Deniz Sallakoglu
Summary
I am a third-year Physiotherapy student at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, currently completing a six-month clinical internship at Fit2Function Clinics in London. Through internships in the Netherlands, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom, I have gained practical experience in musculoskeletal, neurological, scoliosis, and sports rehabilitation, including patient assessment, clinical reasoning, treatment planning, exercise prescription, patient education, and professional communication.
Alongside my physiotherapy studies, I completed a Sports Performance minor focused on Strength & Conditioning, including a six-month internship at HC Oranje-Rood Eindhoven, where I worked with youth and senior athletes in a professional performance environment. I have also completed a sports taping course, further developing my practical skills in injury support and sports-related care. My clinical experience also includes the use of healthcare technological tools such as K-Laser therapy, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), EMS/NMES, massage gun, cupping, and VALD assessment technology.
I am passionate about evidence-based physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, human movement, and helping people recover, move, and perform better. Beyond physiotherapy, I co-founded Elevates, a digital wellness platform combining health, design, and technology. Fluent in English and holding a B1 German certificate, I am motivated to continue developing in an international clinical environment and build my career in physiotherapy in the United Kingdom.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Internship at Fit2Function Clinics
Fit2Function Clinics
London
2026.02 - 2026.07
- During my six-month clinical internship at Fit2Function Clinics, I worked in a private physiotherapy setting with a strong focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, patient assessment, clinical reasoning, treatment planning, and evidence-based practice. Under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists, I developed my skills in history taking, screening, physical assessment, exercise prescription, treatment delivery, patient education, and professional record keeping. I gained practical experience with a diverse patient population and learned to adapt rehabilitation plans according to individual complaints, recovery progress, and patient goals. I also developed hands-on experience with a wide range of healthcare technological tools and treatment modalities, including K-Laser therapy, Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), EMS/NMES, massage gun, cupping, and VALD assessment technology. These tools supported my understanding of assessment, pain management, treatment quality, and rehabilitation progression within physiotherapy practice. Throughout the placement, I strengthened my professional communication with patients and staff, improved my independence in clinical tasks, and actively used supervisor feedback to guide my ongoing development as a future physiotherapist.
Strength & Conditioning Coach (Internship)
HC Oranje-Rood (Hockey Club)
Eindhoven, Netherlands
2025.09 - 2026.01
- At HC Oranje-Rood, I work under the supervision of the Strength & Conditioning staff to support the training program for youth and senior athletes. I conduct performance assessments, design and supervise training sessions, and monitor athlete progress using evidence-based methods. I collaborate with coaches and medical staff to integrate injury prevention strategies and optimize training loads in line with competition demands. This internship strengthens my coaching and communication skills, allows me to apply sports science principles in practice, and enables me to contribute to athlete development in a professional performance environment.
Co-Founder & Chief Design Officer
Elevates
2024.01 - 2026.05
- As Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer at Elevates, I lead the creative direction and user experience strategy of our digital platform. We are building a solution focused on promoting wellness and lifestyle balance, with an emphasis on thoughtful design, intuitive user journeys, and personalized experiences that support daily growth and self-improvement. We also had planned to launch our company in summer 2025, but unforeseen challenges delayed the public release. Since then, we’ve been taking on more projects and are currently rebuilding our own website and product.
Creative Designer & Social Media Manager
Team Flow
Eindhoven, Netherlands
2025.10 - 2026.05
- As the Creative Designer & Social Media Manager at Team Flow Eindhoven, I shape the team’s visual identity and communication strategy. Team Flow is a student team at Eindhoven University of Technology developing a hydrogen-powered, zero-emission boat. I design visual materials for social media, events, and partnerships while ensuring brand consistency and a clear link to our sustainable vision. Working with the technical and PR teams, I help communicate innovation in hydrogen and clean marine technology in an engaging way.
Vulploegmedewerker (Shelf Replenishment Staff)
Albert Heijn
Eindhoven, Netherlands
2024.12 - 2025.09
- Worked part-time as a shelf replenishment employee, responsible for restocking and organising shelves, rotating stock according to FIFO principles, and maintaining a clean and orderly store environment. I took this job not out of necessity but to experience earning my own money and to understand its value. The role taught me the importance of hard work, teamwork and customer service, and it changed my perspective on money and personal responsibility. After gaining these insights and appreciating the value of work, I left the position to focus fully on my studies and the mandatory internship required in my programme.
Internship at Scolio Care Cyprus
Scolio Care Cyprus
Nicosia, Cyprus
2025.07 - 2025.08
- Worked under the supervision of physiotherapist & schroth therapist Kardelen Besen Aktug specialising in scoliosis treatment. Assisted with patient assessments, observed and practised corrective techniques for scoliosis, and helped implement individualized exercise programmes focusing on posture retraining and spinal alignment. Developed a deeper understanding of spinal biomechanics and gained practical experience supporting patients with scoliosis to improve mobility and quality of life.
