Koos Bierman: The Blind Physiotherapist

10/09/2025

No people, I did not forget to post the Feel-Good Friday message last week—I simply didn’t have the opportunity to sit down and write it. A busy week at university, followed by teaching three weekends in a row, is starting to take its toll on these old bones.

On Friday, I was having breakfast in the lounge at the airport when I struck up some very interesting conversations with fellow travelers. It’s amazing how we can connect with strangers in the most random places, and how those brief moments of connection can impact each other’s lives. I truly enjoyed chatting, sharing stories, and exchanging valuable insights.

We often hear that people are disconnected and only care about things that affect them directly, but I can honestly say—that’s not true.

As a person with a disability, I am very aware that the world doesn’t owe me anything, and I don’t expect others to make life easier for me. Yet this past weekend was one humbling experience after another: from someone offering to buy me a cappuccino, to people giving me a ride, helping me set up, or simply being friendly drivers and fellow travelers. Friends even went out of their way to meet up for a meal, a chat, and a catch-up.

All of it reminded me of this simple truth: Life doesn’t owe you anything, but people are good—and kindness costs nothing.

So today, I want to thank each and every person who crossed my path and helped me along the way. Traveling without sight can be scary and stressful, but thanks to the kindness of others, this trip turned into a fun and memorable experience.

Feel-good thought for the day: Share a smile with every person you meet and see how they respond.

29/08/2025

It’s already Friday again! Time is flying, and it seems we are going to skip spring and go straight into summer. The weather is nice, and we are all glad for the summer approaching.

I know that people always get very excited during this part of the year and feel the urge to start getting back into shape. Maybe you just have to contend with winter’s padding, or maybe you haven’t done much physical activity for far longer than just the winter. I see many people in their mid-years suddenly wanting to get fit and active after years of neglecting their physical health.

Trust me, I know life is busy with work and other responsibilities, and I fall into that same category. I don’t want to tell you here how important it is to get some exercise done, but rather how to approach this goal. Many people start exercising with a bang. They are not conditioned for it, they overdo it, and then they end up injuring themselves—which in the end makes them quit exercising.

It is just as effective and good for you to start slowly. If you can walk without too much difficulty, spend 10 minutes simply walking. Gradually build up the time you spend walking by adding 2 minutes per week until you get to an average of 30 minutes or more a day.

Walking is the most natural and safest exercise you can do. Your body is used to walking—maybe not as much lately—but at least you will not develop injuries by going for a walk regularly. Then, as you build up your conditioning, you can explore other physical exercises.

Always listen to your body. If you do something that causes pain, your body is trying to tell you that what you are doing is not good for you at that time. You can always build up the ability to do that activity, but be patient.

Here is the feel-good part: we can all do something, even if it’s very little and doesn’t feel like much. Keep going, and eventually it will expand. While you are still alive, it’s never too late or too little to start exercising. You are alive, and living things move. Look at the trees and plants around you—if they are alive, they are sprouting leaves and flowers. You can do this too.

Enjoy the last weekend of winter 2025!

24/08/2025

Yeah, life happens—I already missed Friday, but here’s my “Feel Good” message anyway. After all, it’s never too late to feel good, so let’s call this a Sunny Sunday message.

This past week I had the privilege of attending two choir festivals where my youngest daughter took part with her school choir. Now, I don’t know about you, but after a full day’s work I’m usually ready to put my feet up and enjoy some downtime before doing it all over again. So honestly, my energy and enthusiasm weren’t at their best when it came time to go.

But here’s where the feel good part came in: the energy and joy of children singing, the sheer talent of the performers, and the dedication of teachers and parents absolutely made my week. It reminded me that life is truly great, and worth appreciating in every detail.

Sometimes we show up just out of obligation—but if we let ourselves be fully present in the moment, it can suddenly feel like there’s nothing more precious than being right there.

So, this morning I got up at 05:00 to do some tedious work for my Master’s, but now it’s done! The whole gorgeous day lies ahead, the Springboks made us proud last night, and I’m looking forward to a braai. Whatever you’re up to today—or whatever waits for you this week—look for the simple joy in being able to do it. You’ll find it makes everything so much more enjoyable.

