MEL POTGIETER
Areas of Expertise:
- Manual therapy for lower back pain, pelvis dysfunction
- Acute sports injuries
- Post surgeries rehabilitation
- Post mastectomy and abdominal /cosmetic surgeries
- Clinical Pilates
Tell us about your background in Physiotherapy.
I graduated as a physiotherapist in South Africa in 1995. I served in the South African Defence Force, 1996-2000, working at the Military Hospital. I worked mostly with amputees, lower leg orthopeadics, ICU and hand rehabilitation. In 2000 we moved to Hong Kong where I have been working in private practice in Central and Discovery Bay and have owned my own practice since 2006. We have just recently moved from South Lantau to Pok Fu Lam, so am excited to join up with the Sports and Spinal team . In Hong Kong, I was introduced to clinical pilates and this changed my whole approach to physio treatments. I am a hands on manual therapist, but use Clinical Pilates, dry needling and Maitland Mobilisation to complement my treatments. In private practice in Hong Kong, I have worked with pelvic dysfunction, back and neck problems and pre- and post-pregnancy related problems and all kids of sports related injuries.. I have been the team physiotherapist for the Hong Kong National Netball team since 2003.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I still play and umpire netball for a club, as well as coach youth netball and rugby. I have been the team physiotherapist for the Hong Kong National Netball team since 2003. I have three teenage girls that all play rubgy and netball and keep me on my toes. I am actively involved in looking after the welfare of the waterbuffalo on South Lantau.
Tell us about a life-changing experience or adventure you’ve been on.
When people think of physio, they usually have the image of a sports physio, travelling the world with a sport team. This concept changed for me when I got to work with the amputee patients in the Military Hospital. Physiotherapy made such a difference in the lives of the patients. I no longer work with amputees, but still get a kick out of making a difference, even if it is not so life changing.
What is your area of expertise?
Pelvic dysfunction, back pain, getting the core going after pregnancy, post mastectomy and abdominal /cosmetic surgeries, lymph drainage for cancer. Acute sports injuries and post surgeries
How do you find working as a physiotherapist in Hong Kong?
I love working in private practice in Hong Kong as I have met so many different people from so many varied cultures. The great thing about having one on one sessions with clients is that you really get to know all sorts of things about their cultures and themselves. This keeps work interesting as all the patients are so different and the conversations are never the same. People in Hong Kong also seem to love playing sports and keeping fit. It is a great environment to work in as they are often very motivated to get better.
What is the most fulfilling part of this job?
There is a saying…. If Doctors save lives, then a physiotherapist makes it worth living. I like to get to know my patients and share a laugh or a smile and hopefully make a difference in their lives with my treatments.
