Heleen is a PhD researcher at the University of Antwerp (Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy), under the supervision of Dr. Tessa De Vrieze and Prof. Dr. Nick Gebruers. Her research focuses on the effectiveness of kinesio taping for chronic breast and trunk lymphoedema in breast cancer survivors. By combining subjective and objective assessments, she aims to gain a deeper understanding of how physiotherapeutic treatments can influence swelling, comfort, and pain.
Before starting her PhD, Heleen worked for two years as a physiotherapist, initially focusing on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and gradually transitioning toward the treatment of patients with lymphoedema. Over time, her interest in this patient group grew, fueling her passion for improving care and outcomes.
She is driven by the ambition to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, enhancing care and supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.
> Institute: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, MOVANT, University of Antwerp
> ORCID: 0009-0004-3482-4064
> Expertise: cancer population, lymphoedema