Physiotherapist

our Sanctuary for Chronic Pain Recovery

Healing chronic pain is not a solo mission; it is a partnership. In my practice, we move beyond the symptoms to find the source. Set against the backdrop of a tranquil garden and accompanied by the calming presence of our therapy animals, we create the perfect physiological state for your body to begin its recovery.

The Heart of the Practice: A Note from Lesley

"I don't just treat chronic pain; I have lived it."

My journey to becoming a specialist began with my own. Having navigated the recovery of several accidents and injuries, I understand the frustration, the exhaustion, and the emotional toll of a body that feels like it’s failing you.

I have spent years honing my skills to bridge the gap between physical treatment and emotional resilience. My mission at the Centre of Pain Education (COPE) is to take your complex, overwhelming condition and make it simple, understandable, and—most importantly—overcomable.

The COPE Philosophy: Knowledge is 50% of the Cure

I believe that once you truly understand why you hurt, you are already halfway to healing. The remaining 50% is the partnership we build: I provide the roadmap and the "clean-hands" clinical expertise, and you provide the commitment to do the work.

"You have the innate ability to heal yourself. Often, it simply requires changing the thoughts and patterns that were present when the condition first began. I am here to help you see the bigger picture."

The Expertise Behind the Care

To support your journey, I have combined a traditional medical foundation with a diverse toolkit of holistic modalities:

• Academic Foundation: B.PhysT (Hons, 1997) University of Pretoria, MPhysT (2024) University of Pretoria. PhD candidate (2026)

• Physical Mastery: IMS / Dry Needling, Acupuncture, and Pilates Instruction.

• Lifestyle & Nutrition: Certified Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach (NLC).

• Emotional Integration: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Tremor Release Exercise (TRE) Practitioner

• Education: Author and Founder of the "Help me COPE" series and "Tails of the Menagerie".

The 6 Fundamental Factors of Vitality

To truly heal, we must address the pillars that support your biology. My treatment approach integrates these six essentials into your recovery plan:

1. Thinking (Mental): Shifting the mindset from "pain-victim" to "recovery-leader."

2. Breathing (Oxygen): Re-learning functional breathing to calm the nervous system.

3. Hydration (Water): Fueling the cellular exchange necessary for tissue repair.

4. Nutrition (Food): Using anti-inflammatory fuel to reduce systemic pain.

5. Movement (Exercise): Strategic, pain-free motion to restore function and strength.

6. Rest (Sleep): Optimising the only time the body truly regenerates.

Designing Your Life: The 8 Domains of Potential

Pain often shrinks our world. My goal is to help you expand it again. Using strategic Goal Setting, we work to improve your potential across every area of your life:

Specialised Care for Complex Conditions

While my approach is holistic, my clinical expertise is deeply specialised. I provide evidence-based care for:

• Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

• Whiplash & Complex Back Injuries

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support

• Trauma-Informed Physical Release

"When all seems lost, there is always a beacon of hope. Let’s find your path back to health together."

How to Connect

Because I believe in being fully present with my patients, I do not answer the phone or check emails while my hands are on a patient.

• The Best Way to Reach Me: Send a WhatsApp.

• Response Time: I will reply as soon as my hands are clean and my current patient is cared for.

• Hours: M-F 7 am–1 pm | Sat 7 am–10 am