ABOUT CARMEN
Find out more about The Holistic Physiotherapist
My Story
Hello, I’m Carmen!
I appreciate you visiting to learn more about me and my mission. I am a registered Physiotherapist in Cape Town, book devourer, barefoot explorer, and lover of all things art and nature.
In short, I have serviced in private practice since 2010 and have cultivated a special interest in holistic pain management, integrative medicine, and mental health. These interests are fueled by my own health experiences, where I struggled to feel heard by practitioners and became frustrated with the current general complacency.
I completed my undergraduate training and a Masters degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Cape Town in 2008 and 2019, respectively. My community service year was done in Port Elizabeth in 2009. While a challenge, it was a fun year where I learned a tremendous amount about servicing various communities at Livingstone, Dora Nginza, and PE Provincial hospitals. I also completed postgraduate certifications in advanced neuromusculoskeletal conditions and management, along with numerous other courses in dry needling, Pilates, and genetic testing.
My Approach
My approach to client care starts with building an authentic and trusting relationship between myself and my clients. Whilst I often use evidence-based interventions, I acknowledge that the development of pain and/or injury is multi-faceted and therefore I approach it in a multidisciplinary and complementary way. I acknowledge the courage it takes to ask for help and respect the trust in me to be that helper.
QUALIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS
MSc Physiotherapy (UCT), 2019
Research Presentation at World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress, 2017
APPI Pilates Matwork Certification, 2015
Certification in Advanced Neuromusculoskeletal Management & Rehabilitation, 2010
Proprioceptive Taping, 2009
Dry Needling Level 1 & 2 Certification, 2009
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (UCT), 2008
“Once, I ran from difficult feelings. Now, they are my advisors, confidants, friends,
and they all have a home in me, and they all belong and have dignity.
I am sensitive, soft, fragile, my arms wrapped around all my inner children.
And in my sensitivity, power.
In my fragility, an unshakeable Presence.
In the depths of my wounds, in what I had named “darkness”, I found a blazing Light that guides me now in battle.
I became a warrior when I turned towards myself.
And started listening.”
– Jeff Foster, “How I became a Warrior”