Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Physical challenge doesn’t stymie physiotherapist
Author: Liezel Engelbrecht
Published: 05/12/2017

Liesl James always dreamed of becoming a physiotherapist. “I wanted to study physiotherapy for as long as I can remember," she recalls.

Her dream was, however, born in different circumstances than most. Liesl was diagnosed with left hemiplegic cerebral palsy when her mom noticed that something wasn't “quite right" and started looking for answers from specialists when she was three months old. This means Liesl has limited use of the left side of her body.

“But my mother went to great lengths to ensure I had the right physiotherapist and occupational therapist to assist me."

She recalls having a physiotherapist who really pushed her at age 11. “This made me want to understand what was 'wrong' with me and how I could help other children with diagnoses similar to mine."

However, childhood was never easy for Liesl. “I was bullied in the special school I went to, as well as in mainstream schools, due to the way I walk. Luckily my mother was always there to make sure that it didn't get me down."

But, she admits, it took a toll on her. The biggest challenge she has had to overcome was the fear in her mind. “I was afraid of doing anything in case I would be ridiculed or might fail."

She was challenged even further when her physiotherapy dream couldn't be realised immediately after she matriculated at Edenvale High School in Johannesburg. “I wrote matric in 2006, but my marks weren't good enough. I then took a gap year in an effort to improve my marks, but that was fruitless."

She found herself working for the South African Sport Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD), where she discovered a love for working with disabled athletes and started saving to study in 2008. “I think it was only during this time, seeing the athletes overcome so many obstacles, that I changed how I felt about myself, and started thinking I can do anything I put my mind to."

She then went on to complete a BA degree in Human Movement Science and an honours degree in Sport Science at the University of Pretoria.

When she married an actuary in 2012, Liesl couldn't anticipate that his company would ask him to relocate to Cape Town. This was exactly the push she needed and she successfully applied for a BSc in Physiotherapy at Stellenbosch University.

Now 29 years old, Liesl has completed her degree and is more excited than ever about the possibilities her future holds. Next year she'll be starting her community service year at New Somerset Hospital in Cape Town, and after that the world is her oyster.

“There's so much a physiotherapist can do for people. It's about the connection you make with your patient emotionally, spiritually and physically. It gives me such joy to help a patient who has had a stroke to get up and walk after months of lying in bed, or help a patient to finally walk pain-free."

She is motivated by the Nike catchphrase “Just do it!", and believes that everyone is capable of doing anything through hard work and perseverance – characteristics she says are embodied by her mother and passed on to her.

Liesl plans on continuing to make a difference. “I would love to say that being one of the physiotherapists of the Paralympics team is on the list of things I've done. But I'm just happy to be starting my dream job!"

Caption: In spite of a left hemiplegic cerebral palsy, Liesl James obtained her BSc degree in Physiotherapy.