Skip to main content

Interventions

The Optimum Health Centre currently offers five different programs for individuals to consider. Each program involves one or more interventions, ranging from educational input in the form of pre-recorded videos (as with our Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course) to one-on-one consultations with various of our health practitioners (as part of the Personalised Treatment Programme).

Here are some of the interventions that we may recommend you consider depending on your past and current symptoms, your health goals, your financial status, and a range of other factors:

Interventions

Medical Self-Management

– supporting you on your journey to self-efficacy

Dr Irwin Friedman

As one of the Medical Doctors in the team, Dr Irwin Friedman plays several roles in helping clients manage their journey through their chronic condition and/or persistent pain. Irwin’s goal is to help you incrementally find meaning in your life, attain greater self-efficacy and ultimately achieve sustained health and well-being through learning how to take greater responsibility for managing your own therapy and/or other health interventions, including your medication.

One of Irwin’s main roles is to assess your responses on the Mini Quiz and/or on the comprehensive Intake Questionnaire and, if you are suited to our approach, to gauge which of our services you are likely to gain the most benefit from.

If it is apparent that our Personalised Treatment Programme for chronic health or pain conditions will be of most benefit to you then additional information will be collected, collated, and analysed. It is at this stage that you will have an opportunity to consult with either Dr Irwin Friedman or with Dr Stephan Vosloo, and you will be asked to clarify and expand on the information you have provided. This is done by arrangement at your home, at the OHC or online. Further information from special investigations might be needed to supplement the clinical findings. This information is then compiled into a summary for discussion with you, so that a joint decision can be taken on a suitable treatment plan. This involves referrals to the relevant practitioners at the OHC or, if necessary, to practitioners elsewhere, including your own General or other Practitioner, whom we hope will remain a central part of your therapeutic team.

Managing Pain

– helping you discover your own path to less suffering

Dr Irwin Friedman

Irwin’s second quite distinct role is to assist with primary care pain management, by offering individualised/group education aimed at understanding the main areas of possible intervention offered by our team. If persistent pain is your problem, it might require interventions by different members of the team, including Irwin himself. He will therefore provide you with medical educational information you need regarding evidenced-based approaches to persistent pain. For example he will explore with you the role of meaningful movement (exercise), mind-mending (meditation & psychotherapy) and the importance of multi-modality (teamwork amongst professionals). You can choose to do this on your own or in a group, subject to availability. The benefits of individualised care include the fact that it is personalized to your particular symptoms and underlying causes while allowing you to move at your own pace. The benefits of taking a group approach include the fact that it allows for sharing; both your personal experiences as well as the costs of the educational process.

Functional and Integrative Medical Interventions

– addressing root causes

Dr Stephan Vosloo

With over 40 years of experience as a medical doctor, Dr Stephan Vosloo has dedicated his career to optimizing the health and well-being of clients across all age groups. Now, working alongside the team at the Optimum Health Centre, Stephan’s comprehensive approach integrates conventional medical expertise with functional and integrative medicine principles, allowing him to provide tailored assessments, interventions, and patient education services. As a committed and compassionate practitioner, Stephan stays abreast of the latest research in health and well-being, ensuring that our clients receive the most effective and evidence-based care.

Since the onset of Covid-19, Stephan has seamlessly transitioned to online consultations, maintaining continuity of care for clients while prioritizing their safety and convenience. While virtual sessions have proven effective, he is always mindful of the importance of physical examinations when necessary and, as such, he often needs to collaborate closely with clients’ primary health providers to ensure holistic care.

Stephan’s passion lies in empowering individuals to achieve optimum physical health and well-being through personalized strategies rooted in functional medicine. By addressing the root causes of health issues and emphasizing proactive lifestyle interventions, he guides clients towards sustainable health transformations. Together with his clients and the relevant team members at the Optimum Health Centre, he embarks on a journey towards vitality and resilience, fostering lasting improvements in clients’ quality of life.

