Chiropractor Dr Sindi Ludik-Opperman chats about how she helps patients create a happier and healthier lifestyle, one vertebra at a time.
Sindi-Ludik-Opperman practically grew up in the world of bones, muscles and joints … because she’s always been active and, let’s be honest, prone to sports injuries. So regular visits to chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics were just part of her routine. And it was pretty much a given that she’d end up in the medical field.
“I’ve always been fascinated with the human body and I’ve also had a strong desire to help others for as long as I can remember. Whether it was an injured friend at school, a team mate on the sports ground or a relative at home.”
For the past 14 years, she’s been knee-deep in the world of chiropractic care, where the treating of aches, pains, creaks and strains take centre stage. And it was only a matter of time until she opened her own chiropractic clinic – the ORTHOlifestyle Centre.
They are currently four chiropractors, a sports massage therapist, biokineticist and homeopath strong! Oh, and their trusty skeleton model, Adam! The centre also offers oxygen therapy, ice bath therapy, infrared sauna, compression therapy, taping and IV drips.
Even though Sindi’s got a knack for treating babies and tots, they also help kids, adults, athletes, even animals. Like she always says, “If you’ve got a spine, we’ve got your back!”
While most of us just see our bodies as, well, bodies, Sindi looks at them like they’re the most incredible structures made up of all kinds of cells, tissues and organs. And each of these parts has its own thing it’s good at doing. But what really blows her mind is how all these parts work together every day to keep us alive, kicking and feeling good.
“A challenge a lot of patients face today is the excessive time spent at their desks. Poor ergonomics and postural positions are the leading cause for headaches, neck and back pain. We find it imperative to educate people to ensure they have a proper ergonomic set up and that they get up from their desks on a regular basis.
“Your body sends out signals when something is wrong. A big mistake people make is to drink medication to numb these signs and symptoms or to think the problem will simply go away. The sooner the cause of a problem is identified and treated the better the prognosis.”
When Sindi isn’t busy treating spines, you’ll find her spending time with her daughter, 8-year-old Milan and animal chiropractor hubby, Michiel. Add in some close fam and friends around the dinner table, and you’ll totally make her day!
In fact, her home is her sanctuary – she just loves painting, interior decorating and listening to music. “But cooking”, she laughingly admits, “is not my strong suit. My favourite thing to make is a reservation!”
Sindi’s also a bit OCD – or as she puts it, CDO (because it should be alphabetical). She finds her zen in cleaning, organising her closet by colour, and labelling absolutely everything with her trusty label maker. And, there’s nothing a good exercise sesh, and perhaps a cup of coffee, or 10!, can’t fix.
In spite of this, she believes that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously. In fact, she regards her funny bone as one of her best features, adding that “laughter is indeed the best medicine”.
What’s next for Dr Sindi? Well, she’s excited to announce that ORTHOlifestyle recently launched their own product line. Which will only add to an already amazing healing experience at the clinic.
One thing’s for sure, this friendly doctor with a zest for life is passionate about many things, but to help you live a healthier life clearly tops her list.
Details: ortholifestyle.co.za or visit ORTHOlifestyle on Facebook and Insta.
Sindi’s fave smoothie for muscle and joint health
You’ll need: ½ Cup plain non-fat Greek yoghurt; 1 cup almond milk; 1 banana; 1 cup strawberries; 1 Tbsp chia seeds; ½ tsp vanilla extract
To make: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour… and enjoy! You can also add a scoop of collagen powder and 1 Tbsp flaxseed oil and/or probiotic
Sindi’s top chiropractic tips
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity frequently contributes to soft tissue damage and osteoarthritis – a progressive ‘wear-and-tear’ disease of the joints. The impact of obesity is especially felt in weight bearing joints such as the hip and knee joints.
• Follow a healthy diet. Include foods containing Calcium (for increased bone density), Magnesium (for muscle spasm and pain) and Omega-3 (to reduce inflammation and pain)
• Take a joint formula or collagen supplement and Vitamin D. A joint formula containing chondroitin and glucosamine provides support for normal and healthy joint function. Collagen is rich in amino acids for healthy joint cartilage. Vitamin D reduces inflammation, modulate processes such as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.
• Exercise therapy should be a combination of cardiovascular exercise, resistance and weight training. Cardiovascular exercise improves metabolism and weight loss, reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep, increases stamina and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Resistance and weight training improves muscle strength and bone density
• Stretch. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, strong, and healthy and we need that flexibility to maintain range of motion in the joints
• Drink enough water. Water is a component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and cushions the joints and cartilage. It also helps cartilage keep its sponginess.
• Ensure your mattress and pillow offer enough support. I recommend that patients sleep on their sides. A good pillow and mattress support the body by keeping your shoulders, hips, knees and spine aligned. This reduces strain on the body and allows you to relax and rest comfortably.
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. • Photographer: HILDA MANS. • Make-up: HEIDIE FOURIE. • Hair: JANINE LATEGAN.
