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.
21/04/2026
Patient Story | Dr Therden van Heerden - Pain Breede Valley
Meet Leoni
Four months ago, Leoni came to our Pain Breede Valley clinic experiencing ongoing neck and back pain, along with frequent headaches. These symptoms were impacting her day-to-day functioning and overall well-being.
After assessment by medical practitioner, Dr Therden van Heerden, she underwent pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation — a procedure that may help reduce pain in selected patients as part of a broader, individualised management plan.
Her care didn’t stop there.
Leoni also worked with an Occupational Therapist, focusing on gradual, practical steps to support movement and daily activity. This included introducing regular walking and dancing.
At around three months post-procedure, Leoni reports a noticeable reduction in her pain and an improvement in her quality of life. As with all treatment approaches, outcomes can vary from person to person, but her journey highlights how a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach can support recovery and function.
If you’re living with persistent pain, you may wish to consult a registered healthcare professional to explore appropriate options for your situation.
Why The Pain Collective Integrated Psychiatry Early
In this insightful blog, psychiatrist Dr Michelle King explores a question that is becoming increasingly relevant in modern pain care: should psychiatry be involved from the start, rather than later?
At The Pain Collective, the answer has been to integrate psychiatric input early—based on growing evidence that persistent pain is not only a physical experience, but a complex interaction between the nervous system, mental health, and social context.
Dr King unpacks:
• Why separating “mind” and “body” in pain care may limit outcomes
• How different types of pain (nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic) require different approaches
• The role of central sensitisation and the “over-sensitive alarm system”
• The overlap between chronic pain, mood disorders, and trauma
• Why a biopsychosocial, interdisciplinary approach may help reduce unnecessary interventions and support better overall function
She also highlights how psychiatry, as part of a broader healthcare team, can contribute to assessment and management—particularly where pain, mood, sleep, and life stressors intersect.
This blog offers a thoughtful, evidence-informed perspective on where chronic pain care is heading, and why early integration across disciplines may matter.
The role of Occupational Therapy in Multidisciplinary Pain Management
Chronic pain is increasingly understood through the biopsychosocial model, recognising that biological, psychological, and social factors all contribute to a person’s experience of pain.
In a recent blog, Helen Roome BSc(OT), MAVP, Prac. Dip. Labour Law, PG Dip. Int. Pain Mgmnt. outlines how this perspective supports a multidisciplinary approach to care, involving collaboration between medical practitioners and rehabilitation professionals, including Occupational Therapists.
The article provides insight into how Occupational Therapists contribute as members of the interdisciplinary team, with a focus on supporting individuals to participate in meaningful daily activities within their specific environments.
Topics discussed in the blog include:
-The shift from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial understanding of pain
-The role of Occupational Therapists in supporting function and participation
-How strategies from different healthcare professionals may be integrated into daily routines
-The role of self-management approaches in long-term care
-The importance of coordinated, person-centred goal setting within interdisciplinary teams
The blog also explores some of the factors that may contribute to Occupational Therapy being underutilised in pain management, and considerations for its inclusion as part of a broader care plan.
For those interested in learning more about how different members of the healthcare team contribute to pain management, this article provides a useful overview.
Katherine Tait is a physiotherapist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She qualified at the University of East London (UEL) in 2001 and worked in teaching hospitals in the United Kingdom, including roles in musculoskeletal outpatient care and orthopaedics, before relocating to Cape Town.
Katherine has an interest in the management of back pain and headaches. Her approach focuses on individual assessment, evidence-based physiotherapy, and supporting patients in improving function and daily activity.
She forms part of The Pain Collective Network, contributing to patient care within her professional scope.
Introducing Luán Thomas | B.Sc. Physiotherapy (UFS)
Luán Thomas is a physiotherapist who forms part of the interdisciplinary team at The Pain Collective Network.
She obtained her B.Sc. Physiotherapy from the University of the Free State in 2005 and holds postgraduate training in:
• Upper Quadrant Biomechanical Assessment and Treatment
• Dry Needling
Luán has an interest in hydrotherapy and uses physiotherapy assessment, manual techniques, and exercise-based rehabilitation to support movement and function. Her approach includes individual assessment and treatment planning according to each patient’s needs.
Her work contributes to patient care within her professional scope as a registered physiotherapist.
New Blog: Why Does It Take So Long to Get an Endometriosis Diagnosis?
For many women, the journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is not straightforward. It can involve years of unanswered questions, multiple consultations, and symptoms that are often misunderstood or attributed to other conditions.
Research suggests that, on average, a diagnosis may take several years from the onset of symptoms.
So why the delay?
In our latest blog, we explore some of the key factors that may contribute to this, including:
• Symptoms that are often normalised as “just period pain”
• Overlap with other conditions like IBS or pelvic pain disorders
• Limitations in current diagnostic methods
• Gaps in awareness — both for patients and healthcare providers
• The role of social and cultural influences, including stigma around menstruation
Endometriosis is a complex condition that can present differently from person to person, often affecting multiple systems in the body. This can make early recognition challenging — but not impossible.
Understanding the patterns, knowing what may not be typical, and recognising when to seek further assessment can play an important role in reducing delays.
If you or someone you know has been navigating ongoing pelvic pain or unexplained symptoms, this overview may provide useful context.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you may wish to consult a registered healthcare professional for an appropriate assessment.
26/03/2026
Introducing Sarah Walker | Physiotherapist (Chronic Pain & Dysautonomia Focus)
We’re pleased to introduce Sarah Walker, a physiotherapist within the The Pain Collective network. Sarah has a focused clinical interest in chronic pain and dysautonomia-related presentations.
Her approach is patient-centred and evidence-informed, supporting individuals in developing practical strategies aimed at improving function, resilience, and overall well-being.