Testimonials – Dr Stephan Vosloo

Andrew O - Sydney, Australia

I was experiencing recurring Inflammatory medical issues that were intensifying over time and not being resolved by any of the usual medical protocols. Wanting to stop the endless cycle of “a pill for your ill”. After more than a decade of doctors telling me “We don’t know why – try these drugs”, I was seeking a structured, holistic approach to find out “why” and take preventative action.

Dr Vosloo provided a specific diagnostic plan leading to a treatment protocol that includes diet, supplements, lifestyle and environment changes. These have resulted in genuine improvements and a huge amount of tools & information I didn’t have prior. Not a quick fix, it’s a commitment to functional medicine & its processes, guided by a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable professional.

The improvements I made in 6 months (after I stopped fighting the process) have been real & measurable. Huge reduction in my inflammatory flare ups, a true understanding of ‘why’ and a plan to progress and improve my health moving forward (with expert guidance throughout). I feel better and I am visiting doctors and specialists a lot less which is the outcome I’ve been seeking. Excited to see where my progress is in a few years following this path.

Jon Taylor, Retired Psychologist - Durban, South Africa

At 63 years of age, I suddenly lost my hearing, so was forced to retire from work, and the treatment I received from my GP and ENT for the diagnosis of an auto-immune virus in my inner ear did not help.

Stephan took a very systematic and holistic approach in diagnosing my condition, starting with improving my diet, plus a DNA analysis and a wide range of blood tests. From this he prescribed a range of supplements and lifestyle changes. He emphasized the importance of gut health, and the suggested changes in my diet have greatly helped to stabilize my condition.

He also ordered tests for mercury poisoning and toxic mold, both of which came back positive, and so my amalgams were removed and he advised me to work at de-toxifying my system through exercise, sweating, and heavy metal removal medications.

My quality of life has greatly improved from these interventions, and I am convinced that I would not have reached the age of 73 in reasonably good health without Stephan’s assistance.

I have experienced how Stephan fulfils his medical calling in a spirit of love and empathy for other’s suffering, and I can highly recommend him to anyone who has conditions that don’t respond to the usual quick fix “pill for every ill” approach…

I appreciate that Stephan researches natural ways of healing as far as possible, to get to the root causes of illness. He keeps abreast of new approaches to medicine – the discipline is changing rapidly with new technologies and research which often takes ages to filter through to medical training. I feel blessed that I have been able to work with Stephan.

Belinda v H - Pretoria, South Africa

I started seeing Dr. Vosloo, because I was experiencing sleeplessness, weight and stress problems, hormone issues, heavy hot flushes and iron deficiency and wanted a holistic approach to treatment, as traditional medicine is not working for me. Dr. Vosloo provided me with a tailored treatment plan that included specific supplements, stress management and sleeping tools, dietary changes to correct imbalances and support my wellbeing. Within a few weeks, I noticed a significant improvement in my sleeping and ability to manage stress. Within a few months, I noticed significant improvement in my hot flushes, mood swings and general wellbeing. I feel more energetic, focused, and positive than I have in years. There was a light in this dark tunnel for me.

I highly recommend Dr. Vosloo to anyone seeking a comprehensive and compassionate approach to healthcare. His expertise in functional medicine and dedication to his patient’s well-being is truly exceptional and rare. I’ve never met any medical professional that takes this much time to listen to his patients, do research and write reports and provide feedback that is understandable.

For me he is not only my doctor, he is a good friend. The love and empathy with which he speaks and treats his patients is phenomenal and exceptional.

Occupational Therapy

– assisting you to do the things you need, want or love

Helen Gatley – Occupational Therapist

Living with a chronic illness can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Occupational therapy (OT) offers a person-centered approach to help individuals manage these challenges and live a full and meaningful life.

OT interventions are highly individualized, focusing on each person’s unique needs and goals. Julie Anne works collaboratively with clients who will benefit from her input to identify the activities of daily living, work, leisure pursuits, and social interactions that hold the greatest significance for you. The focus of OT intervention is to support you in doing the things you need, want or love to do.

This may involve practical fatigue or pain management strategies, adapting tasks so that they are more manageable, specific rehabilitative exercises, stress management strategies, addressing sleep challenges, and incorporating other habits that can support overall well-being.

