Pelvic and Women’s Health physiotherapist, Chronic Pain Physiotherapist

Isabel Deist

Isabel Deist graduated as a physiotherapist from the University of Pretoria in 1996. She has been in private practice since 1997 and is currently based at Mediclinic Kloof Hospital in Pretoria. In 2010, she became the first physiotherapist to join the My Sexual Health team.

She has a passion for supporting people to restore healthy sexual and emotional relationships in her professional role as a physiotherapist.

Isabel has completed numerous courses in Women’s Health Physiotherapy and has treated both women and men with pelvic pain and dysfunction. She works closely with gynaecologists, gastroenterologists, urologists, and general surgeons to treat patients with urinary and faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis-related pain, sexual dysfunction, and ante- and post-natal rehabilitation.

She also works with men experiencing conditions such as orchialgia, pelvic pain, paruresis (shy bladder), pre- and post-prostatectomy recovery, and sexual dysfunction.

Committed to a holistic approach, Isabel completed a two-year course in Pastoral Narrative Therapy accredited by the University of Pretoria, enriching her ability to support the psychosocial aspects of individuals and their relationships.

She has completed her APLD Level 2 qualification in Pain Management and treats a variety of chronic pain conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and widespread pain, using the biopsychosocial model of care. She also teaches Pain Neuroscience Education to patients and helps them apply it practically in their daily lives.

Currently, Isabel is pursuing her Master’s degree in Physiotherapy through the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on “Chronic Pelvic Pain, Dysfunction and Quality of Life after Gynaecological Cancer Treatments and Procedures.”

In addition to her clinical work, Isabel is an external lecturer at the University of Pretoria, teaching pelvic health to physiotherapy students.

Official Registration:

Health Professions Council of South Africa (PT0059145)

South African Society of Physiotherapy (DEI010)

Board of Health Funders (PR NO 7234147)