Anne vd Merwe Physiotherapist

Anne vd Merwe Physiotherapist “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire….” - Anynomous
I have a great passion for people and I believe my treatments reflect that.

Physiotherapy create a great way of interacting with people.

Subject  line: Move or Decline: The Hidden Dangers of "Protecting" Your JointsBuild to moveYou've probably been told to ...
20/01/2026

Subject line: Move or Decline: The Hidden Dangers of "Protecting" Your Joints

Build to move

You've probably been told to "save your joints" by moving less, but this advice is outdated and wrong. Joints need movement to stay healthy. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments rely on activity to stay strong, and cartilage depends on motion to receive nutrients.

Instead of protecting your joints, avoiding activity can lead to stiffness, weakness, and pain. Decades of research show that strengthening, stretching, and controlled movement can reduce pain, improve stability, and preserve joint function.

So, don't let fear of pain hold you back. Movement is the real medicine for your joints. Share this with someone who's been told to "take it easy" and encourage them to get moving.

Reminder from Dr. Howard Luks

Should you exercise when you’re still sore?Feeling sore after a workout is normal. It’s called delayed-onset muscle sore...
13/01/2026

Should you exercise when you’re still sore?

Feeling sore after a workout is normal. It’s called delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and unfortunately there’s no quick fix — time and rest are what really help it go away.

Some people try to “work through” soreness with light exercise, often called active recovery. This can feel helpful if soreness is mild, but it doesn’t work for everyone.

The key is how sore you are and how hard you exercise. Gentle movement is usually fine when soreness is mild. But if you’re very sore, pushing through a hard workout can make things worse, delay recovery, or even lead to injury.

Bottom line:
The more sore you feel, the more cautious you should be. Light movement can be okay, but heavy or intense exercise while very sore is usually not worth the risk.

Ready, Set, Go! 10 Physio-Recommended Tips for a Smooth ReturnReturning to Sport After the Holidays: 10 Essential Tips1....
06/01/2026

Ready, Set, Go! 10 Physio-Recommended Tips for a Smooth Return

Returning to Sport After the Holidays: 10 Essential Tips

1. Start slow (Progressive Overload): Reduce weights, reps, or distance initially, and gradually increase intensity to avoid exhaustion.

2. Prioritize rest: Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep each night, especially after workouts, to help your body recover.

3. Hydrate: Drink at least 2 litres of water daily and consider sports drinks during and after intense exercise.

4. Feed the machine: Focus on a balanced diet with lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and veggies to replenish energy stores.

5. Warm-Up & Cool-Down: Include dynamic warm-ups and static stretches to prepare and aid recovery.

6. Find Accountability: Train with a friend, join a group, or find a partner to stay motivated and consistent.

7. Set Realistic Goals: Aim for small wins to build momentum and celebrate progress.

8. Listen to Your Body: Dial it back if you feel pain or excessive strain, and prioritize consistency over perfection.
9. Most important: Have fun! People are far more likely to stick with a programme of exercise if they actually enjoy doing it.
10. START!

Additionally, consider Cross-Training by mixing in activities like yoga or walking to build supporting muscles and improve flexibility without over-stressing primary sport muscles.

We are closing 23 Decemberat 17:00 & reopening on 5 Jan 2026
10/12/2025

We are closing 23 Decemberat 17:00 & reopening on 5 Jan 2026

Testimonial Tuesdays!!!
09/12/2025

Testimonial Tuesdays!!!

Stay Safe, Stay Happy: Holiday Survival Tips Inside!Holiday Decorating SafetyAvoid fall-related injuries by being mindfu...
09/12/2025

Stay Safe, Stay Happy: Holiday Survival Tips Inside!

Holiday Decorating Safety
Avoid fall-related injuries by being mindful when decorating your house for the Christmas season. Remember, holidays are about shared experiences, so turn decorating into a fun family activity. Before you start, inspect your ladder for any worn or broken parts, and always work with a partner when using a ladder. A useful tip from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is to move the base of the ladder 30cm away from the wall for every 1m of height you climb.

Keep it Intimate
Bigger isn't always better. Consider hosting smaller, more intimate gatherings instead of one large party. This approach can be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Please feel free to contact us at info@annevdmerwe.co.za or on ⁨083 255 2319⁩

Can we claim the treatment you received in December 2025 in January 2026 when your new benefits kicks in?ABSOLUTELY NOT!...
02/12/2025

Can we claim the treatment you received in December 2025 in January 2026 when your new benefits kicks in?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!

