Treatment Team

The multidisciplinary treatment team of MedifitReha

We engage various specialised practitioners for your multidisciplinary treatment. Together with the rehabilitation doctor, they form your treatment team. The team is under the final responsibility of the rehabilitation doctor. Our team of therapists consists of more than twenty therapists complemented by a team of ten doctors and specialists.

The members of our treatment team are in close contact with each other. This means that consultation can take place quickly and multidisciplinary consultations are held every week. All this ensures good cooperation between the various disciplines. The protocol can therefore be adapted very quickly to your current situation, thus guaranteeing the best possible recovery.

Dr. Francisco Cholbi – Rehabilitation doctor

Dr Francisco Cholbi studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Valencia and the Université de Lausanne from 1998 to 2004. He was admitted as an intern in Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine at the Hospital General Universitario de Alicante and obtained the specialization in 2009.
Since 2010 he has been working as a rehabilitation doctor at the Medifit Reha Clinic, combining his activity at the General Hospital of Alicante.
He also has a master’s in Interventional Ultrasound, his speciality is comprehensive rehabilitation in fields such as neurological and oncological rehabilitation, pain treatment and child rehabilitation.
He has a special interest in regenerative medicine and treatments with PRP and botulinum toxin used for pain and to improve the rehabilitation process.
Author of publications, lectures and communications in courses and congresses of the speciality. Currently, he continues with his scientific and training activity.

Dr Mart Jan Rongen – Medical Director

Dr. Rongen is an experienced surgeon with a recognised track record in medical practice. He works in Oncology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and General Surgery. He graduated from Utrecht University and received his PhD from Maastricht University.

Miguel Martorell Schonenberg – Managing Director

After completing his economic/management studies, he chose to take a different path. The Erasmus exchange programme in Valencia only increased his interest in Spain. After his studies, he worked in Tilburg and Eindhoven before heading off to work in rehabilitation centres in London and Italy (Milan). There, he specialised in various disciplines of rehabilitation. In 2000 he went to the Costa Blanca to start his own physical therapy practice, which has grown into the rehabilitation centre Medifit Reha.
Miguel has completed several master’s degrees in manual therapy, chiropractic’s and rehabilitation and regularly attends refresher courses and seminars to keep up to date with developments in rehabilitation medicine.
His mission and ambition is to provide patients with highly qualified care and efficient rehabilitation in order to help them participate in society as soon as possible. He started the rehabilitation centre based on the philosophy that rehabilitation always aims to achieve the maximum possible independence and autonomy and to reintegrate the patient with their specific limitations into society.
In addition, he is engaged in the continuous development and improvement of our treatment programmes with a focus on innovation and active patient participation.

Gerard Krol – general manager

Gerard is a manual therapist, sports physiotherapist, specialist in pulmonary rehabilitation and in temporomandibular therapy and has a master’s degree in acupuncture. He has gained a lot of experience in different physiotherapeutic practices and rehabilitation centres in Europe. He has also studied business administration, sports economics, and marketing. Being able to contribute to someone’s health is what he values about working in the healthcare sector.

Dr Laura van Lochum – Cardiologist

Dr. van Lochem was trained as a cardiologist in the Netherlands, specialising in hereditary (familial) heart diseases. Dr. van Lochem has been working in Spain for several years.

To keep up with the latest techniques and treatments, and to meet the European guidelines for cardiologists, Dr. van Lochem is continuously learning.

As a cardiologist she feels it is important to have a good and open contact with her patients. The patient is the focal point and time is always made for the patient to tell his or her story. For the cardiologist, it is very important to understand the medical background of the patient, so that a correct diagnosis can be made, combined with the right treatment. Dr. Van Lochem explains the clinical picture and treatment in a comprehensible language and is closely involved in your rehabilitation treatment.

Berrie Gerrits – Psychotherapist / GZ-Psychologist

Berrie’s working method is characterised by a concrete and clear approach, aimed at strengthening the client’s own abilities in the here-and-now. He combines conversations with cognitive training for attention, concentration, working memory, intellectual skills and stimulation processing.

Besides working at Medifit Reha, he has his own practice and teaches at LerendBrein (Jungle Memory, Acoustic Pioneer, RaiseYourIQ), he gives lectures and workshops and is a freelance lecturer at the HAN and Saxion University.

