Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy

25/06/2026

Please take a moment to rate and review our practice on Google - this really helps the algorithms, and for the practice to be seen when searched on Google.
Linden branch: https://g.page/r/CUqoPkQyfxPaEAI/review
Northcliff branch: https://g.page/r/CVM3HttnXFquEBM/review

THANK YOU! We appreciate it 😎

Post a review to our profile on Google

25/05/2026

We all know it is harder to get up in the mornings, your joints just don't want you to jump out of bed! You take just that extra 2 seconds to get up, or move...
WHY?
Cold weather affects movement by causing the synovial fluid to thicken and expand. But what is Synovial fluid? This is the lubrication that is in the joint capsule around every joint in your body. There are 80-100 moveable joints in an adult, which means there are 80-100 joint capsules filled with synovial fluid. As you get older the synovial fluid decreases and gets less fluid - which is why generally you are more stiff as you get older. Together with collagen loss and joint degeneration - but that is another post for another day.

Another contributing factor is vasoconstriction of the blood vessels. WHY? This is to protect your core temperature and organs, so the heat stays around the vital organs.

So you have cold hands and feet, sore and stiff joints and hate winter because of it?
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
The more you move, the more synovial fluid is produced - you are creating your own joint lubrication, but if you do not move, it won't happen.
Increased movement also causes increased blood flow, to the whole body including the joints.

So instead of emigrating to a tropical island because the winter is getting you down - a much cheaper option is to go for a walk, do a few stretches and make sure you stay active.
It is hard, I know - but you can practically implement this - park a little further and walk a little farther, take the stairs and not the lift, walk around in the garden and maybe you will be surprised what you see.

Make sure to visit us, so that we can help you with appropriate exercises and advice on movement strategies so that you can beat the cold!

Make your appointment now: www.mariskaodendaal.co.za

25/05/2026

17/05/2026

Oh yes, we have heard it all... after 1-2 sessions people want to give up because it is not getting better, or it isn't working.
Have you ever thought about healing?
How your body has to create new pathways for movement?
Cells have to regenerate themselves.
New movement patters have to be learnt.
Nerves, muscles, ligaments, joints, bones and fascia all have to adapt and 'learn'.

It SELDOM happens that you get instant results that will last and not return. Although it is a tough one to hear, I want you to remember that when you are doing physio - it is not a passive process. You are the main participant, and if you do your part, our part becomes so much easier.

We love to treat you, walk the healing journey with you and see the positive results. But, we also want to be there when you feel demotivated, like you aren't getting better or that you are just not there yet. Because rehab after an injury is a team effort!

Hope that you feel a little bit more motivated now.

Remember, if it was easy - it would not have been worth it.

14/05/2026

oh yes - it happens to all of us. When you want to make a booking, and all of a sudden the week is over, but your back ache is far from gone.
Altus still has appointments available for Saturday. Book now to avoid disappointment.

PS, if you haven't seen Altus yet, do yourself a favour - you won't be sorry.

13/05/2026

Gosh, It was such a busy 2 months. I blinked and it was gone. So Sorry we have been quiet. Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy is still here, we promise. In fact - while we were so quiet, Altus and Tara attended some interesting courses. We will share some info about that soon.

Life can get rushed, busy and it is so easy to just soldier through. But then if we look back, we miss so many things. Opportunities are around every corner, but sometimes we are either too tired to see them or too focussed on survival to even notice that the world is still an amazing place. Amidst the cold, exams, wars, rising fuel and food prices etc.
I speak out of experience here, I get consumed with schedules, tick-boxes and tasks which causes the small, beautiful moments to be rushed. So I decided to step back, take a breath and appreciate life again. These moments are so precious and goes by too fast, especially when you have young kids like me.

Take a breath today, do one thing that you will look back at and be proud of. Even if it is to complete a task, clean that cupboard or sit down and play with your kid.
I promise you, it will have a positive impact on your life and that will transpire through to others.

'reback

26/02/2026

We're open this Saturday, Book now to avoid disappointment.
We get it - the weeks are short and the months are long, but make your appointment now - you won't be sorry!

25/02/2026

Hello, I am Altus.
I am a local Lindenite, love to walk around in the suburb with my wife.
I joined Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy fairly recently.
I would love to meet you!

23/02/2026

Hello, I am Tara.
I am a loving, caring, introvert with a passion for helping people.
You can find me at Linden on Tuesdays, Thrusdays and Fridays.
I am at the Northcliff practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Excited to meet you (again)

21/02/2026

Hello
I am Mariska, Practice owner and founder of Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy.
I am a wife, mother, daughter and sister.
Currently, I am behind the scenes at Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy. Running the business and managing the physiotherapists at the practice.

Nice to meet you (again).

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