This is constituted as fraud and your Physiotherapist can loose his/her license to practice in South Africa.

Report Fraud and Corruption behavior at HPCSA. You may disclose your name or remain anonymous by using the following reporting channels:

Online
Visit the HPCSA online platform: You can submit your complaint through the online portal at https://hpcsaonline.custhelp.com.

Email
Download and complete the form: Get the complaint form from the

HPCSA website.
Send the completed form: Email the completed form to
legalmed@hpcsa.co.za.

Contact us on 083 255 2319 or info@annevdmerwe.co.za.

Jingle Bell Rock, Not Roll: Holiday Safety RemindersThe holiday season is often referred to as the most wonderful time o...
25/11/2025

Jingle Bell Rock, Not Roll: Holiday Safety Reminders

The holiday season is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also a time when emergency departments see a surge in accidents and injuries. The good news is that with some awareness, preparation, and simple safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury and ensure a happy and healthy new year for you and your loved ones.

As a gift to you, we've put together some valuable tips for enjoying the festive season:

1. I’ve had this for months, I should have come sooner
You’d be surprised to know how many people get in touch to arrange a last-minute appointment before jetting off somewhere hot and sunny. If you are carrying an injury and want to go away injury free so you can fully enjoy your holiday, get in touch as soon as possible.

2. Holiday Decorating Safety
Avoid fall-related injuries by being mindful when decorating your house for the Christmas season. Remember, holidays are about shared experiences, so turn decorating into a fun family activity. Before you start, inspect your ladder for any worn or broken parts, and always work with a partner when using a ladder. A useful tip from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is to move the base of the ladder 30cm away from the wall for every 1m of height you climb.

3. Keep it Intimate
Bigger isn't always better. Consider hosting smaller, more intimate gatherings instead of one large party. This approach can be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

4. Avoid Weekend Warrior Injuries
If you're not regularly active, it's essential to ease into physical activities during the holidays. Before engaging in sports like beach cricket, take a few minutes to do some dynamic stretches, such as bum kicks, bodyweight squats and leg swings. This will help reduce the risk of injuries.

5. Managing Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with difficult family members. If you're feeling anxious, take a moment to check in with your senses: notice what you see, smell, hear, taste, and feel. Practice deep, soothing breaths to slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. If you need additional support, consider phoning a Physio.
As we come to the end of another year, we'd like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our customers for their support and trust in us. It's been an absolute privilege to help you achieve your health and wellness goals, and we're honoured to have been a part of your journey.

From our family to yours, thank you again for your loyalty and support. We look forward to helping you stay healthy and active in the years to come.

How to manage an Arthritis Flare-upStep one – DON’T PANICPain doesn’t automatically mean damage. Flare-ups are a natural...
13/11/2025

How to manage an Arthritis Flare-up

Step one – DON’T PANIC
Pain doesn’t automatically mean damage. Flare-ups are a natural part of managing osteoarthritis. They can feel intense, but most settle within days or weeks with the right response.

Step two – Scale Back, Not Shut Down
Temporary modifications are smart. Total rest is not. Keep moving within a tolerable range. Try shorter walks, gentle exercises, or low-load resistance exercises.

Step Three – Manage Swelling
Use light compression or gentle icing to calm irritation. Avoid prolonged immobilization, as it can delay recovery. It's okay to exercise with a swollen knee. Rest or activity modification will not improve the swelling, time will.

Step four – Prioritize Recovery
Restorative sleep, hydration, and an anti-inflammatory diet all play a role. Even light activity, such as stretching, walking or cycling, help maintain healthy joint environment.

Step five – Gradually Reload
Once symptoms start to ease, reintroduce activity as the knee tolerates. Don’t wait for “perfect” to move again. Reloading the knee with controlled strength exercises restores stability and confidence.

Courtesy of Dr. Howard Luks - orthopaedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, with tools, tactics, and techniques for simplifying longevity.

Please feel free to contact us at info@annevdmerwe.co.za or on ⁨083 255 2319⁩

TUESDAY TESTIMONIALS!!!
13/11/2025

TUESDAY TESTIMONIALS!!!

Address

54 Henri Road, Eldoraigne
Pretoria
0057

Opening Hours

Monday 07:00 - 18:00
Tuesday 07:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 07:00 - 18:00
Thursday 07:00 - 18:00
Friday 07:00 - 18:00
Saturday 07:00 - 13:00

Telephone

083 255 2319

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