About Kate Summer Physio

Learn more about our team, mission, and approach.

Our Practice's Story

Kate Summer physiotherapy began in 2016 when Kate took the leap and went out on her own after working for a practice with a special interest in sports and orthopedics that had cemented her passion for this field.

Kate‘s first practice was in a centre alongside the My Sexual Health team, which is where her interest in pelvic and Womens Health first began. The practice began its growth in 2019 and in 2022 we relocated to our current space at Revive Wellness Centre in Bryanston.

Our Mission

At Kate Summer Physio, we offer patient-centric, holistic care to ensure each patient is treated individually and that root causes are resolved to achieve lasting results.

Achieving Your Best Health

Our mission is to deliver care that is collaborative, innovative, and individualized, enabling our clients to achieve their personal health goals and remain active for life.

Top-Quality Care

Our practice focuses on the holistic management of sports and orthopaedic related injuries as well as women’s health conditions.

Care with Heart

Treatments incorporate hands-on techniques, patient education and rehabilitation exercises to ensure optimal results.

Our Approach

Our approach to health care is grounded in a holistic, evidence-based, and patient-centered philosophy. It emphasizes restoring, maintaining, and enhancing physical function and well-being through personalized care. Below are key principles that define this approach:

Patient-Centered Care

• Focuses on understanding each patient’s unique needs, goals, and circumstances.
• Encourages active patient participation in their recovery process.
• Promotes education to empower patients with knowledge about their condition and management strategies.


Holistic and Multidisciplinary Approach


• Addresses not only physical symptoms but also the emotional, social, and psychological aspects of health.
• Collaborates with other healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians, occupational therapists, dietitians) for comprehensive care.


Evidence-Based Practice

• Utilizes the latest research and proven techniques to guide assessment and treatment.
• Regularly updates treatment protocols to align with advancements in medical science and physiotherapy.


Preventative and Rehabilitative Care

• Aims to prevent injuries and relapses by improving strength, mobility, and function.
• Focuses on rehabilitation after injury, surgery, or illness to restore optimal physical performance.


Personalized Treatment Plans

• Conducts thorough assessments to identify the root causes of a condition.
• Develops individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient’s specific goals, activities, and lifestyle.


Functional and Goal-Oriented Approach

• Targets improving functional abilities needed for daily activities, work, or sports. • Sets measurable short- and long-term goals to track progress and achieve tangible outcomes.


Patient Education and Self-Management

• Educates patients about their condition, treatment options, and preventative measures.
• Provides guidance on exercises, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term health.

Non-Invasive Treatment Philosophy

• Focuses on manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and other non-invasive modalities as the first line of treatment.
• Minimizes reliance on medications or surgical interventions whenever possible.

Meet Our Physios

Hannah

Hannah completed her BSc Honours in Physiotherapy at the University of the Witwatersrand. With a strong focus on neuromuscular-skeletal conditions and sports injuries, she is dedicated to helping individuals return to their optimal, pain-free function. Her goal is to support patients in improving their quality of life, returning to activities that they enjoy and improving their performance to reach their goals, whether it may be running marathons, gyming, playing an instrument or conducting daily activities.

Hannah also has great experience in hospital settings and as a result, she enjoys guiding and supporting her patients through the entirety of their rehabilitation journey and bring them back to their previous selves. She believes in tackling the problem at its source through thorough assessment and treatment to ensure a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan that will warrant long-term health and pain-free living.

Outside of work, Hannah is a passionate sports enthusiast, an avid gym-goer and frequent runner. She also enjoys music, film and spending time with friends and family

Domenica

Dom joined the team in 2021. She has a special interest in Sports related conditions and has completed her postgraduate diploma in Sports through Wits University.
Dom is passionate about helping others get back to their highest pain-free functional self, enabling the patient to get back to doing what they love, whether it be running a marathon, cycling, high impact sport or just life in general.

Dom is experienced in treating juvenile and adult patients with sports-related injuries or orthopaedic conditions. Dom believes that a patient-centred approach is best, as each patient is unique and needs to be assessed and treated holistically to ensure they can maintain a healthy, pain-free lifestyle.

Dom is an avid sports fan, a keen netball player and enjoys spending time outdoors, 
hiking or exercising.

Kate

Kate started Kate Summer Physiotherapy in 2016 and the practice has since grown in leaps and bounds since. Kate studied at UCT and after completing her undergraduate degree she further specialised in neuromuscular-skeletal and sports conditions. Kate qualified as a yoga teacher and Pilates instructor and in her spare time she teaches from her own studio as a way of keeping patients active for life.
 
In 2018 Kate began her journey into Woman’s Health and has gone on to step into the role of chairperson for the Pelvic and Womens Health physiotherapy special interest group. Kate believes in treating the whole person through mindful and patient centered rehabilitation. Kate works alongside Dr. Elna Ruddolph and the My Sexual Health Team and is the Gauteng chairperson for the pelvic and women’s health physiotherapy special interest group.

When she is not at work Kate is mom to two bubbly little girls, enjoys running and 
mountain biking.

Fiona (Women’s Health)

Fiona qualified from Stellenbosch University and has 16 years of experience in working in multiple healthcare settings both locally and in the UK. She is always advancing her knowledge and understanding of the mind/body interaction with courses and training both in South Africa and overseas.

Fiona enjoys working with musculoskeletal and sports issues but has a special interest in pelvic and women’s health and rehabilitation. She is passionate about advocating, empowering and educating her patients and the public in these areas. Fiona is also a Body Control Pilates UK qualified Pilates teacher with 10 years’ experience in both mat work and reformer. She uses these exercise principles in her Physiotherapy work daily. She regularly attends local and overseas training sessions to advance her Pilates practice.
 
Fiona has been a member of the SASP since she was at university and currently is serving as secretary of the Pelvic and Women’s Health General Executive Committee. Fiona has as passion for paying things forward and within the last year spent 3 months doing humanitarian work with Mercy Ships International in Sierra Leone. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and reading a good book.

Book an appointment with one
of our phenomenal physios.

Our Values

Patient-Centered Care

Prioritizing the individual needs, goals, and preferences of each patient while ensuring empathetic, respectful, and compassionate interactions.

Excellence and Professionalism

Upholding the highest standards of clinical practice and ethical conduct as well as continuously improving skills through professional development and evidence-based practices.

Integrity and Trust

 Building strong relationships based on honesty, transparency, and accountability. Maintaining confidentiality and acting in the best interest of every patient.

Holistic and Collaborative Approach

Addressing not just physical health, but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care.

Empowerment and Education

Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition and encouraging active participation in the recovery and prevention process.

Innovation and Adaptability

Embracing new technologies, techniques, and research to enhance patient outcomes. Adapting treatment approaches to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.

Inclusion and Accessibility

Providing care that is inclusive, respectful, and accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Prevention and Wellness Promotion

Advocating for proactive health measures to prevent injuries and illnesses. Promoting long-term wellness through education, exercise, and lifestyle changes.