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Welcome to Hermanus: locals and visitors alike! It's sunny, it's warm, and we're out there being active - long may this summer last!

We hope you're enjoying the spectacle of our beaches, the bracing fresh air, the beautiful mountains, the friendly people, the abundance of world class wineries, many outdoor activities, and the beautiful food! Where else would you want to go? Whatever it is, we welcome you back, one and all:  may you have a wonderful and blessed stay!

And with these hot days, and this beautiful town we live in, we hope you tackle every opportunity to get out there and stay active, before lighting the fire, braaiing that freshly caught lobster, sipping on your favourite Sauvignon Blanc and enjoying nature's bounty with friends and family. 'Tis the season, an-all that jazz, after all!

In practice, our focus remains on helping your body heal itself, doing our darndest to keep you healthy, balanced, grounded and able to give it your all!

We've dipped our cyber-social toes in the collective binary universe - you can follow us on:

• web (www.leoniviljoenphysio.com)
• facebook (Leoni Viljoen Physiotherapy) and
• instagram (@leoni_viljoen_physiotherapy).

It's dope and it's cool ('so not' according to my kids,), but we still prefer to work our magic with our hands and help keep your joints moving and your aches at bay, ensuring you remain grounded, healthy, fit and active! 

(For more news on the practice or courses please look for the appropriate link in the Archive to the left. To contact us please click here)

The Practice

Practice:

The practice is situated on the 1st floor, Block B, Arundel Medical Centre, 20 Arundel Street, Westcliff, Hermanus, Western Cape – directly opposite the Hermanus Mediclinic Hospital.

Philosophy:

The philosophy in practice is to treat the cause of pain rather than pain itself. Through clinical assessment and manual therapy the biomechanical dysfunction is identified and treated rather than merely alleviating the symptoms of pain.

Business hours:

During these extraordinary times the rooms are open Monday – Friday between 08:30 and 16:30. Please phone 028-312-3549 to book an appointment.

Appointments:

Your first appointment will last approximately 45 minutes and will include a full assessment and treatment. Subsequent appointments may vary from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the nature of your condition and the required treatment.

Please advise us 24 hours in advance should you wish to cancel your appointment – a patient on our waiting list will appreciate this courtesy. Should you fail to cancel your appointment, you will be billed for your appointment.

Rates:

This practice charges medical aid rates as determined by the South African Society of Physiotherapy and published on their website. ICD10 codes are also used to support your claim for reimbursement to your medical aid. Please note however that the practice does not submit accounts to any medical aid society and you alone remain responsible for settlement of all your accounts.

We accept all major credit and debit cards – sorry, no Diner’s Club or American Express. Payment can also be made via internet banking.



To contact us, please click here

More about our Team

Leoni Viljoen:
Leoni qualified with a B.Sc (Physiotherapy) from Freestate University in 1997 and has practiced physiotherapy every day since – we're almost sure she’ll get it right one of these days!

She worked in private and hospital practice in South Africa where her work focused around sport and paediatrics. The practice was closely involved with two professional rugby squads. In 2000 she moved to Canada where she practiced physiotherapy in both Ontario and British Columbia. In 2001 she was off to Scotland where, for the next four years, she worked as a Physiotherapist with the Edinburgh University’s Sport Injury Clinic. During this period she was exposed to the newest developments and research in physiotherapy. 

Leoni was the team physio for the Scottish National Men’s Hockey Team from 2002 – 2005 and the Lead Physiotherapist (Hockey) for the East of Scotland Institute for Sport (ESIS) from 2003 – 2005. She was also involved in the initial development of Edinburgh University’s high performance sport programme. 

Her lecturing experience abroad included module lecturing for Sport Medicine and Sport Science students at Edinburgh University as well as module lectures for the ESIS’s ACE programme for developing elite athletes.

Leoni returned to South Africa in 2005 and developed the MAP courses based on the integration of her knowledge, experience, and acquired techniques. She established her private practice in Hermanus where MAP is used extensively in conjunction with other manual therapy techniques. She delivered her first MAP course in 2008.

In 2016 Leoni took a tumble while out mountain biking (and listening to the birds) and suffered a burst fracture of T3 along with various other smaller fractures and cracks between C7 and T11. She  now walks around with various pins and plates which makes for the odd squeak and rattle and some interesting conversations when going through airport security...  Leoni enjoyed the recovery process as she learned even more about the human body and its ability to heal. She's incorporated much of this experience into her treatments and MAP courses.

