I was raised in the Lowveld, matriculated at Ben Vorster High School in Tzaneen, and graduated from the University of Pretoria in 1990. Two years later, I opened my first private practice in Lephalale (Ellisras) and relocated to Pretoria five years after that. For 20 years, I managed my private practice at the onsite LIFE Medical Centre at FORD Motor Co. of S.A., while raising four children with my husband, Paul Grobler. In 2013, I moved my private practice to the central part of Pretoria - specialising in rehabilitation.
During this period, I stayed up-to-date with new trends and developments in physiotherapy by studying and regularly attending courses. My focus shifted from primarily relieving a patient’s pain through passive treatment modalities like massage, electrotherapy, taping and dry needling to actively engaging the patient as a respected rehabilitation partner. This approach involved understanding their values and beliefs while addressing the root cause of their challenges.
In today’s challenging healthcare environment, connecting the dots to improve health and well-being is more important than ever. As a lifelong learner, I use my knowledge and experience to help patients achieve better health and quality of life.
“You never know how strong you are…until being strong is the only choice you have.” - Cayla Mills
• Masters degree in Physiotherapy at the University of Pretoria (2013)
• Certificate in Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) (accredited by the Orthopaedic Manipulative Physiotherapy Group of the South African Society of Physiotherapy [SASP]) (1992)
• Certificate in Ergonomics at the University of Johannesburg RAU (Cum Laude) (2004)
• Certificate in Pain (accredited by Train Pain, and the Pain special interest group of the SASP) (2018)
• Certificate in Cardio-Pulmonary Therapy (accredited by the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Group of the SASP) (2022)
• Bradcliff Breathing Method (2023)
• Certificate in Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation Therapy (University of Cape Town (UCT)) (2023)
Susan published on the relation between musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk factors in the sewing machine industry.
• "The effect of a work-based physiotherapy and ergonomics programme on work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in car seat seamstresses." Published in the Journal of Occupational Health of Southern Africa. Jul/Aug 2010
• "The impact of a change in work posture from seated to stand-up on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sewing-machine operators." Published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. June 2018. Article ID: AJIM22865. Article DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22865
• A poster of research was presented on: "The impact of a physiotherapy program in an Occupational Setting for Work-related Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders" at the African Physiotherapy Congress on May 3, 2009
• A poster of research was presented on: "The impact of a change in work posture from seated to stand-up on work-related musculoskeletal disorders among sewing-machine operators" at the World Confederation of Physical Therapy in Cape Town, July 2-4, 2017
• Clinical assistant at the OMT course (1998 and 2000)
• Lectured in Ergonomics at the Diploma for Hand Therapy (DHT) (2003 to 2015)
• Part-time Lecturer in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy departments (pre- and post-graduate) at the University of Pretoria (2011 to 2015)
“Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” - D.H. Lawrence