By Marliese Steyn

Prior to attending hands-on clinical training, Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP) students are supported by LCO faculty in preparing a thesis dissertation based on a case study or literature review. As part of our ongoing effort to disseminate osteopathic research, we are proud to highlight selected student works.

In her thesis dissertation, LCO graduate, Marliese Steyn, examines the role that osteopathic techniques in combination with Pilates therapy can potentially play in the rehabilitation of disc herniation and degeneration.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/2XFFIj9

About Marliese Steyn

From a very young age Marliese participated in running and playing tennis.  By the end of her final school year, Marliese was forced to choose between the two. According to Marliese, “If you want to be the best in something you have to give it your full attention and focus.  I chose Athletics (100m and 200m sprinter).”

1989 * Marliese broke the long standing South African Record in the 100m for under 17 girls.  (11,64)

1992 * World Junior Championships in Athletics in Seoul Korea.

1996 * South African Champion in both 100m and 200m (11,30 * 23,08) (Politics prevented me from being chosen for the Olympic team for Atlanta 1996)

1998 * Second in South African Championships in both 100m and 200m (Politics prevented me from being chosen for the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur)

From 1999 to 2006 injuries such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and tightness in hamstrings got the better of Marliese.  She did rehab upon rehab, eventually relying on her own rehab and training program. As a result, Marliese became a Personal Trainer, Pilates Trainer, Massage therapist and Manual Osteopath.