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OPTIMA
RUSTENVREDE
PHYSIO-
THERAPISTS
The Physiotherapy Department was established by Marissa Fourie in 2021 and physiotherapy has been an integral part of the in-patient group programmes since then.
MORE ABOUT PHYSIOTHERAPY
AT OPTIMA
"90% of the stimulation and nutrition to the brain is generated by the movement of the spine." - Dr. Roger Sperry
GROUP SESSIONS​
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Daily physiotherapy group sessions are offered to all our patients. The aim of the sessions is firstly to get you moving, thereby releasing the myriad of benefits linked to physical activity. Equally important, we also wish to expose our patients to a variety of safe and easy exercise alternatives, with the end goal of empowering you to sustainably adapt a more active lifestyle. You will never be expected to do more than you feel capable of doing, and will have a safe environment and knowledgeable therapist to guide you all the way.
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Although we follow a generalised guideline in presenting our sessions, the content of the program is adapted according to the specific needs and dynamic of the group. Sessions that may be offered include:
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Body awareness and mindful movement;
Yoga and/or Pilates-based sessions;
Cardiovascular activities;
Walking activities;
Breathing pattern training;
General education and facilitation regarding physical activity as lifestyle adaptation;
Play-based activities for our younger patients (children need about double the amount of physical activity per day compared to grown-ups!)
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS​
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TENSION AND DISCOMFORT
Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions are often accompanied by physical discomfort in the form of tension and stiffness, in the neck, shoulder, spine and other areas. Physiotherapy can assist with relieve of tension and discomfort by means of mobilising joints/vertebrae, release of soft tissue tension, nerve mobilisation, deep breathing techniques, and retraining of movement patterns.
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CHRONIC PAIN
Mental health conditions and chronic pain often go hand in hand. Per definition, pain is considered chronic if it has been present for longer than three months (which is the normal time needed for tissue healing). Chronic pain is more complex to treat than shorter-term pain, and requires a completely different approach by both patient and therapist.
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We are privileged to be a part of a multidisciplinary team, and offer collaborative management for long-term pain between the psychiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists. The physiotherapist will guide you to understand and manage the drivers of your pain, by means of education, hands-on treatment where applicable, rehabilitation, reintegration into everyday function, lifestyle adaptation, and management of possible flare-ups.
