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PhD Physiotherapist | Special Education Teacher

Pelagia Tsakona

Introduction

Pelagia Tsakona is a physiotherapist and special education teacher
with extensive academic training and rich clinical experience. She is a graduate
of the Department of Physiotherapy of the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (ATEITH) (1983-1987), as well as of the Department of Primary Education of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1988-1992) and a PhD from the Department of Physiotherapy of the International Hellenic University (DIPAE) (2020-2025).
Since 1991, she has been working as a physiotherapist with adults and children, having accumulated vast clinical experience in the field of physiotherapy rehabilitation. Her specialization in the neurodevelopmental treatment method NDT-Bobath, McKenzie method, Mulligan, Trigger points, Traditional Chinese Medicine, combined with her continuous scientific research and teaching experience, make her one of the most recognized physiotherapists in the field of pediatric and adult physiotherapy.

Education

🎓 1983-1987
Degree in Physiotherapy
ATEI of Thessaloniki

She completed her studies at the Department of Physiotherapy of the Higher Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, gaining a solid foundation in clinical physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
🎓 1988-1992
Degree in Pedagogy, Department of Primary Education,
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Her second degree in Pedagogy gave her a deep
understanding of child development, learning and educational
processes – knowledge that she incorporates into her daily therapeutic
practice, particularly in pediatric physiotherapy.

Postgraduate studies and specializations

📚 1995-1997
McKENZIE Method Postgraduate Program
Duration: 98 hours

Completed a specialized postgraduate program in mechanical diagnosis and treatment of the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine using the McKENZIE method – a globally recognized approach to treating spinal problems.
📚 2001
Postgraduate Training Brian Mulligan’s Concepts
Manual Therapy Workshop – Mobilization with Movement & NAGs
Duration: 21 hours

Trained in Brian Mulligan’s innovative techniques for mobilization with movement, which have demonstrated excellent results in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.
📚 2005
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Chendu University of TCM, China
Duration: 116 hours (19/07/05 – 19/08/05)

She attended an intensive Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment program (International TCM Training Program of Acupuncture and
TCM diagnosis) in China, enriching her knowledge with holistic approach therapies.
📚 2005-2009
Postgraduate Diploma in “Educational Studies”
Hellenic Open University (HOU)

Completed a postgraduate program in the following areas:
– Open Distance Education
– Management of Educational Units
– Child Development in the Social Environment
– Adult Education

This postgraduate program strengthened her pedagogical skills and her ability to design effective educational programs for both
patients and parents.
📚 2013-2014
Postgraduate Training in Neurodevelopmental Therapy NDT-BOBATH

Completed full training in the neurodevelopmental therapy method NDT-Bobath, which is the gold standard method for the rehabilitation of children with neurological and developmental disorders.
📚 2015
NDT-BOBATH Specialization for Neonates and Infants

She continued her specialization in the NDT-Bobath method with a focus on early intervention in neonates and infants, a critical period where neuroplasticity
is maximum and intervention can have the most significant results.
📚 2016-2018
Postgraduate Diploma in Pediatric Physiotherapy
International Hellenic University (DIPAE)

Obtained a postgraduate degree in Pediatric Physiotherapy, delving into
the scientific theory and clinical practice of pediatric
rehabilitation.
📚 2019
First Level Anthropometry Training Program
ISAK Level 1 Anthropometry
AUTH Medical School (31/05/2019 – 02/06/2019)

Certified by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) in first level anthropometry, acquiring specialized skills in the measurement and assessment of body composition.

Doctoral studies

🎓 2020-2025
Doctoral Thesis (PhD)
Department of Physiotherapy, International Hellenic University (IHU)

Topic: “The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on stress in obese children. Educational interventions in primary education”
Her doctoral research focused on investigating how diaphragmatic breathing can help obese children manage stress, combining physiotherapy, psychology and pedagogy. Her research contributed to the scientific understanding of the link between breathing, mental health and childhood obesity, offering practical solutions that can be implemented in schools.

Professional Activity

💼 1991 – Today
PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY
Physical Therapist

Since 1991 until today, she has maintained a private physiotherapy clinic in Nea Moudania, where she provides specialized physiotherapy services to adults and children. Her long clinical experience covers the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal and neurological diseases, with particular specialization in pediatric physiotherapy and early intervention.

