Rugby star Siya Kolisi’s doctor, Dr. van der Merwe, has opened up about his mind-blowing surgery and fast recovery.
Dr. van der Merwe, known to have helped heal Siya Kolisi after he injured his cruciate ligament six months before the Rugby World Cup in France, has finally opened up about it.
According to reports, Kolisi’s teammates Pieter-Steph du Toit and Handré Pollard suggested consulting Dr. Willem van der Merwe, a Cape Town orthopaedic surgeon, and former Free State all-rounder cricketer.
van der Merwe revealed in an interview with Biznews that he advised the Rugby star against using crutches and encouraged him to cycle.
He said, “I think a lot of it is not based on true science. He never went to the gym. I said to him, ‘Get back on the field, start throwing the ball around, feel how your knee feels.’ As soon as he felt that his knee was stable and he trusted it, it’s amazing the recovery. So, it’s more to do with him than me.”
He also revealed he got objections from other doctors who were against his methods, saying it was too early. Springbok physiotherapists and even an official Racing 92 orthopedic surgeon spoke against his methods.
“The reaction was very negative…They all said, no, I’m crazy, and I’m putting him at risk,” He said. However, Kolisi recovered in time for the games.
