The Pain Collective is South Africa’s leading network of pain clinics, helping people live beyond chronic pain.
Our doctors and therapists work together to provide advanced, evidence-based treatments—without surgery.
18/02/2026
🌟 Team Spotlight | PAIN
Meet Lindie du Toit — Senior Liaison Officer
Lindie du Toit has been a valued member of the PAIN team for the past three years, serving as Senior Liaison Officer and Hostess. Often the first point of contact for patients, she ensures every person feels welcomed, comfortable, and truly heard from the moment they arrive. Lindie believes healing begins with feeling seen — a philosophy she brings into every interaction.
Before joining PAIN, Lindie spent 17 years as an Office Manager and Bookkeeper, building a strong foundation in organisation, relationship management, and creating environments where both people and systems can thrive. These years shaped her approach of balancing structure with empathy — a hallmark of her work today.
Working alongside PAIN’s multidisciplinary team of doctors, therapists, and administrators has been both humbling and inspiring for Lindie. She finds deep fulfilment in witnessing patient transformation — seeing individuals regain confidence, hope, and the ability to flourish again.
With a National Diploma in Financial Management, as well as certificates in Marketing and Counselling, Lindie brings a unique blend of organisational expertise, communication skills, and emotional intelligence to her role.
Outside of work, she is a proud mother of three teenagers and carries the same compassion, patience, and commitment to emotional wellbeing into her home life.
💬 Lindie’s guiding vision:
• To raise awareness of PAIN’s life-changing work
• To help more people access care rooted in dignity and understanding
• To ensure every patient feels supported and empowered
At PAIN, Lindie is more than a liaison — she is a constant presence of care, connection, and belief in healing.
10/02/2026
🌟 Team Spotlight | The Pain Collective
Meet Ethel Madimang — Hospitality & Hostess
With a strong background in hospitality and a natural talent for creating warm, welcoming environments, Ethel Madimang brings comfort and professionalism to her role at The Pain Collective. As part of our front-of-house team, she ensures every patient feels cared for from the moment they arrive.
Working within a clinic that supports individuals living with chronic pain has deepened Ethel’s empathy and strengthened her communication skills, giving her work a deeper sense of purpose. Known for her excellent coffee and calming presence, she takes pride in helping patients feel safe, relaxed, and understood during their visit.
💬 Ethel’s guiding vision:
• To create a welcoming atmosphere where every patient feels seen and supported
• To combine her hospitality experience with meaningful, patient-centred care
• To contribute to a growing community where people living with chronic pain feel empowered and hopeful
At The Pain Collective, Ethel isn’t just offering hospitality — she’s helping create an environment where comfort, compassion, and understanding play a vital role in every patient’s healing journey.
07/02/2026
🌟 Team Spotlight | The Pain Collective
Meet Odette Francis — Hostess, Liaison Officer & Theatre Technician
Odette Francis is a dedicated professional with a strong focus on operational excellence and patient support at The Pain Collective. In her hybrid role as Hostess, Liaison Officer, and Theatre Technician, she works at the intersection of clinical operations and patient experience, helping ensure both run smoothly and efficiently.
Known for being a fast learner with strong attention to detail, Odette adapts quickly in dynamic environments, resolving unexpected challenges and managing complex schedules with confidence. Her ability to balance technical requirements with patient-focused care makes her a valuable part of the team.
Odette is committed to the sustainable growth of The Pain Collective and actively contributes operational insights that enhance efficiency and improve the clinic’s ability to support patients effectively. She values clear communication and continually works to strengthen her understanding of patient needs, knowing that every successful interaction contributes to better care.
💬 Odette’s focus:
• Supporting seamless theatre and clinic operations
• Enhancing patient experience through clear communication
• Contributing to efficient, patient-centred systems
Ultimately, Odette is driven by a vision of a future where chronic pain is not simply managed, but meaningfully reduced — enabling patients to regain function, wellbeing, and quality of life.
She is always open to connecting with others who share a passion for patient-focused care and operational efficiency.
05/02/2026
✨ Patient Journey | Liezel ✨
Liezel has been living with chronic lower back pain since 2018. A year ago, she underwent an amputation of her right leg. As part of her recovery, her left hip, knee and ankle had to adapt to new physical demands, which contributed to ongoing discomfort. She also experienced phantom limb sensations on her right side.
After multiple surgeries and extended hospital stays, Liezel was referred to our Panorama Pain Clinic for further assessment and support.
Working alongside our multidisciplinary team developed an individualised management and rehabilitation plan tailored to her specific needs. Her treatment plan included interventional pain procedures and a structured rehabilitation programme, including hydrotherapy, aimed at improving strength and function in preparation for prosthetic fitting.