Leoni currently has one husband and two kung-fu kids... who are growing up waaay too fast! The family lives in the ever-expanding seaside village of Hermanus in the Western Cape where they enjoy their house, the beach, fynbos walks, trail running, and yes - mountain biking!

Elmarie Pretorius

Elmarie grew up in Richards Bay. After school she took a few detours studying music, speech therapy and audiology before finally immersing herself in the wonderful field of physiotherapy. 

Elmarie ventured straight into Neurological Rehabilitation after completing her community service and, for the next 10 years, really loved working in close-knit teams at various acute, sub-acute and long term rehabilitation centers in Gauteng.

After starting a family - and having a few babies - Elmarie realized the need for further study in the field of Woman’s Health. It has been a great journey discovering ways to help woman and mothers who struggle with various (and varying) conditions, from urinary conditions to constipation in children.  

Elmarie comes with extensive experience in physiotherapy and joined the Leoni Viljoen Physiotherapy team at the end of November 2020 and has already integrated her knowledge and bubbly personality to the mix of the team.

When not working, Elmarie spends time with her husband and 3 young kids where they enjoy bodyboarding, hiking, cycling and cooking together. “None of these we are very good at or make enough time for, but we do love it!” she says.

Elmarie also sews and has a children’s clothing line. 

She has been very excited about joining the team - and has contributed so much already - and we are happy to have her on board!

Nicole Els:

Nicole is the newest member of the Leoni Viljoen Physiotherapy team! 

Originally from Brits in the North-West Province, Nicole studied and obtained her BSc Physiotherapy degree from The University of the Free State. From there she was off to Mpumalanga where she completed her community service year, before relocating to Hermanus. Four provinces in almost as many years!

Nicole lives the “being active” ethos so pervasive throughout the practice and enjoys playing hockey, hiking and outdoor activities - which makes Hermanus such an ideal local for this phase of her life and career. As a child she was a gymnast and dancer and knew from an early age that she wanted to become a physiotherapist. Her other great love is the arts and music and she has mastered the skill that is the violin.  

Nicole enjoys all aspects of physiotherapy in both the hospital and private practice set-up, with a particular interest in orthopaedic and sport conditions, as well as working with babies and small children.  

Nicole is a vibrant and dynamic addition to the team and is thrilled to be able to ply her trade so close to the ocean!

NEWS

No news is good news!

We'll keep you posted on any developments as and when they occur

MAP Basics

Myotatic Activation Procedures (MAP) is a process of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Biomechanical Dysfunction and explores the dynamic interaction between muscles, joints and nerves.

The focus of MAP is to restore function. This is achieved by treating the cause of pain, rather than pain itself.

MAP is a systematic method of evaluating and treating dysfunctions of the neuro-musculoskeletal system through the application of specific manual soft tissue techniques. These involve gentle isometric contractions to address and treat biomechanics in order to increase or decrease mobility, relieve pain and restore joint specific stability and normal function.

This allows the body to align and correct itself, resulting in improved spinal mobility and alignment without the need for passive manipulation.

MAP utilises techniques that are effective, precise and easy to apply. The technique provides a 3-in-1 Neuro-musculoskeletal solution in only 25 seconds - and yes, it works!!

MAP is an interactive technique where the patient participates actively and experiences immediate changes in mobility with reduction in pain.

MAP compliments Maitland, Mulligan, McKenzie, and other mobilisation techniques and is appropriate for patients of all ages and any activity level.

MAP courses introduce new principles and will challenge your way of thinking! Come, see and feel the results for yourself.

MAP for Thoracic Spine & Ribs

Myotatic Activation Procedures for the Thoracic Spine & Ribs

What you will get out of this course…

• Learn to identify thoracic dysfunction and restore normal spinal alignment;
• Alleviate stubborn thoracic pain with MAP techniques and improve thoracic mobility significantly;
• Discover the Diaphragm – release it with MAP, and breathe with ease;
• Be a star: identify post-op Rib dysfunctions;
• The missing link in shoulder impingement– the stiff thoracic spine;
• Secret Syndromes: understand and treat Thoracic Outlet- and T4 syndrome; 
• Be the change in the “unchangeable” thoracic spine.

Why would you want to do this course?

Thoracic pain can take your breath away! It is often described as a stabbing pain and known to persist and persevere.

Due to the composition of the thorax, shaped for support and protection, it is often viewed as a structural unit. However, a UK study revealed that 40% of patients admitted to the ER with chest pain actually suffered from musculoskeletal dysfunction. This course will shed light on the thoracic area and assist you in identifying the difference between thoracic and rib dysfunctions and ways in which to correct them, with ease.