14/08/2025

Feel Good Friday
It’s been a while, but here I am again. I want to start something new on this page called Feel Good Fridays. Here, I’ll share a few thoughts — and sometimes information — to hopefully inspire you.
So, here’s my question for you: What did you do this week to feel good about yourself?
We live in a world that can be very superficial and materialistic. We’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us we need more — more things to own, more ways to look a certain way, more experiences to chase. We compare ourselves to others and feel we need to “keep up” to be like them.
As a physiotherapist, I meet many people facing challenges. It could be something mild, like a stiff neck from sleeping awkwardly, or something life-changing, like the loss of a limb or the ability to move part of the body. No matter the situation, in that moment they come to me trusting that I can help.
In my work, I see three possible scenarios:
1. Recovery – where treatment can improve the condition.
2. Maintenance – where treatment aims to prevent the problem from getting worse.
3. Acceptance – where nothing can be changed, and we focus on making the best of the circumstances.
This week’s “feel good” moment came from that third scenario. Even when things seem hopeless, there is always — and I mean always — something positive to hold onto.
I spoke with a young man who has a severe upper limb injury, unable to use his arm fully. Yet, he still takes joy in patting his little dog with the bit of movement he has left. I saw someone who is afraid of falling stand up and take a step.
These moments make me feel good — seeing people who face bigger challenges than I do smile, stay positive, and refuse to give up. They might not have anything material that you or I would want, but they have something far more valuable: character and the spirit to be happy with what they can do.
There’s a saying: We tend to notice the 10% of people who live better than we do, but rarely see the 90% who have it harder.
So, don’t take for granted the truly important things in life — being able to see where you’re going, hearing someone’s voice, breathing on your own, or walking wherever you choose. No amount of material wealth can replace those gifts.
You are enough. You have enough. And that’s more than enough reason to feel good.
Go into this weekend with gratitude, no matter what troubles you think you have — and choose to feel good.

16/01/2025

The full program is available on DSTV Catch-up. The program is Prontuit, aired 15 Jan 2025 on Kyknet

16/01/2025

https://youtu.be/11DNutkZVeE?si=4Ucin2rEavu86-Jv

Gestremdheid in Suid-Afrika - Prontuit | 15 Januarie 2025 | kykNET Prontuit ontmoet mense wat met gestremdhede leef en uitblink in hulle werk. Ons gesels ...

02/01/2025

Embrace Every Day: Your Key to a Positive 2025
2025 is here, and the air is filled with excitement and well-wishes for a happy and prosperous new year. The contagious optimism around me is a joy to witness, and I can't help but share in the enthusiasm.
Throughout the year, we often face challenges and negativity. Economic pressures, rising costs, global conflicts, crime, and suffering can weigh heavily on our minds. Yet, as the new year begins, there's an undeniable sense of hope and happiness that we all embrace.
We make New Year’s resolutions, knowing that some may fall by the wayside, but we still make them. We hope for change, for better times ahead. The truth is, change doesn't happen just because the calendar flips to January 1st. This realization is a positive one.
You don't need to wait for a new year to make a life-changing resolution. Every morning when the sun rises, you have a new day to be thankful for. Each day brings endless possibilities and joy, ready for you to seize.
My New Year's wish for you is to view every day as an opportunity to be your best self and to live with purpose and passion. Embrace each day as if it's the most important one, and let that mindset carry you through the year.
Happy New Year, and may 2025 be filled with positivity, growth, and endless opportunities

01/10/2024

Hello everybody, it's been a while but the blind physio has been busy. Checkout my interview with Yolanda Maartens at OFM. https://www.ofm.co.za/article/inspiration/333857/ofm-familie-fokus-sa-vereniging-van-fisioterapie-vier-100-jaar-

05/07/2024

The Blind Physio wants to thank Chris Broodryk, Frida Verster and the hole “Vrystaat Kunstefees” team, Mathys Roets, Jeremy Barnard and family and Rizelle for all the effort and support to make our event a huge success. Life is precious and appreciate every moment, the good with the bad, it’s up to us what we are going to make of it.

26/06/2024

The Blind Physio was in the Bloem Express today and will be in the Bloemnuus tomorrow 27 June. Make sure to get your copies of these newspapers. I am so grateful for all the support and appreciate every like and share.

12/06/2024

Let’s talk about when is it necessary to visit your Physio. I like to use a traffic light to answer this question. When the light is green, there is no dysfunction, when the light is yellow there is symptoms like pain, restricted mobility and weakness and when the light is red, the body cannot cope anymore.

Unfortunately, we ignore the yellow light and use strategies like pain pills and ointments to try and get through it. This is actually the time to realize that your body is trying to tell you it has a problem. If you continue to neglect the problem eventually, you will get to the red light and by this time you may have developed an avoidable issue.

The answer is simple then, if your body starts showing you the yellow light, it is best to have a professional assess you for any potential dysfunctions. Prevention is always better than cure.

If you think you need to consult a physiotherapist, give me a call and I will be happy to help you navigate those yellow and red lights.

10/06/2024