By helping you to understand your condition and develop practical strategies to support your sense of well-being, Occupational Therapy can empower you to navigate the complexities of chronic illness and live a fulfilling life.

Physiotherapy

– Restoring your confidence in independent function

Mandy Rawlins – Physiotherapist

With more than 30 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Mandy Rawlins brings a huge wealth of experience to the Optimum Health centre, specifically when it comes to restoring movement in painful joints and muscles through the use of gentle mobilisation and exercises.

Mandy’s approach in working with clients is to use a ‘graded exercise program’. This is a programme of physical activity that starts very slowly and gradually increases over time to restore a client’s energy and endurance alongside their confidence in independent function.

Psychological Therapy

– facilitating the regulation of your nervous system

Alistair Chadwick – Psychologist

The initial task of our psychologist, Alistair is to work with you to determine the extent to which your nervous system might be dysregulated. (Persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and chronic pain are all common signs). Through compassionate listening and observation, he will uncover patterns and triggers unique to you.

You will start with simple exercises that will help you to cultivate awareness of the physical sensations that accompany nervous system dysregulation. Alistair will guide and support you in looking out for signs like feeling overwhelmed, immobilized, emotionally numb, or disconnected from yourself and others.

Once it is understood the extent to which your nervous system is dysregulated, you will be guided in exploring practices and techniques to help regulate it. Drawing from evidence-based approaches like polyvagal theory, mindfulness, and breathwork, Alistair will teach you simple and practical strategies to shift your nervous system into a state of balance.

These practices may include gentle movement, grounding exercises, breathwork, and self-soothing techniques, as examples. Through consistent practice and exploration, you’ll learn to recognize when your nervous system is dysregulated and develop the skills to bring it back into balance.

Alistair will help you to tailor these practices to suit your preferences and lifestyle, empowering you to take charge not only of your nervous system but also of your general health and well-being. Through consistent practice and gentle exploration, you’ll develop a toolbox of skills that will enable you to reclaim full control over your nervous system, gradually building resilience and flexibility and restoring your body’s natural capacity for self-healing.

Testimonials – Alistair Chadwick

David T - Howick, New Zealand

I am certain that Alistair is the Best. It is rare to find someone so kind, so good with people, and so great at shepherding people through tough times.

I have a health condition that makes each day tough. Alistair’s help has been a blessing. He has helped me through my thorny cognitive traps, and helped me build a sense of kindness for myself. He is wise, kind, and patient. He listens well and shares gently. He is really great, with people.

Wherever you find yourself, I think he can help you find the light. Whatever unpleasant challenges you face, I know that, with his guidance, you can bring peace, kindness, and forgiveness into that space.

Nutrition Therapy

– building eating habits that support excellent health

Keri Strachan – Dietician

You are what you eat. Keri, the OHC dietician, plays a crucial role in supporting many of our clients on their journey toward optimal health. She begins by conducting a thorough assessment of a client’s eating habits, nutritional status, and health goals. Utilizing this information, Keri works collaboratively with a client to develop personalized eating plans tailored to their unique needs and preferences, with sustainability a priority.

Keri’s personalised eating plans are designed to not only address specific health concerns but also to optimise overall well-being, energy levels, and vitality. She provides ongoing guidance and support to ensure clients understand and adhere to their dietary recommendations, empowering them to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

Moreover, Keri stays abreast of the latest research and nutritional science, integrating evidence-based practices into her approach. By fostering a supportive and educational environment, Keri empowers clients to cultivate healthy eating habits that promote long-term health and wellness.

Health Coaching

– guiding you in the holistic resolution of your health conditions

Lisa Glaister – Health Coach
Kathryn Millar – Health Coach

As health coaches and advocates for approaching health conditions holistically, Lisa and Kathryn offer one-on-one coaching to clients who need support in advancing their chronic pain management journey. They work with the rest of our team to understand each client’s specific conditions and medical needs, and through skilful conversations, strategies and client-led interventions are able to assist clients in improved self-management of their health. Health coaching is a process that moves clients forward by putting them in the driving seat, making them agents of change, which is why it is such a successful process.