Shoulder pathology in certain athletes present due to restriction in thoracic mobility. Repetitive trauma to the chest wall of rugby players can lead to painful, unstable ribs. The assessment of the thoracic spine should therefore be an integral part of the sport therapist’s initial examination – MAP can help with this!

MAP for the Thoracic spine and Ribs also deals with conditions such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and T4 syndrome due to structural changes in the thoracic spine and positional changes of the ribs.

Discover the Diaphragm in its full flair and treat it effectively! Our key to life and survival is in breathing. MAP will help you make a difference in the lives of COPD patients and elite athletes alike.

You will receive your MAP to guide you through 24 facet joints, 24 costo-transvers joints and 14 costo-sternal joints. MAP will simplify it: teach you how to distinguish between them, interpret their relation, identify the dysfunction, and finally treat it effectively.

Isn’t that a huge weight off your back?

  

Comments from course participants: 

• New experience in assessment and treatment. New knowledge in the movements of thoracic spine and ribs. I recommend this course to all physios, especially to the sport and OMT world.
• I will be able to treat an area I never thought of intervening in!!
• Very interesting. I really knew nothing about ribs. Now I’m able to go out and treat patients with thoracic and rib conditions. 
• Amazing!! I didn’t know I could help so many patients with thoracic problems. I usually avoid them. 
• Instant relief of symptoms and so easy to do.
• I was introduced to a whole new world and will use it in practice every day.
• Physiotherapists can make a BIG difference like no other in patients with rib pain. I love the simplicity of it.
• Love immediate results. Presenter is engaging. Opened up a whole new world of ideas. 
• Involves more than just the thoracic - shoulder, cervical and lumbar connections. Would make a big difference to the lives of patients we struggle to treat.

MAP for Lumbar Spine, Pelvis & Sacrum

MAP for Lumbar Spine, Pelvis & Sacrum

Myotatic Activation Procedures for the Lumbar Spine, Pelvis & Sacrum

Why would you want to do this course?

Lower Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most common conditions we as physiotherapists see, although it may still present us with a challenge every day. When the cause of the problem is correctly identified, it can be very responsive to treatment.

MAP provides a fresh approach to the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of LBP. During the course you will discover the roles of the Pelvis and Sacrum in determining the basis for LBP. The course will further provide you with the MAP and necessary tools to identify the specific biomechanical dysfunction of the SIJ, ISJ, Pubis symphysis and L5/S1 and teach you how to treat the specific causes of LBP effectively.

MAP works!! The techniques provide a 3-in-1 Neuro-musculoskeletal solution in only 25 seconds. Come, see and feel the results for yourself. This course will definitely change the way you view and treat LBP.

Course highlights:

• Understand how the Pelvis, Sacrum and Lumbar vertebrae relate, interact and compensate;
• L5 is the weakest link – MAP will show you its strengths;
• Sort out SIJ pain once and for all - discover the Sacrum;
• Come to grips with Piriformis syndrome and Sciatica - make the difference;
• Resolve hip & groin problems - find the hidden Pubic dysfunction;
• Give athletes the edge in their performance by eliminating predisposed factors that can cause injury.

Comments from course participants:

• Wow! Excellent! Very practical. I will apply the techniques tomorrow.
• This is a must for every physio!!! I will look at my patients a lot differently, and also phone a few to use my new tool and correct their problems.
• Brilliantly presented – very insightful.
• New techniques – so simple, yet so effective!!
• Very relevant & practical – and it works! I learned a lot. 
• Very excited to try out new techniques. The manual makes it easy to learn. Thanx!

MAP Course Calendar

2022:  we're looking to take MAP to further shores: plans are developing to visit Ireland (maybe stop to see some friends in Scotland along the way) with talks progressing regarding a visit to Switzerland as well. We're also looking to schedule another visit to our physiotherapy colleagues in Namibia:  it is always an exciting and very interactive course and I have loved every visit there in the past.



Should you require more information on MAP courses, have any questions regarding MAP treatments, or wish to host a MAP course in your area, please email Leoni directly (lvphysio@whalemail.co.za).

Contact us

Leoni Viljoen Physiotherapy
1st Floor,  Block B, Arundel Medical Centre (opposite the Medi-Clinic Hospital)
20 Arundel Street
Westcliff
Hermanus
7200
Western Cape
South Africa
















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Tel:      028 312 3549
Fax:     086 632 5805
Email:   lvphysio@whalemail.co.za

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