After graduating with a BSc in Physiotherapy from the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2016, I was honoured to receive the UCT Physiotherapy Research Project Prize for my group thesis. Our research was later published in the South African Journal in 2018 under the title 'The effects of warm water immersion on blood pressure, heart rate and heart rate variability in people with chronic fatigue syndrome'. 

 

My community service at Tygerberg Academic Hospital in 2017 exposed me to diverse physiotherapy fields, from arthroplasty to neurosurgery, providing invaluable learning opportunities.

 

From 2018 to February 2023, I worked as an outpatient physiotherapist at Alphen House in Constantia. During this time, I encountered a wide range of conditions as well as teaching weekly Pilates and aqua therapy.

 

In 2023, I completed a Rehabilitation Pain Fellowship at Groote Schuur’s Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine under Professor Romy Parker. I continue to lead the Pain Education Empowerment Programme (PEEP) and volunteer at the Chronic Pain Management Unit. 

 

My passion for continuous learning led me to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Pain Management at the University of Cape Town with distinction in 2023.

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March 2023 marked the establishment of my own private physiotherapy practice. 

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Outside of work, horse riding is my beloved passion, and I find solace in nature. As an animal enthusiast, I take joy in caring for my five wonderful dogs. 

 

Registrations and Memberships

Michaela is a registered physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), the South African Society of Physiotherapy (SASP) and PainSA. She is a member of the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) - Aquatic Physiotherapy Group, Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy Group, and Pain Management Physiotherapy Group.​

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Courses Attended

Michaela has participated in a diverse range of courses, workshops, and seminars, and she is continually seeking out new opportunities to expand her knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest global scientific developments. This ensures that her practice remains current and her approach is grounded in the most recent evidence.