About Cheryl Gaynor Physiotherapy
Cheryl Gaynor is a clinical physiotherapist with over 35 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals restore movement, build strength, and return to the activities that matter to them most.
Her approach is hands-on, evidence-based, and focused on achieving sustainable, long-term outcomes. Cheryl combines clinical precision with genuine compassion, recognising that effective rehabilitation extends beyond the physical. She understands the complex relationship between pain, stress, confidence, and healing, and adopts a holistic approach.
Throughout her career, Cheryl has developed advanced expertise across a broad spectrum of conditions. She has completed postgraduate training in Manipulative Therapy, Chronic Pain Management, Dry Needling and Acupuncture, as well as Myofascial Release, among other specialised areas. In addition to her clinical work, she has lectured extensively in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, contributing to the education and development of fellow healthcare professionals.
A particular area of focus for Cheryl is breast cancer rehabilitation. She is deeply committed to advancing awareness and improving outcomes for individuals affected by breast cancer and works closely with leading specialists in Cape Town. Her goal is to provide expert, compassionate care that supports patients through every stage of recovery with confidence and dignity.
Cheryl maintains a strong interest in ongoing research, particularly in the field of neuroscience and its role in recovery. By remaining at the forefront of rehabilitation science, she ensures her patients benefit from both well-established, evidence-based treatments and emerging insights into how the brain and body heal together.
Whether supporting recovery after surgery, managing chronic pain, or restoring function following injury, Cheryl provides skilled, individualised care aimed at helping each patient achieve optimal movement and quality of life.
Sam Kirby-Smith is a passionate physiotherapist with a strong interest in sports and musculoskeletal health. She enjoys working with people of all activity levels, helping them recover from injury, move better, and get back to doing what they love.
With a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy, Sam combines her academic knowledge with hands-on clinical experience to provide practical, evidence-based treatment. She takes the time to understand each individual and tailors her approach to suit their goals—whether that’s returning to sport, managing pain, or improving overall movement and performance.
Sam has a particular interest in injury prevention, especially within dance. Her Master’s research, “Lower extremity injury predictors in ballet dancers: A scoping review,” was published in the African Journal for Physical Activity and Health Sciences (September 2025). This has given her valuable insight into the demands placed on dancers and athletes alike, and how best to support them in staying strong and injury-free.
She is committed to ongoing learning and staying up to date with the latest developments in physiotherapy, ensuring her patients always receive high-quality care.