Internship at Girne Dr. Akcicek Hastanesi
Girme Dr. Akcicek Hastanesi
Kyrenia, Cyprus
2024.07 - 2024.08
- Worked under the supervision of physiotherapist Baris Saydam in a hospital setting. Assisted with patient assessments and rehabilitative care for a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Gained experience in postoperative rehabilitation, orthopedic and neurological cases, and developed skills in clinical documentation, exercise instruction and patient education within a multidisciplinary team.
Internship at Fysiotherapie Bladel
Fysiotherapie Bladel
Bladel, Netherlands
2023.10 - 2023.10
- During my internship at Fysiotherapie Bladel, I collaborated with physiotherapist Rob Fiers in a supportive clinical setting. I observed a range of assessment techniques, learned about therapeutic exercises, and followed treatment plans for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. This experience broadened my insight into evidence-based practices and patient progress tracking, as well as the application of manual therapy techniques. Working in a structured and patient-centered environment strengthened my organizational and observational skills, fostering a well-rounded perspective on physiotherapy.
Internship at FysioCompany Zanin
FysioCompany Zanin
's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
2023.10 - 2023.10
- As a physiotherapy intern at FysioCompany Zanin, I observed and analyzed various aspects of patient care under the expert guidance of physiotherapist Mario Zanin and physiotherapist Steven Klein Velderman. My role involved closely monitoring patient assessments, studying individualized treatment plans, and gaining insights into both manual and non-manual therapeutic techniques. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of clinical reasoning, appreciate the nuances of adapting therapeutic approaches to diverse patient needs, and enhance my professional communication skills. Observing cases that included sports injuries, chronic pain management, and post-surgical rehabilitation enriched my knowledge of effective recovery support.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) - Physical Therapy/Therapist
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
Eindhoven, Netherlands 2023.09 - 6 2027
Minor in Sports Performance - Strength & Conditioning
Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Fontys Sport en Bewegen)
Eindhoven, Netherlands 2025.09 - 2 2026
High School Diploma -
Near East College
Nicosia, Cyprus 2019.09 - 6 2023
Skills
- Diagnostic & Clinical Reasoning
- Treatment Planning & Rehabilitation
- Sports Taping & Strapping
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Manual Therapy & Exercise Prescription
- Strength & Conditioning Programming
- Sports Taping & Strapping
- Communication & Patient Engagement
- Digital Design (Photoshop & Figma)
Certification
Certificate - Sports Performance Minor
Fontys Sport en Bewegen
Issued: February 2026
Completed a Sports Performance minor focused on strength and conditioning, athlete testing, training design, exercise physiology, motor learning, motion analysis, injury prevention, and performance coaching. The programme also included practical application through an internship in a sports performance setting at HC Oranje-Rood Eindhoven.
Certificate - Sports Taping & Strapping CPD Course
ProActive Training Ltd
Issued: May 2026
Completed a one-day, 8-hour CPD course in Taping & Strapping in London. Developed practical taping techniques, covering more than 15 different applications across the lower limb, upper limb, and spine, with a focus on applying taping through clinical reasoning in physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, and performance settings.
References
References available on request.
Interests
Football, Gym, Design (Photoshop), Photography, Travel & Cultural Exploration, Reading Books
Languages
English - Fluent
German - B1
Timeline
Internship at Fit2Function Clinics
Fit2Function Clinics
2026.02 - 2026.07
Creative Designer & Social Media Manager
Team Flow
2025.10 - 2026.05
Strength & Conditioning Coach (Internship)
HC Oranje-Rood (Hockey Club)
2025.09 - 2026.01
Minor in Sports Performance - Strength & Conditioning
Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Fontys Sport en Bewegen)
2025.09 - 2 2026
Internship at Scolio Care Cyprus
Scolio Care Cyprus
2025.07 - 2025.08
Vulploegmedewerker (Shelf Replenishment Staff)
Albert Heijn
2024.12 - 2025.09
Internship at Girne Dr. Akcicek Hastanesi
Girme Dr. Akcicek Hastanesi
2024.07 - 2024.08
Co-Founder & Chief Design Officer
Elevates
2024.01 - 2026.05
Internship at Fysiotherapie Bladel
Fysiotherapie Bladel
2023.10 - 2023.10
Internship at FysioCompany Zanin
FysioCompany Zanin
2023.10 - 2023.10
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) - Physical Therapy/Therapist
Fontys University of Applied Sciences
2023.09 - 6 2027
High School Diploma -
Near East College
2019.09 - 6 2023