Joanna Paparis

Key descriptions

Joanna’s background

Joanna spent her childhood in Greece and later moved to Leuven, where she studied physiotherapy and rehabilitation sciences with a specialisation in neurological conditions. Alongside her work as a physiotherapist, she contributes to research on Parkinson’s disease at KU Leuven, a condition that has fascinated her from the very start. Sport has been a constant thread in her life since childhood, and that passion for movement grew into a passion for getting others moving too, including through the sport classes she teaches at KU Leuven. She continues to deepen her expertise: she is currently following a postgraduate programme in Relaxation and Breathing Therapy for children and adults at KU Leuven, alongside the Polestar Comprehensive Pilates training.

Why she does what she does

What fascinates her most is the role the nervous system plays in how we function and feel, and how movement and therapy can make a real difference. It’s precisely that complexity that makes every person and every recovery process unique  and that’s where she sees the value of personal guidance. She wants to help people achieve lasting changes that make a difference in daily life: not just to become physically stronger or more independent, but to regain confidence in their own body. She places great value on creating an open, supportive environment, with attention for where someone stands today as well as where they want to go.

Fun facts about Joanna

In her free time, she’s happiest outdoors in nature, with her two dogs as loyal walking companions and a walk is only complete if they run into a few cows along the way. She also loves spending time with family and staying active: running, swimming, pilates, strength training and yoga, always looking for a new challenge. She enjoys learning new things and occasionally throwing herself into something completely different, she recently taught herself to crochet, and who knows what the next project will be.