About us

Mariska is a dedicated physiotherapist based in Linden, bringing over a decade of diverse clinical experience to her practice. After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2012, she completed her Community Service year at Helen Joseph Hospital in 2013. Her career path then led her to Pretoria, where she gained valuable experience working in private hospitals, particularly specializing in Cardiothoracic ICU care.

In 2015, Mariska returned to her roots in Linden and seized the opportunity to establish her own practice, where she continues to serve the community with distinction. Her connection to the area runs deep, having attended Hoërskool Linden before pursuing her medical education.

Committed to continuous professional development, Mariska has pursued extensive additional training in various specialized areas:

Pain Management and Manual Therapy

• Certificate in Pain Management (including international PGAP certification) consisting of numerous modules and exams.
• Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) or Neuromusculo-skeletal therapy, consisting of numerous modules, practicals and exams.
• Dry Needling
• Advanced training in TMJ (Jaw) disorders
• Kinesio-taping certification
• Posture, biomechanics, and movement pattern analysis
• Sports injury management
• Specialized pelvic treatment techniques
• Vertigo treatment
• Headache management
• Low back pain management (Risk Stratification Model)
• Basic Life Support certification

Philosophy of Care

Mariska’s approach to physiotherapy is based on building meaningful relationships with her patients while delivering evidence-based care. She believes in creating a positive impact through every interaction, combining her technical expertise with a deeply personal approach to patient care. Her practice welcomes patients of all ages, from young children to seniors, reflecting her commitment to serving the entire Linden community.

As a mother of two children, Mariska understands first-hand the challenges of balancing life’s many demands. She cherishes time spent outdoors and finds joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s reading a good book or savouring quiet moments. Her personal understanding that life can sometimes feel overwhelming and hectic fuels her passion for helping others navigate their health challenges.

This perspective enriches her practice, allowing her to connect with patients on a deeper level and provide care that acknowledges both their physical needs and life circumstances. As a practice owner, community healthcare provider, and mother, she continues to enhance her skills through regular professional development, ensuring her patients receive the most current and effective treatment approaches available in physiotherapy

Originally from Ugie, a small farming town in the Eastern Cape, Tara brings a deep sense of care and community to her work at Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy Inc. After graduating from the University of Witwatersrand in 2020, she completed her community service in the Eastern Cape, where she served as the sole physiotherapist for the region. Her dedication and empathy have shaped her patient-centred approach which also led her to establish her own practice, before moving back to Johannesburg.

Tara’s passion for physiotherapy stems from her commitment to restoring function and reducing pain for her patients. She has a particular interest in treating complex areas like the feet, ankles, wrists, and hands and continues to specialize in headache management. Gross motor rehabilitation, and gait restoration are also two areas that bring Tara great joy. Tara has a broad skill set which she has pursued through extensive coursework which includes:

• Dry Needling
• Persistent Neuromusculoskeletal Pain
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) Management
• Principles of Pain
• Pain and the Stress Response Systems
• Clinical Communication Skills
• Management of Temporomandibular Joint and Associated Conditions
• Prescribing Exercise for Pain and Health Conditions
• Multi-Tendon Rehabilitation and Management

With experience in both private practice and rural communities, Tara thrives on empowering her patients through education and body awareness, fostering independence in their recovery journeys. Her approach blends empathy, clinical expertise, and a love for insightful conversations about how the body and mind work together to heal. When she’s not working, Tara is a proud dog mom to two dachshunds and, by her own admission, an introvert who loves one-on-one sessions and has a perpetual habit of cleaning. Her dedication to both her patients and profession continues to drive her ongoing pursuit of knowledge and excellence in the field.

Originally from Bethal in Mpumalanga, Altus brings warmth, patience, and a strong sense of purpose to his work at Mariska Odendaal Physiotherapy Inc. He graduated from the University of Pretoria (TUKS) in 2019 and completed his community service at Weskoppies Hospital, an enlightening experience that deepened his understanding of compassion and empathy in clinical care.

Following that, Altus worked at Chevrah Kadisha, an old age home, where he provided ongoing support and rehabilitation to elderly patients, further shaping his thoughtful and attentive approach to therapy.

Altus was first drawn to physiotherapy after sustaining a sports injury in high school. The experience of working with a physiotherapist during his own recovery sparked a passion for helping others regain function and confidence through rehabilitation. Today, he continues to find fulfilment in treating sports injuries and post-operative cases, and also holds a special interest in chest physiotherapy and geriatric rehabilitation.

He is certified in strapping and Dry Needling Level 2, and uses a combination of hands-on techniques, clinical reasoning, and patient education to tailor each treatment to the individual’s needs. His approach is grounded in truly listening to his patients, understanding their goals, and working collaboratively to support their recovery and well-being.

Outside the practice, Altus enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring new places with his wife. He’s also a proud cat dad to three cats, and values the balance that nature and time with loved ones bring to his life. Calm, compassionate, and dedicated, Altus continues to bring a thoughtful and patient-centred approach to everything he does.