Praktijk voor oefentherapie Mensendieck Marcella Schonk

About Praktijk voor oefentherapie Mensendieck Marcella Schonk

Praktijk voor oefentherapie Mensendieck Cesar is based in Doetinchem. Marcella Schonk offers exercise therapy and courses, including sleep exercise therapy, pregnancy support and baby massage.

Exercise therapy

Mensendieck exercise therapy focuses on posture and movement, body awareness and reducing problems. Exercises are tailored to the client’s situation and are practical for everyday life.

• Mensendieck exercise therapy
• Workplace exercise therapy
• Sleep exercise therapy
• Treatment of chronic pain

Pregnancy support

The course consists of seven 60-minute lessons. It covers everyday postures and movements, exercises, breathing, relaxation, concentration and preparation for childbirth.

• Exercises for recovery after childbirth
• Postures and movements for everyday activities
• Exercises for muscles and joints that change during pregnancy
• Breathing, relaxation and concentration exercises
• Pushing techniques and positions
• Partner lesson
• Information about pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period

Baby massage

The course includes three 30-minute lessons. In addition to massage, it covers carrying, lifting and swaddling the baby. The course can take place at the practice or at home; times are arranged by mutual agreement.

• Baby massage
• Carrying and lifting the baby
• Swaddling

Sleep exercise therapy

Treatment usually consists of about five to ten sessions and combines discussion and exercise sessions. The treatment plan is drawn up together with the exercise therapist.

• Sleep exercise therapy for pregnant women and babies
• Sleep exercise therapy for children with sleep problems and their parents
• Sleep exercise therapy for adults
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Mindfulness
• Sleep hygiene

About the exercise therapist

Marcella Schonk has worked as a Mensendieck exercise therapist for 34 years. She trained in Haptonomie (the Dutch practice of developing awareness through touch) and Kinesionomie (movement-based body awareness) and is a medical kinetics teacher; she specialises in pregnancy-related and work-related problems.