Evelien von Eije – Psychologist

As a psychologist she has experience in treating and assessing children, adolescents, and adults. She likes to use psychological tests to write a readable report with practical tips for daily life. This report can then be used as a manual for dealing with any problems experienced.

She works with different methods, mainly cognitive behavioural therapy, if required she also adds other methodologies in the treatment.

Within the sessions, it is possible to shape the intensity of the treatment, from a more coaching approach to a therapeutic treatment.
Her working method is mainly practical. She finds it important to connect with the client and her motto is therefore: “Doing what works!”

Marjolein Nieuwpoort – Physiotherapist

Marjolein is a certified Dutch physiotherapist. She has more than 20 years of professional experience in the neurological and orthopaedic field of rehabilitation. In her career she has also gained a considerable amount of experience with COPD rehabilitation. Before coming to Spain, she worked abroad for 5 years, treating patients of different nationalities and all kinds of conditions.

Apart from Rehabilitation, Marjolein has a lot of experience in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. She combines mobilisation therapy with active therapeutic exercises and has a strong focus on movement and self-treatment.

“Rehabilitation and recovery after injury or chronic illness is hard work for the patient. Part of my job is to guide, stimulate and motivate the patient. With knowledge, the right treatment and good communication with the patient, the recovery will be far more effective!”

In 2018, Marjolein completed an intensive neurological course focused on Stroke, MS, ALS, and other central neurological disorders and in 2019 she completed the dry needling course. In her career she has done many courses in all different fields which ensures that she has a wide range of experience.

Rafael Abbott – physiotherapist / health scientist

Rafa is a physiotherapist and has a master’s degree in sports science. He has over 20 years of experience in physiotherapy, both in sports physiotherapy and in the field of rehabilitation. In addition, he has a specialisation in health sciences and has extensive experience and qualifications in neurological rehabilitation, nutritional education, hydrotherapy, orthopaedic rehabilitation both traumatic, pre-, and post-operative, manual therapy techniques, functional taping (kinesiotaping – course leader), neurological treatment by Hippotherapy, lung physiotherapy and psychomorphology. All this is aimed at treating the patients as well as possible. His passion lies in active rehabilitation, and he has been the manager of the rehabilitation and exercise room since 2006. He is a top athlete, and his biggest hobby is trail running (running in the mountains), in which he achieves top positions in the most extreme races such as the UTMB Montblanc (175km).

Victoria Richmond – physiotherapist

Victoria graduated in physiotherapy at the University of San Juan de Alicante in 2014; she immediately started working at a football team (Calpe) where she gained experience in the field of sports for two years. During this period, she also started working at Medifit Reha, dealing with different patient profiles. Her interest was in manual therapy and functional active exercise with the patients.

She completed the master’s degree in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy based on the Maitland concept; meanwhile, she also completed the course in conservative and invasive physiotherapy for myofascial pain syndrome. In addition to this specialisation, she has gained experience in orthopaedic, cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological rehabilitation during her years here.

Victoria points out, however, that “a large part of the patient’s recovery is down to them; we only guide, teach and advise according to the personal needs of each individual”.

In addition to therapy, Victoria explains the theories behind the mechanisms of pain so that patients actually understand what is occurring and the reasons behind our recommended guidelines or treatments.

Mariana Alén González – Osteopath (physiotherapist)

Mariana is a graduated physiotherapist that went directly to study Osteopathy at the University UMH Elche and obtained her Master´s in Osteopathy in 2017. Furthermore, she specialised in neurodynamic and taping. Currently, she is further specialising in ultrasound and invasive physiotherapy.

She began her career in sports physiotherapy at different clubs and then started working in different physiotherapy practices. She has now been working as an osteopath in our rehabilitation centre for many years with great pleasure. Her involvement with the patients and her knowledge which she constantly increases by following trainings, courses, and seminars, make her of great value. Besides, she has a great interest in nutrition, which is an important part of rehabilitation.

Cristina Vallés Martín – Physiotherapist

Graduated in physiotherapy at the University Miguel Hernández in San Juan (Alicante). After finishing her studies, she did several post-graduate courses such as Pilates, dry needling, sports physiotherapy and she specialized in tendinopathies. She works with great enthusiasm in the clinical department and especially in pulmonary and geriatric rehabilitation where her interests lie.

Daniela Plietz

She completed her training as a certified physiotherapist over 20 years ago in Germany.

Directly after completing her degree, she took the course in manual lymph drainage.

