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<\/p>\nIf physiotherapy could be written into someone\u2019s DNA, Marilize Stander would be the walking, talking proof.<\/p>\n
From a young age, Marilize Stander was already in the thick of it \u2026 literally. When she started having chest physiotherapy at four years old, she was introduced to the fascinating world of healing through movement by a wonderful physio named Lida Godjin. And just like that, her path was set.<\/p>\n
With zero doubts in her mind (because when you know, you know), she pursued her degree in physiotherapy, hustling both in the public and private sectors before opening her very own practice, Marilize Stander Physiotherapists, in 2018 in the small Northern Cape town of Kathu.<\/p>\n
\u2018It was an amazing personal milestone as a solo practitioner when I opened my 100th patient file \u2026 I lost count after that,\u2019 she laughs.<\/p>\n
Fast forward, and you\u2019ll find her running her practice in Helderkruin, helping the community with everything from back and neck pain to sinus conditions, sports injuries, and post-op rehab. As well as some fancy-sounding treatments like dry needling, electrotherapy, and strapping. And she even does home visits for the elderly (because sometimes, getting out of bed is the biggest hurdle of all) and treatment of injuries on duty.<\/p>\n
\u2018The way that everything in our bodies is connected truly fascinates me. The body is designed in such a beautiful intricate way that we, as beings, can never fully understand it. My life mission is to be an instrument to help people cope better with their disease or injury by learning as much as I can about the human body.\u2019<\/p>\n
Speaking of movement\u2026 Marilize admits the biggest health issue at the moment is inactivity related to sedentary lifestyles. \u2018Many people today have desk jobs, where they sit in front of the computer or laptop for many hours a day, leading to inactivity, obesity and painful necks and backs. Not to mention postural problems.\u2019<\/p>\n
She recommends getting up every 90 minutes. To stretch. Walk around. And sneak in as many steps as possible.<\/p>\n
\u2018I find it very fulfilling when a patient comes into the practice with painful joints or muscles and afterwards is able to move better and knows how to manage the pain in his or her daily activities. It gives me such a wonderful sense of purpose to be able to help someone.\u2019<\/p>\n
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And, Marilize practices what she preaches \u2026 mostly. \u2018I have a love-hate relationship with running,\u2019 she admits. With that said, taking quick runs or walks with her husband Christian and their two Jack Russells, Ulrich and Jinx (Kat the cat, naturally, stays home), is her go-to stress reliever. It\u2019s all about the fresh air, the movement and an added bonus \u2026 the endorphins.<\/p>\n
\u2018I will always recommend patients to choose a physical activity that they enjoy doing, and will be able to do, even on the days they are not feeling their best and try to do that activity a few times per week. Walking for example is a fantastic and free exercise that you can enjoy with your family, pets and friends and will not only help to improve cardiovascular fitness, but also to release emotional tension and stress.\u2019<\/p>\n
In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions she wants to bust is the idea that pain always equals something seriously wrong. She explains that pain is your body\u2019s warning system, not necessarily a sign of severe disease or the need for surgery. In her practice, she doesn\u2019t just focus on treating pain but on improving mobility \u2026 because a little movement can go a long way.<\/p>\n
The best part? Physiotherapists are first-line practitioners, meaning that you do not need a referral letter from a doctor unless your medical aid specifically requires it.<\/p>\n
Although Marilize claims to have seen it all, she admits her husband just always seems to invent new muscles to injure somehow. And sometimes an innovative problem requires an innovative solution, right? Which is why she revealed her secret weapon and top DIY therapy tool \u2026 a rolling pin. \u2018It works very well to massage your calves,\u2019 she laughs. \u2018Plus, if you\u2019re feeling lazy, you can always rope in a family member. They\u2019ll have loads of fun too!\u2019<\/p>\n
When she\u2019s not helping people get back on their feet (literally) Marilize loves soaking up the great outdoors. Hiking, swimming, gardening, and playing with her dogs make her the happiest. She\u2019s also a bit of a musician, having played piano and violin since school, and still sneaks in a practice sesh or two when she can.<\/p>\n
Her happy place \u2026 anywhere with the ocean, sunshine, and new places to explore. And it\u2019s just so much better when her husband and biggest supporter is by her side. Together, they love spending time at home, firing up the braai, and enjoying life\u2019s simple pleasures.<\/p>\n
Her ultimate goal, to never stop learning about the human body and how best to heal it.
\nWith hands that heal, a heart full of passion, and a rolling pin in her arsenal, Marilize is living proof that movement truly is medicine!<\/p>\n
Details: mstanderphysio.co.za<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If physiotherapy could be written into someone\u2019s DNA, Marilize Stander would be the walking, talking proof. From a young age, Marilize Stander was already in the thick of it \u2026 literally. When she started having chest physiotherapy at four years old, she was introduced to the fascinating world of healing through movement by a wonderful […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":21703,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,20],"tags":[5871,5770,5676,5500,4145,145,616,1656,8115,8116,8113,8114,7355,6569,669],"class_list":{"0":"post-21702","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-personalities","9":"tag-activity","10":"tag-alanicka-lotriet","11":"tag-body","12":"tag-excercise","13":"tag-fit","14":"tag-get-it-joburg-west-magazine","15":"tag-health","16":"tag-healthy","17":"tag-helderkruin","18":"tag-injury","19":"tag-marilize-stander","20":"tag-physiotherapist","21":"tag-practice","22":"tag-walk","23":"tag-wellness"},"yoast_head":"\n