Liezel has since progressed to the next phase of her rehabilitation, including receiving her prosthesis, and continues to work closely with her healthcare team as she moves forward in her recovery journey.
Every patient’s condition and response to treatment is unique, and management plans are tailored accordingly.
When Hester visited our Durbanville clinic in 2021, she had already undergone spinal surgery and was continuing to experience ongoing pain that affected her day-to-day life. She was looking for further guidance on how to manage her symptoms and improve her functional ability.
After a detailed consultation with Dr Izelle Taljaard, a tailored management plan was discussed and implemented. Her care approach incorporated interventional pain management together with a structured rehabilitation component, adjusted according to her clinical presentation and goals.
As part of her ongoing plan, Hester participates in supportive therapies, including hydrotherapy, and remains actively involved in her long-term management process.
Persistent pain following spinal surgery can present differently from person to person. For this reason, treatment approaches are individualised, and progress is monitored and adapted over time.
🌟 Team Spotlight | PAIN Collective
Meet Olga Bowles — Hostess, Liaison & Theatre Technician
Olga Bowles is a Hostess, Liaison, and Theatre Technician at PAIN Collective, bringing a background in wellness and holistic therapy to her role. She is passionate about helping people restore balance, build confidence, and develop a stronger connection with their bodies.
Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, Olga supports patients living with chronic pain through a care approach that combines medical expertise with genuine human connection. She values being part of an environment that integrates innovation, mindfulness, and patient-centred care to support individuals throughout their treatment journey.
💬 Olga’s focus:
• Supporting patients through attentive and compassionate care
• Bridging clinical processes with a positive patient experience
• Contributing to a balanced, holistic approach to pain management
Olga’s vision is to see people living with chronic pain regain independence, purpose, and quality of life. She believes that while pain may influence life experiences, it does not define identity — and she is committed to supporting care that empowers patients to move forward with confidence.
02/02/2026
🧠 New Blog: Migraine vs Cluster Headache
Not all headaches are the same — and living for years with “bad headaches” without a clear diagnosis can be exhausting, frightening, and life-limiting. Two of the most disabling headache conditions, migraine and cluster headache, are often confused — yet they are very different disorders with very different treatments.
In our latest blog, we break down migraine vs cluster headache in a clear, practical way, helping you understand what separates them and why an accurate diagnosis matters.
In the blog, we explore:
✅How migraine and cluster headaches differ in pain pattern, duration, and behaviour
✅Key symptoms that point toward one diagnosis over the other
✅Common triggers — and why alcohol affects cluster headaches so differently
✅When headaches may signal something more serious and need urgent care
✅Treatment options available in South Africa, from medication to advanced pain interventions
Many people are mislabelled with “sinus” or “stress” headaches for years, delaying effective care. Understanding your headache type can be the turning point toward better control and quality of life.
👉 Experiencing severe, recurring headaches?
👉 Unsure whether you’re dealing with migraine, cluster headache, or something else?
Priyashani moved to Cape Town from KZN to pursue her studies. During this time, she experienced ongoing lower back and neck discomfort, which made daily activities and attending lectures challenging.
After seeking professional assessment, Priyashani was evaluated and a tailored management plan was developed based on her clinical presentation and individual needs. Her care included interventional pain management as well as a structured rehabilitation approach.
As part of her ongoing management plan, Priyashani continues working toward improving her functional ability and maintaining participation in her academic and daily activities.
Persistent pain can affect many aspects of life, and each patient’s experience is unique. Treatment plans are individualised, and responses may vary from person to person.
🧠 New Blog: Chronic Headaches in Children — What Parents Should Know
Headaches aren’t just an adult problem. Many children and teens experience frequent or severe headaches that affect school, concentration, sport, and social life — and for parents, it can be hard to know when to worry or how to help.
In our latest blog, we explain what chronic headaches in children really are, why they happen, and why they’re rarely caused by just one thing. Headache pain is often influenced by a combination of the body, the nervous system, emotions, routines, and everyday pressures.
We also explore:
• The different types of chronic headaches seen in children
• Warning signs that need medical attention
• Common triggers parents may not realise are contributing
• When headaches need more than short-term medication
• How a child-focused, multidisciplinary approach supports recovery
Persistent headaches can be exhausting and isolating for children — but with early assessment and the right support, most can return to learning, playing, and living well.
👉 Is your child missing school or activities because of headaches?
👉 Are headaches becoming frequent or hard to manage at home?
Headaches are incredibly common — yet many people struggle to identify what type of headache they’re actually experiencing. And that distinction matters. The right diagnosis can mean the difference between ongoing frustration and effective, targeted relief.