The health coaching process focuses initially on the client’s current situation, establishing an understanding of why change is a must. Thereafter, the view is on the future: what does the client want and why do they want it? Being in a resourceful state is important for moving forward, and part of this is creating a clear plan, which is actionable and adaptable to challenges that will inevitably come up along the way. Ultimately, a successful health coaching journey results in maintenance of what the client wants to achieve, and managing the impacts and effects of chronic illness and pain in their lives.

Lisa and Kathryn offer clients a private and safe space to explore their health, to ask questions without fear of judgement and to simply be themselves. Having qualified through the UK based Health Coaches Academy, they have completed over a hundred hours each in private and group coaching and are excited to be able to support clients in reclaiming management of their chronic health and pain issues.

Testimonials – Kathryn Millar & Lisa Glaister

Lauren F - Howick, South Africa

Over the past 4 weeks I have had the privilege of being under the care of Kathryn Millar. When I started, it was with trepidation as a person who has battled weight for my entire adult life, getting started is the hard part. From the very beginning Kathryn was warm and kind, and immediately put me at ease. Her manner was positive and inviting and at no point did I feel judged. Her passion is evident, and from her appearance and natural demeanour I could tell that she practices the lifestyle she encourages.

Her knowledge of the lifestyle was extensive and she was able to handle all questions without referring to notes. Over and above the one on one sessions, much support was given in the form of notes, recipes and articles. All of this contributed to the motivation during the week. The suggestion of keeping a food diary was a very helpful one. This helped keep me intentional and focused.

I have valued our time together and feel more motivated than when I started. I feel that her empathy is so sincere that should I stumble I could easily contact her. I was left feeling that she really cared about my journey.

Lauren G - Howick, South Africa

Kathryn’s program offers realistic and manageable changes.  My eating habits have become more mindful, my weight and mood have improved as well as my meal preparation.  I am sleeping better for the first time in years. I would describe Kathryn as incredibly kind, supportive, and accepting. She never judges but listens earnestly then offers small tweaks that help set me up for success in a painless way. I would recommend Kathryn to anyone! Especially those who are “stuck” as I was after “falling off the wagon” of healthy eating patterns.  The process is very easy, but over time huge changes can be achieved! I NEVER felt overwhelmed or like giving up and am well on my way to achieving my health goals.

Dr Mario S - Durban, South Africa

I am so thankful for Kath’s intervention in my life. She has been excellent in helping me making great choices both in my diet and exercise, and in my life. She guided me in daily mindfulness training to even getting to explain how to organise my time and keep me motivated to keep up my goals. She was so thoughtful and deeply empathetic, always checking how my week was going. She has great intuition about what my needs would be before I could even think of them, and I always felt comfortable to talk to her about the ups and downs of my week. I totally look forward to our continued interaction and new heights of my healthy life.

Jenny - Howick, South Africa

Lisa has been extremely helpful in helping me to ascertain where I am and where I would like to get to in terms of my health. Her holistic approach and genuine interest in my lifestyle and health has been motivating and encouraging. She has encouraged me throughout the week between our sessions in a way which I have found hugely beneficial.

Wendy - Howick, South Africa

I thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with Lisa. She is kind and thoughtful with a keen sense of humour. There were many moments in between our sessions when I thought ‘what would Lisa say’ which kept me focused and I was able to put into place the ideas we had worked on during our times together. All her advice is practical and was easy for me to grasp and the way Lisa explained it was clear and kind.

Bianca - Howick, South Africa

I can’t believe the positive changes a few sessions with Lisa have made in my life. I have lost weight, my general outlook on life has become much more positive and I am actively improving my relationships with the people I love. Having Lisa’s positive advice and persistently holding me accountable has been life changing.

Other Modalities

Many other types of therapy are important to chronic conditions, for example Physiotherapy, etc. As the OHC develops it is planned to gradually incorporate such disciplines into our comprehensive team.