Greshne van Wyk (Physiotherapist)
Greshne is a SASMA accredited sport physiotherapist who graduated with a BSc Physiotherapy Degree at the University of the Western Cape in 2006, affiliated with the South Africa Society of Physiotherapy (SASP), HPCSA (Health Professional Council of South Africa) and Exercise is Medicine (EIM).
Greshne is currently the physiotherapist for Boland Rugby (Pty) Ltd & SA Men hockey team that will be competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Meet Greshne
Meet Greshne, our esteemed physiotherapist, a true expert in her field with a passion for sports and a dedication to promoting health and well-being.
In her own words, "I am very passionate about physiotherapy and is deeply committed to delivering high-quality patient care. I strive to achieve superior patient outcomes holistically by applying ethical principles in evidence-based practice". Greshne holds an impressive array of qualifications and affiliations, making her a well-respected professional in the physiotherapy community.
"I also enjoy working with schools in my role as head physiotherapist at La Rochelle Girls’ High School in Paarl".
National teams
- Current: Physiotherapist for the SA Men hockey team that will be competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
- IPC Athletics World Championships, Team Physiotherapist (2011)
- Paralympic Games, SA Team Physiotherapist (2012)
- All African Games, SA Team Physiotherapist (2015)
- Commonwealth Games, SA Team Physiotherapist (2022)
- Southern Stings Netball, Head Physiotherapist (2023)
- Youth Commonwealth Games, SA Team Physiotherapist (2023)
- African Cup of Nations, SA Men’s Hockey, Head Physiotherapist (2023)
- African Cup of Nations, SA Women’s Hockey, Head Physiotherapist (2009)Stellenbosch University Sport Performance Institute (SUSPI), (2008-2012)
Extra courses
- Sport Physiotherapy 1 (SPT1)
- World Rugby Immediate Care in Rugby (Levels 1 & 3)
- Kinesiology Taping Module 1-2
- Taping Workshop: Mulligan & McConnell Techniques
- Dry Needling Module 1-2
- Muscle activation Level 1-2
- Myopathic Activation Procedure: Sporting Pelvis
- Vestibular Rehabilitation (used in post-concussion management)
- Low Back/ Hip / SIJ Management
- Ankle and Foot Injury & Management
- Shockwave Therapy Workshop
- Huber Machine Training
- Concussion Management for Doctors & Health Care Professionals
- Exercise is Medicine, in Pregnancy
- Exercise is Medicine, in Pre-participation screening.
- Others: Anti-doping Education and Learning (ADEL), Safeguarding Awareness, Designating Safeguarding Officer
Work Experience
- Physiotherapist and Physiotherapy Divisional Head at Stellenbosch University, Campus Health Services (2012- 2022)
- Stellenbosch University USSA & Varsity Sports Athletics, Head Physiotherapist (2018 & 2022)
- Stellenbosch University Netball USSA & Varsity Sports, Head Physiotherapist (2018 – 2023)
- Stellenbosch University Varsity Cup Rugby, Head physiotherapist (2009-2012)
- Stellenbosch University Young Guns Cup Rugby, Head Physiotherapist (2022)
- Stellenbosch University Cricket USSA, Head Physiotherapist (2021 & 2023)
- Stellenbosch University Hockey USSA & Varsity Sports, Head Physiotherapist (2009 & 2018)
What to expect?
The physiotherapist will conduct a detailed subjective and physical assessment of your condition.
This will be followed by diagnostic hypotheses to explain the structured systematic, safe and goal-oriented assessment process with outcomes. We use appropriate strategies to motivate the patient to take responsibility for achieving defined goals- educate the patient in self-evaluation.We monitor patient progress that is specific, measurable, achievable and relevant within a specified time frame, - undertake discharge planning in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team in a patient-centred manner
This will be followed by diagnostic hypotheses to explain the structured systematic, safe and goal-oriented assessment process with outcomes. We use appropriate strategies to motivate the patient to take responsibility for achieving defined goals- educate the patient in self-evaluation.We monitor patient progress that is specific, measurable, achievable and relevant within a specified time frame, - undertake discharge planning in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team in a patient-centred manner
What conditions can be treated?
- Sports injuries.
- Back and neck pain
- Rehabilitation following surgery or fractures
- Ligament and muscle tears and strains
- Tendon problems.
- Arthritis and other joint conditions.
- Work-related joint and spine pain
- Vestibular dysfunction rehabilitation.
- Post-concussion symptoms management
- Post-operative joint care
- ACL rehabilitation
- Tennis elbow
- Runner's knee
- "Growing" pains
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
Types of treatments
- Manual therapy: including joint mobilisations or manipulations and soft tissue techniques.
- Exercise rehabilitation: to strengthen, mobilise, and stretch specific areas.
- Shockwave therapy: to assist in the rehabilitation of tendon problems.
- Laser therapy for acute soft tissue injuries
- Acupuncture/needling: this can be helpful in relieving pain and relaxing muscles.
- Sports event care
- On-field assessment
- Sports injury management
- Return-to-play protocols
- Sports concussion: SCAT5
- Integrated care with doctors, physios and biokinetics
Excellence in sport
- We accommodate any limitations imposed by the patient’s health status- prioritize important assessment findings - engage with the patient to explain assessment findings, discuss intervention strategies referring to the interdisciplinary team and develop an acceptable plan.
- We set realistic short- and long-term goals with the patient- select appropriate interventions on best evidence practice and available resources.
- Teamwork among different sports specialists and trainers
- Latest protocols according to international sports standards.