For her, physiotherapy involves working according to a holistic concept, and so she undertook further training in equipment-assisted physiotherapy, manual therapy, back training, and various massage techniques.

Her motivation has always been to promote and strengthen each patient’s abilities and skills and thus make a valuable contribution to their quality of life.

She increasingly began treating neurological patients in our rehabilitation centre, so in 2018 she embarked on a certain reorientation and challenge. She has since completed a Masters in Neurological Rehabilitation at the University of Valencia. Grateful for all this knowledge and to have learned different treatment strategies. She is now working on a specialisation within neurological rehabilitation, invasive electrical stimulation through the brain.

Cas van Voorthuizen – Manual therapist

Cas is a manual therapist with a great deal of experience in physiotherapy. For years he had his own practice in Madrid. We are very pleased that he shares his experience within our rehabilitation centre.

Vicent Camarena – physiotherapist

We came to know Vicent during our internship at the University of Valencia and the University Hospital “La Fe”. He has been working in the rehabilitation centre Medifit Reha since 2012 and is very proud to be part of the international team of Medifit Reha. Just like the other members who offer treatments in Medifit, he makes every effort to offer the best and latest treatments to the patients. He specialises in Invasive Physiotherapy, including Dry Needling, Electrolyse, Neuromodulation and other ultrasound-guided therapies. These techniques are very effective for chronic pains such as tendinitis, muscle aches and sports injuries. Vicent speaks good English.

Naam
First Last
Telefoon*
E-mailadres*
Programma*
Your message*
Newsletter subscription consent
Yes, I sign up for the newsletter
Permission*
I accept the privacy policy*
CAPTCHA
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Geïnteresseerd? Neem direct contact op!

References

Thomas, Ireland

“The hospital is immaculate, the Medifit staff are outstanding, and the overall treatment is better than anything I’ve experienced back home.”

Frank Bierlee, Netherlands

On 09/11 I started the 8-week internal COPD Rehabilitation program at MedifitReha here in Spain. This was my last chance, I was no longer happy with this life. Everything due to the consequences of COPD. The gasping for breath, not being able to walk even 5 meters anymore, the lung attacks, and especially the gasping for breath. And it wasn't pleasant for those around me to see me like that either.

Ita, Ireland

“The care was unbelievable—no waiting lists, no being left on a trolley, no rushed appointments. The doctors took every precaution, the physio team was fantastic, and the hospital was immaculate. The staff knew me, remembered my case, and treated me like a person, not a number.”

Esther, Netherlands

From the first moment my wife Esther arrived in Spain until the very end, she received superb care. Both physically and mentally, they worked on Esther's recovery - and with success! We haven't regretted it for a moment and would truly recommend it to everyone!

Mildred May, The Hague

I felt very comfortable thanks to the kind and caring therapists. I also stayed in a beautiful apartment where I could relax. These 6 weeks have made me much stronger and more confident.

Bert, Huizingh

To everyone who contributed to my recovery: for that I am very grateful. The enthusiasm and passion for the profession are bursting forth. Added to that the personal attention and your eye for the circumstances from day to day make me feel I have to leave some friends behind. So hereby special thanks to Ana, José, Maria, Marjolein and to you for your guidance! Should it come to further (medical) treatment/rehabilitation of the deficiencies in my left foot that you have identified, I will certainly do my best to return under the wings of Medifit!

Armand , Herzberg

By tailoring the training to my needs and applying a customized approach, I found the rehabilitation to be effective.

Sean,

“One of the best things about getting knee surgery in Spain is the Physio. I started a few days after surgery and had two physio sessions a day for five days. That level of care makes such a difference in recovery, and you’d really struggle to get that anywhere else. The fact that even the physio sessions are fully reimbursed makes it even better. Plus, the team are excellent, and their English is just as good as mine!”

Nanda, The Netherlands

Really, what a fantastic rehabilitation center! Just got back 2.5 weeks after hip surgery. What a professional and lovely beautiful people! Highly recommended for anyone who gets "no" aftercare here, I recommend: go to Spain and Medifit ... health insurers reimburse this. Fantastic team!!

Marije, Netherlands

At HCB Medifit, I knew from the first moment that I was in good hands, both literally and figuratively. What wonderful people. There is a lot of knowledge and expertise, but above all, genuine attention and careful coordination. For me, the other great strength of the PCS program lies in the combination of different treatments. What especially helped me in this was that all components were focused on both training and improving the physical aspect (namely the complaints I experience) as well as how I can deal with them.

