I qualified as a physiotherapist in Munich in 1988 and completed my MSc (Physiotherapy) at Coventry University in 2012 and a PhD at the University of Leicester in 2021.
My current role of course lead BSc Physiotherapy at Hochschule Fresenius in Munich started in autumn 2020. My teaching and research is focussed around neurology, pain and intercultural competences. I still work with patients with one-sided chronic pain conditions and unusual neurological presentations. Before my current role with Fresenius I taught at Coventry University and Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg, conducted research at the University of Leicester and worked as a research physiotherapist at the University of Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust and gave courses in mirror therapy internationally (see section courses). Since 2011 my special interest is focussed around the question how visual illusions can be used for rehabilitation.
Over the many years of practising I worked mostly with neurological patients but also in hand therapy and orthopaedics. My workplaces included outpatients-practices, patients' homes, care homes and rehabilitation hospitals.
Certificates and advanced courses in both orthopaedics and neurology in Germany:
In England I specialise in unusual cases in neurology and pain.
After My MSc I took my special interest further in research at the University of Leicester. I also worked as a research physiotherapist at the University of Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust and in private practice. Now I also lecture physiotherapy students at Coventry University.
My special interest in visual illusions in health which includes mirror therapy and the rubber hand illusion led to many activities in this area:
I am a registered physiotherapist (HCPC) and a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. As the former Chair of the Physiotherapy Research Society I was involved in all aspects such as reviewing, organising and generally making things happen.
Further I am a member of several pain and rehabilitation organisations: EFIC, ACPIN, PPA, SRR, UKSF and presented at several of these associations' conferences.
I give talks, consultancy and courses on Mirror Therapy internationally (in Greece, Italy, Germany, UK, Croatia) and maintain an international network with colleagues of all relevant professions: physicians, occupational therapists, psychologists, physiotherapists and specialist nurses. The network spreads over 25 countries.