Nikki has helped me out so many times! I have a lower back that gives me hassles and Nikki has helped me to treat and relieve the pain. I am currently pregnant and have had a few new and different aches and pains and Nikki has helped me to manage these and have a very comfortable pregnancy. And very importantly I have felt completely safe at her practice during COVID.

I don't normally write reviews but I do read them. Because Nikki set up her (new) practice only a month ago, I thought there might be others who wonder if they should take the plunge and make a booking. A review might help, so here goes.

Choosing a physiotherapist is not merely a 'search engine exercise'; a personal recommendation from someone one can relate to normally helps.

I've been fortunate injury-wise, so it's been a few years since I last had to make use of the services of a physiotherapist. That was Megan Dutton in Bellville, whom I can recommend without any reservation. However, lately I've been working mostly from Town, an arrangement that may well continue. It therefore made sense to look for someone a bit closer.

My first thought was to go back to the Sports Injuries Clinic at UCT. Unfortunately, Covid-19 circumstances forced them to close down. That's really sad. Helene Simpson and her team have provided an excellent service there over more than two decades. The only good news about it: the therapists who worked there are all doing their own thing now and can still be reached.

I compared their backgrounds and fields of interest, and Nikki looked like the best choice for someone like me with running- or cycling-related injuries. I made an appointment, without the personal recommendation I would normally have looked for. If she was good enough to be a part of Helene's team for four years, that was good enough for me.

So, apart from formal references like qualifications and experience, what's to like about Nikki and her practice?

- The facilities are new, modern and airy. (Don't go by the Google Streetview picture. The place was rebuilt a year ago.) She shares the facilities with others who render related services.
- Street parking is readily available. If you arrive by bicycle, ask to park inside, which is no problem.
- The ability to self-book an appointment online is great, and easy payment options like SnapScan are available.
- I've found Nikki to be professional and thorough. Her aim is clearly to get to the deeper causes of the problem rather than merely addressing the injury itself.
- She explains what she is looking for, what she sees, and what that tells her. Each procedure or exercise is explained.
- I appreciated that she never told me to stop exercising but rather worked at finding ways for me to continue doing so without causing further damage.

What's not to like?

Nothing so far. It's early days, I know, but I've just booked a follow-up appointment.