In our latest blog, we break down the most common types of headaches and how to recognise their key features — from tension headaches and migraines to cluster headaches, neck-related (cervicogenic) headaches, sinus headaches, and medication-overuse headaches.
Inside the blog, we explore:
• How primary and secondary headaches differ
• Telltale symptoms that point to specific headache types
• Why many “sinus headaches” are actually migraines
• When headaches are a red flag and need urgent care
• Modern treatment options — including physiotherapy and interventional pain procedures
Understanding your headache pattern empowers you to seek the right care, avoid unnecessary worry, and manage symptoms more effectively.
👉 Getting frequent headaches but unsure what type they are?
👉 Wondering when it’s time to see a clinician?
Living with chronic pain left Viwe feeling isolated and disconnected. She shared that her pain made her feel as though she had no meaningful life — and that those around her began to distance themselves because of what she was going through.
After a four-month journey with The Pain Collective, under the care of Dr Kyle Gilday at our Roodepoort clinic, Viwe’s story has changed completely.
Today, she speaks about having a renewed passion for life. She jokes that she now wants to live to 120 — feeling strong and free in her pain-free body, and inspired to work harder and enjoy life to the fullest.
🌿 Pain is not just physical. It is a psychological, social, and biological experience that can affect every aspect of life. Viwe’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right care and support, it’s possible to regain movement, confidence, and joy.
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Our team started in 2005 with a simple neurosurgery practice at Medi Clinic Paarl. From there we grew in numbers and expertise as we learned and grew in experience. Team members came and went. Friendships were formed and lost as therapists and doctors came and went; but our patients saw our commitment to their care and became family members and stayed.
Spinal pathology is for the greater part a life-long sentence with ups and downs. With the origin of the disease in the genetic make-up of an individual, it is a wear-and-tear disease that progresses throughout the individual’s life. All treatment for spinal pathology is temporary. Be it therapy, medication, pain procedures or surgery. Nothing remains fixed forever in this scourge of modern humanity. Our lifestyles in turn are aggrivating wear and tear disease, leading to a pandemic of back pain and neck pain.
In the beginning we operated on a large number of our patients, following the available literature and teachings of the day. With time we progressively turned ourselves towards non-surgical solutions as the literature and experiences taught us that for the better part spinal pathology can be treated in a conservative manner, with equal success as with surgery, without the risks of surgery.
Today we are housed in the ultramodern Anodyne Pain Clinic on the second floor of the Panorama Healthcare Centre, just a corridor away from the Advanced theatre complex where we perform all our pain procedures. We have in-house physiotherapy, biokinetics, occupational therapy, movement therapy, dance therapy, counselling and everything else.
Basil Adriaanse, the enigmatic owner of Adriaanse and Associates Physiotherapy has practices all over the Western Cape and calls Anodyne his headquarters. He and his team have been taking care of our patients for as long as we can remember. Involved at management level in a multitude of healthcare concerns, he is a bright star.
Linda Hiemstra and her team from Back to Work Occupational Therapy , bring academic excellence and quality of care in a no-nonsense and caring way. There is very little about pain, the physiology of pain and also the psychology behind it that Linda does not understand. She and Basil are heavily involved in step-down and rehabilitation and have practices at several Spescare hospitals as well.
Carin Terblanche of Carin Terbalnche Biokinetics is the elegance of movement in our practice. Understanding the flow and balance of muscles. Two of the loves in her life, water and dance has led her to be instrumental in developing the global Limber Dance Therapy maintenance program. She is also heavily invested in hydrotherapy as a means of reduced gravity movement and release.
Our Anaesthetists, Dr Rozali Spies and Dr Christa du Toit are extremely experienced and have evolved towards pain management over the years. Equally adept at guiding a patient through a difficult anaesthesia or performing a pain-procedure, they form the backbone of the medical expertise in the practice.
Our Neurosurgeon, Dr Liebenberg, needs no introduction. Always treading where angels fear to tread, he has remained the Captain of the ship throughout the years. A man who is very happy to call a spade a spade, he wears his heart on his sleeve and always puts the care of his patients first, whether they have the insight to know that he is doing it, or not. The Patriarch to the thousands of patients of our clinic throughout the years and the multitude of therapists, he just always seems to show up when no one expects it.
We are improving and exploring new avenues of treatment for our patients always. The magic of the Clinic is that we genuinely care and worry about our patients. Each and every one is special in their own way, their quirks, their fears and their little habits. We care for all of them. Even the patients over the years, that have fallen out with us and have left, remain close to our hearts.