During these 35 years, she has rehabilitated hundreds of patients with various problems – from newborns with developmental delays to the elderly with motor, neurological and postoperative problems. Her approach combines scientifically proven methods with personalized care and family-centered support.
👨‍🎓 2008 – 2022
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special Education Teacher

Since 2008, she has been serving as a Special Education teacher in Special and Regular Primary Schools in the Prefecture of Thessaloniki and
Chalkidiki. Her work with children with special educational needs has given her unique experience in understanding the challenges faced by these children and their families.

Combining her knowledge in physical therapy with her experience in
Special Education, she offers comprehensive support to children with various
developmental disorders, creating bridges of communication between
therapy and education.
🏛️ 2022-2025
INTERNATIONAL HELLENIC UNIVERSITY  (IHU)
Adjunct Professor & Clinical Instructor

For three consecutive academic years (2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025) she taught
at the undergraduate department of the School of Physiotherapy of the International Hellenic University, where she was also a doctoral candidate.

As an accompanying professor in the clinical practice of students:
– Supervised the clinical training of students in the orthopedic, pathological
and neurological clinic
– Collaborated with the largest hospitals of Thessaloniki: Hippocrates,
AHEPA, Papageorgiou and Agios Pavlos
– Guided students in the treatment of orthopedic, sports medicine,
musculoskeletal and neurological patients
– Transmitted her knowledge and experience to the next generation of
physiotherapists

Her teaching experience at the university kept her up to date with
the latest scientific developments and allowed her to contribute to
the formation of new professional physiotherapists.
Αποστολή σχολίων
👨‍🏫 2000-2022
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Educator

Served as a teacher in Primary and Secondary Education
for 22 years, implementing innovative educational methods and
developing Health Education programs.

During her teaching career:
– Designed and implemented many experiential Health Education programs
– Developed Environmental programs with her students
– Organized theatrical events that combined pedagogy and art
– Participated in conferences on Informatics in Education
– Supervised the creation of written material by students in book form

Her teaching experience has given her a deep understanding of how children learn and how knowledge can be transferred in an effective and fun way – skills that she applies daily in her therapeutic practice.
🏥 2022-2025
HIPPOCRATE HOSPITAL OF THESSALONIKI
Research Collaboration

As part of the scientific research of her doctoral thesis,
she collaborated with the Pediatric Endocrinology and Pediatric Pulmonology
Unit of the 3rd Pediatric University Clinic of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki at
Hippocrates Hospital of Thessaloniki.

This collaboration allowed her to conduct clinical research in a real
hospital environment, working with children with obesity and other
endocrine and respiratory disorders.

Scientific Project

- Continuous Scientific Research and Contribution to Physiotherapy

Pelagia Tsakona is not only a clinical physiotherapist, but also an active member of the scientific community. Due to her scientific expertise and professional experience, she is often invited as a speaker at national and international Physiotherapy conferences and as a clinical trainer on topics of pediatric physiotherapy, therapeutic exercise, mental health and stress management.
Her research activity covers a wide range of topics, from pediatric physiotherapy and early intervention, to stress management in children and adolescents with chronic conditions. Her research findings have been published in prestigious international journals and presented at scientific conferences worldwide.

Promotional and posted announcements

📊 30 Free Announcements
At scientific conferences of the Panhellenic Association of Physical Therapists (PAPT) at pediatric conferences and international conferences

📊 5 Poster Announcements
3 at PAPT scientific conferences
2 at international conferences

📊 2 Publications
In the Proceedings of the World Congress on Mental Health (IOPTMH), Athens (2022)
📊 1 Posted Announcement
World Physiotherapy Congress, Geneva, Switzerland (2019)
Presented her Master’s thesis in Pediatric
Physiotherapy on “Stress Management among families of Children and
Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus”
🔗 https://world.physio/congress-proceeding/stress-management-among-families-children-and-adolescents-diabetes-mellitus

📊 1 3-hour presentation
Postgraduate Program “Pediatric Physiotherapy”, International Hellenic
University

Written work

Publications in scientific journals

Since 2018, she has been writing articles in national and international scientific journals on physical therapy topics, with an emphasis on pediatric physical therapy, stress management and diaphragmatic breathing.

I take care of my body: I ​​exercise, I breathe, I eat right (2024)

Authors: Tsakona Pelagia, Hatzinikolaou Sofia
Publisher/Organization: Social Institute of Active Citizens

Topic: Writing a Health Education program guide for students in the 5th and 6th grades of Primary School, with the aim of combating childhood obesity.

Content: The program includes experiential activities, exercises, instructions on proper breathing and nutrition, designed to be fun and easily applicable for school-age children.

