GP · Functional Doctor · Whole-person care

Find the root.
Understand the whole.

Personalised healthcare that looks at the whole person—not just the diagnosis. For when everything comes back “normal,” but you still don’t feel well. I look beyond quick fixes to understand what’s driving your health and make meaningful, lasting changes.

Dr Petra Kusel logo
Your body is speaking.
Are you listening?
About me

About me

I qualified as a general practitioner in 2018 and have gained experience in both the rural and private healthcare sectors across KZN, Mpumalanga and the Western Cape. I am grateful to be back home in KZN.

My own health challenges led me to functional medicine when conventional approaches did not provide the answers I needed. I have completed training with a UK functional medicine academy, and I continue my professional development through the Institute of Integrative Medicine and collaboration with functional medicine doctors.

I come from a small farming community and value faith, family, the outdoors and genuine connection. I care deeply about helping people feel heard, supported and hopeful.

Dr Petra Kusel

My Philosophy

I believe good healthcare starts with listening. By understanding your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and individual needs, I bring the pieces together to create a personalised plan.

Where appropriate, I combine conventional and functional medicine to support your health and well-being.

Areas of focus

Gut health is my primary focus

Functional medicine focuses on chronic symptoms and conditions, recognising that the body's systems are interconnected and symptoms rarely occur in isolation. My particular interest is gut health, given its influence on many aspects of overall health.

“All disease begins in the gut.”— Hippocrates
01
MY MAIN AREA OF INTEREST

Gut & Digestive Health

IBS · Bloating · Reflux · Constipation · Diarrhoea · SIBO · Leaky gut · Food sensitivities

Blue line illustration of the stomach and intestines
02

Fatigue & Adrenal Fatigue

Chronic fatigue · Low energy · Brain fog · Poor sleep · Burnout · Stress

03

Hormonal Health

PMS · PCOS · Endometriosis · Hypothyroidism · Perimenopause · Menopause

04

Other Conditions I See

Skin concerns · Acne · Eczema · Psoriasis · Immunity · Recurrent or chronic infections · Chronic inflammation

Have a chronic condition not listed above? Send me a brief summary, and I will advise whether I may be able to assist.

Who I See

My practice focuses on adults and children aged 12+. Other ages may be considered on request.

What makes my approach different

More time. More listening. A more complete picture.

I believe good healthcare starts with understanding each patient as a whole person, rather than treating a diagnosis in isolation.

01

A thorough, unhurried consultation

I take the time to explore your history, symptoms, previous investigations, lifestyle and goals without rushing through the appointment.

02

Look beyond the diagnosis

Two people can share the same diagnosis while having very different contributing factors. I explore what may be relevant to your individual story.

03

A personalised plan

Your plan may include lifestyle, diet, exercise, supplements and medical advice — tailored to your health story, goals and individual needs.

Your personalised plan may include
Lifestyle Diet Exercise Supplements Medical advice Conventional medicine Functional medicine

I use the approaches that are appropriate for you — bringing conventional and functional medicine together where necessary.

Before your consultation

Preparing for a meaningful consultation.

I will send you a detailed questionnaire before your functional consultation. Please complete and return it at least one day before your appointment so I have time to review your health history and prepare for our discussion.

Putting the puzzle pieces together

By bringing together your health history, symptoms, lifestyle and relevant test results, we can see the bigger picture and focus on what matters most to your health.

“Remember: what took time to develop will take time, patience, and dedication to heal.”
Touch for Health
Gentle hands-on Touch for Health demonstration at the forearm

Using the body as part of the conversation.

I am also a Touch for Health practitioner. This complementary, kinesiology-based approach uses muscle testing to explore physical, structural and emotional patterns that may be associated with chronic symptoms. I also use it to explore individual food and supplement choices.

Explore the options

Touch for Health sessions

Individual sessions tailored to each person’s concerns.

01

Supplement & food exploration (1 hour)

Exploring food and supplement choices in relation to individual concerns, including:

General wellbeingSleepGut healthHormonesAllergiesLiver supportOther concerns
02

TMJ release (45 minutes)

A focused session for persistent jaw pain, tension and discomfort around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Blue anatomical illustration highlighting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
03

Touch for Health basic balance (1 hour)

A general kinesiology-based balancing session focused on physical, structural and emotional wellbeing.

Services & fees

Choose the level of support that suits you.

I intentionally see only a few patients each day so that I can give your health concerns the time, attention and consideration they deserve. This allows me to explore your case thoroughly, undertake further research where needed, and develop a personalised plan.

I am not contracted to medical aid schemes for functional medicine consultations, but I provide an invoice that you may submit for reimbursement, subject to your scheme’s benefits.

November–December 2026 special rates. New fees apply from January 2027.

Follow-up Consultation — 30 minutes

R800November–December special
R700
R800 from January 2027

30-minute follow-up to review progress, results and your ongoing plan.

Enquire

Follow-up Consultation — 1 hour

R1,500November–December special
R1,400
R1,500 from January 2027

60-minute follow-up to review progress, results and your ongoing plan.

Enquire

Touch for Health

R650November–December special
R600
R650 from January 2027

60-minute session. Choose between supplement and food exploration or a Touch for Health basic balance session.

Enquire

TMJ Release

R550November–December special
R500
R550 from January 2027

45-minute session for chronic jaw pain and tension.

Enquire
Contact & locations

Where to find me

PIETERMARITZBURG

Athlone Medical Centre

2 Montgomery Drive
Athlone, PMB 3201

CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE HERE

✓ Acute GP consultations
✓ Functional medicine consultations

HoursMonday13:30–16:30Tuesday09:00–16:00Wednesday13:30–16:30Thursday09:00–16:00Friday09:00–15:00
HOWICK

Renee’s Health Shop

Shop 1, Yard 41
No. 2 Shafton Road
Howick, 3290

AVAILABLE HERE

✓ Touch for Health and TMJ release sessions

No acute GP or functional medicine consultations are offered in Howick.

Accessibility: Please note that the Howick premises have stairs and are not wheelchair accessible.

Hours Monday & Wednesday 08:30–12:30
Get in touch

Bookings & enquiries

Athlone Medical Centre (PMB) Cell / WhatsApp: 071 506 3528
Landline: 033 394 3065
Renee’s Health Shop (Howick) WhatsApp / Call: 082 551 9771

Acute GP and functional medicine consultations are available at Athlone Medical Centre. Touch for Health and TMJ release sessions are offered in Howick.