Henny, Fishermen - White

For all fellow sufferers, no matter how sad the circumstances are, when you visit the rehabilitation clinic in Moraira, you can learn a lot with the cooperation of this fantastic team of therapists, both physically and mentally!

Ann, Ireland

“I was due to fly home after a week, but I extended my stay to get extra physio. The extra physio is reimbursed and the standard is second to none.”

Chiel (Michael) & Aty , Visser-Dekker

Michael arrived in Moraira in a wheelchair and left with only a cane as a (temporary) support when walking. Far better than we had ever hoped for! Far better than we had ever hoped for!

Liliana L., Netherlands

My rehabilitation stay at MedifitReha in Dénia was exactly what I needed. Living with MS means dealing not only with physical limitations but also emotional challenges - and at MedifitReha, I felt supported in both areas.

The program is intensive, highly professional, and personalized. I trained for three, sometimes four hours a day, five days a week - always adapted to my capabilities. This level of intensity, care, and focus is simply not possible at home in the Netherlands. Yet it never felt overwhelming.
The team knew exactly how to challenge me in the right way.

I noticed real improvements: more strength, increased muscle mass, better balance, and most importantly - more confidence in my body. I also learned to accept certain limitations, which gave me peace of mind. After all, everyone has limitations - some due to illness, others due to age or life circumstances.

The daily hydrotherapy was particularly helpful - training in warm water allowed me to move freely and safely, without fear of falling. It was the perfect way to work on my balance and core stability. I also enjoyed the cognitive training with the VR headset - it was fun and playful, yet challenging at the same time.

Another important part of the program was the psychological support.

Jego, Netherlands

Medifit, a rehabilitation center where you get the care you need. A great team, Anna, Gerard, Marjolein, Maria, Jef, and Monique. These people give you a boost of positive vitamins. I have made great progress, recommended for anyone who needs care. Thank you! Much love and health to all of you.

Klaas Jan Hindriks - Foreign Correspondent NOS, Netherlands

Your organization and treatment center is not only distinguished by its medical knowledge, but above all by the dedication and inspiring support of the extremely experienced employees.

Jos Jansen, The Netherlands

I trained intensively with the therapists for 8 weeks. As a result, I now have much more endurance. I also feel much better. The healthy air at the Costa Blanca has also helped significantly.

Janine , Vorstenbosch

What an amazing experience it was and it brought me a lot. 8 weeks of rehabilitation both physically and mentally. In the setting of a very nice care hotel, where I really lacked nothing. Where I could relax in addition to the daily exercise and training. A bonus was meeting fellow sufferers. Many beautiful conversations in the evening on the terrace.

Ab , Muller

My name is Ab with years of experience with Medifit.

First time was October 2015 after knee prosthesis from HCB Benidorm to Benitachell: it was wonderful!
Second time January 2018: was for back surgery at HCB and another stay in Benitachell!
Third time August 2021 after my wife's long admission to HCB, 2 months rehabilitation in Moraira / Benitachell.
Fourth time and hopefully the last time! November 2023 for a hip prosthesis in the new HCB Denia and since November 6th rehabilitating at Hotel Danyia in Denia with Medifit.

In my opinion, the best formula for rehabilitation so far! Amazing help from Ray with transport from the hospital. Nothing seems too much for him, and that's been true all these years (I've known him since 2015). Very kind help from him and the Medifit ladies upon arrival. Everything is considered to make you as comfortable as possible. Being able to get food independently is a huge improvement. Help if needed from Medifit also on-site five days a week. Physical therapy that is very personal and patient, but also experienced - I find it wonderful and professional. To conclude, I think Medifit with this formula (four days admission for hip or knee surgery) and then 3 weeks of rehabilitation in a beautiful location with absolutely everything you need, has succeeded in thinking about the person behind the patient... Bravo... Bravo... Bravo! With my thanks to the amazing team at Medifit, I now conclude and wish all new patients for hip or knee prostheses this wonderful experience, despite the initial discomfort (which is just part of the process). Kind regards, Ab

David,

”The physio is intense—but unbelievable. Just a few days after surgery, I couldn’t believe how much progress I had made.”

Contact

Naam
First Last
Telefoon*
E-mailadres*
Programma*
Your message*
Newsletter subscription consent
Yes, I sign up for the newsletter
Permission*
I accept the privacy policy*
CAPTCHA
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.