Did you know that a 1 of 6 people die from cardiovascular disease bought on by a stroke? A stroke occurs when an artery in the brain becomes blocked. When an artery in the brain becomes blocked, it prevents blood supply to that area of the brain. The brain needs oxygen and…