Conditions she may assist with include:
• Chronic pain (including persistent or shifting pain presentations)
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue presentations
• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
• FND (Functional Neurological Disorder)
• Tension-type headaches
• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
• Stress-related presentations and burnout support
📍 Sessions are available in Simon’s Town or online where clinically appropriate.
📱 Appointments can be booked via WhatsApp: 072 292 9736
Sarah forms part of the broader multidisciplinary network associated with The Pain Collective.
🌵🌮 We don’t need to cut out foods like tacos to eat well — we just need to build them better.🌮🌵
Here’s a simple, balanced way to put together a single-serving taco meal at home:
Choose your protein (1 option):
• Chicken: ±100–120g, sliced
• Lean beef mince: ±100g
• Fish: ±120g
• OR beans: ½–¾ cup (drained & rinsed)
Spice mix:
• 1–2 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Pinch turmeric
• ½ tsp garlic (fresh or powder)
• Salt & pepper
• Squeeze of lime
Fresh toppings:
• ½ cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
• 3–4 cherry tomatoes, chopped
• ¼ avocado (or 2–3 tbsp guacamole)
• 2–3 tbsp sliced red onion
• Small handful fresh coriander
Fresh salsa:
• ½ cup chopped tomato
• 1–2 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Squeeze of lime + pinch of salt
Simple sauce (optional):
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt
• Squeeze of lime
• Pinch of salt
Step-by-step:
Toss your protein with olive oil, spices, and lime.
Cook in a pan until done:
• Chicken: ~6–8 minutes
• Beef mince: cook until browned
• Fish: ~3–4 minutes per side
• Beans: heat with spices, lightly mash, simmer 5 minutes
Warm tortillas in a dry pan (±30 seconds per side).
Build your tacos:
• Protein
• Fresh toppings
• Salsa + avocado/guacamole
• Optional yogurt sauce
• Finish with lime
Meals like this can help you include:
✔ Protein
✔ Fibre
✔ Healthy fats
✔ Whole, minimally processed ingredients
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be restrictive — just a bit more intentional.
21/03/2026
We recently tried making a blueberry & mint cordial, and it’s turned out to be a really refreshing one to keep in the fridge. 🫐🌿
The blueberries give it a deep colour and natural sweetness, while the mint adds a cool, fresh lift. Served over ice with sparkling water, it’s bright, lightly herbal, and wonderfully refreshing.
✨ Makes about 1 litre of concentrate
Ingredients
• 4 cups (±500g) blueberries
• 1½ cups (375ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (or lemon if preferred)
• 1–1¼ cups (250–300ml) raw honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups (500ml) water
• 1 small handful fresh mint (about 10–15 leaves)
Method
Simmer the fruit
Add the blueberries, mint leaves and water to a saucepan. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the berries soften and begin to burst.
Mash and strain
Mash the fruit well and strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove skins and mint leaves.
Add citrus and sweetener
While still slightly warm, stir in the lime juice and honey or maple syrup until dissolved.
Bottle
Pour into a sterilised 1-litre glass bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
🥤 To serve
Mix 1 part cordial with 4–5 parts still or sparkling water and serve over ice.
A simple way to add a little natural fruit flavour to your water. 🫐✨
20/03/2026
🧀🥪 Halloumi, Hummus & Pomegranate 🥪🧀
Here’s another quick lunch idea that has become a firm favourite with our team. 🥪
This grilled halloumi & hummus flatbread feels a little special, but it’s still simple enough for a weekday meal.
You’ll need:
• 1 wholegrain flatbread or pita
• 3–4 slices halloumi
• 2 tbsp hummus
• Handful of rocket
• 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• Fresh mint or basil
• Olive oil
To make:
Grill the halloumi until golden.
Warm the flatbread.
Spread hummus generously.
Add the halloumi and rocket.
Sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds and herbs.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and fold.
Colourful, satisfying, and full of Mediterranean flavour.
20/03/2026
🌙✨ Eid Mubarak from The Pain Collective ✨🌙
As the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, we extend our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Eid.
May this special day bring peace, joy, and renewed strength to you and your loved ones. It’s a time of reflection, gratitude, and connection — values that resonate deeply with the work we do every day.
From all of us at The Pain Collective, we wish you a blessed and joyful Eid filled with health, happiness, and meaningful moments.
Eid Mubarak 🤍
19/03/2026
🥭🍍Here’s another homemade cordial flavour that we enjoyed this summer🥭🍍
This mango & pineapple version is bright, tropical, and naturally sweetened with real fruit rather than artificial flavourings. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and a lovely way to add a little flavour to your hydration.
✨ Makes approximately 1 litre of concentrate.
You’ll need:
• 3 cups ripe mango, chopped (about 2 large mangoes)
• 3 cups fresh pineapple, chopped
• 1½ cups (375ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
• ¾–1¼ cups raw honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups (500ml) water
Method:
1️⃣ Simmer the fruit
Add the mango, pineapple and water to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10–12 minutes until the fruit is very soft.
2️⃣ Blend (optional)
Use a stick blender to break down the fruit further for a smoother, more flavourful concentrate.
3️⃣ Strain
Pour through a fine sieve or muslin cloth to remove pulp and fibres.
4️⃣ Add lime and sweetener
While the mixture is still slightly warm, stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice and honey or maple syrup until fully dissolved.
5️⃣ Bottle and refrigerate
Pour into a sterilised 1-litre glass bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To serve:
Mix 1 part cordial with 4–5 parts still or sparkling water and serve over ice.
Fresh, tropical, and full of real fruit flavour — it’s been a lovely one to keep in the fridge during the warm early autumn days. 🥭✨
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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.