Greek pediatric society

Tsakona P., Papadopoulou-Christara A., Tsiroukidou K., Vamvakis A., Papagianni M. (2018)

Title: “Stress management in families of children and adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus – review article”

Journal: Pediatrics: Volume 81 | Issue 3 | pp. 222-230

Issue: September-October-November-December 2018

🔗 https://issuu.com/liveloula/docs/paidiatriki_81_3

International scientific journals

📝 Tsakona P., Tsiroukidou K., Vamvakis A., Papagianni M., Anna K., Poimenidis O., Hristara-Papadopoulou A. (2019)

Title: “Stress Management among families of Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus type 1 with Physiotherapeutic Techniques”

Journal: International Research Journal of Public and Environmental Health

Edition: Vol.6 (1), pp. 7-14, January 2019

🔗 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398840439_Stress_management_among_families_of_children_and_adolescents_with_diabetes_mellitus_type_1_with_physiotherapeutic_techniques
📝 Georgiadis P., Hristara-Papadopoulou A., Iakovidis P., Trevlakis M., Xalkia A., Tsakona P. (2019)

Title: “Respiratory intervention in children 7-14 years old with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and down syndrome in special schools in Central Macedonia-Hellas”

Journal: International Research Journal of Public and Environmental Health

Edition: Vol.6 (8), pp. 191-201, December 2019

🔗 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350017622_Respiratory_intervention_in_children_7-14_years_old_with_autism_spectrum_disorder_attention-deficithyperactivity_disorder_and_down_syndrome_in_special_schools_in_Central_Macedonia-Hellas
📝 Tsakona P., Dafoulis V., Vamvakis A., Kosta K., Mina S., Kitsatis I., Hristara-Papadopoulou A., Roilides E., Tsiroukidou K. (2021)

Title: “The Synergistic Effects of a Complementary Physiotherapeutic Scheme in the Psychological and Nutritional Treatment in a Teenage Girl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Anxiety Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa”

Journal: PubMed Central (PMC)

🔗 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225211/
📝 Papadoupoulou O., Dimaki D., Stavropoulou M., Tsakona P., Kallistratos I., Hristara Papadopoulou A. (2024)

Title: “The effectiveness of auricular neuromodulation in childhood and adolescent obesity”

Journal: International Journal of Science and Research Archive

Issue: Vol. 11(01), pp. 288-294, 2024

🔗 https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/99ee/975e0d9d847d243a331a5ce0099fbadd1244.pdf
📝 Tsakona P., Kitsatis I., Apostolou T., Papadopoulou O., Hristara-Papadopoulou A. (2025)

Title: “The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing as a Complementary Therapeutic Strategy in Stress of Children and Teenagers 6-18 Years Old”

Journal: Children, Vol. 12(1), 59, 2025 (PubMed)

🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39857890/
📝 Tsakona P., Hristara-Papadopoulou A., Apostolou T., Papadopoulou O., Kitsatis I., Tzimos C., Grammatikopoulou M. G., Paschalidou E. G., Tsiroukidou K. (2025)

Title: “Effectiveness of a Physiotherapy Stress-Management Protocol on Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic and Psychological Indicators of Children and Adolescents with Morbid Obesity”

Journal: Children, Vol. 12, 1010, 2025 (PubMed Central – PMC)

🔗 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12384771/

World Mental Health Conference (IOPTMH) - Athens 2022

📝 Tsakona Pelagia, Vaios Dafoulis, Anastasios Vamvakis, Konstantina Kosta, Styliani Mina, Ioannis Kitsatis, Alexandra Hristara-Papadopoulou, Emmanuel Roilides and Kyriaki Tsiroukidou

Title: “The effects of a physiotherapeutic scheme in the treatment of anxiety disorders and anorexia nervosa in a teenage girl with type 1 diabetes mellitus”

Journal: Abstracts of the International Organization of Physical Therapy in Mental Health Conference, (IOPTMH 2022)
Pp 96, May 4-6, 2022. ISBN:978-81-957605-6-5

🔗 The Effects of a Physiotherapeutic Scheme in the Treatment of the Anxiety Disorders and Anorexia Nervosa in a Teenage Girl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus | AIJR Books
📝 Tsakona Pelagia, Kiriaki Tsiroukidou, Anastasios Vamvakis, Maria Papagianni, Kerasou Anna, Poimenidis Onoufrios and Alexandra Hristara- Papadopoulou

Title: “The effectiveness of physiotherapeutic techniques on stress management among families of children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus type 1, e-poster”

Journal: Abstracts of the International Organization of Physical Therapy in Mental Health Conference, (IOPTMH 2022), May 4-6, 2022.
ISBN: 978-81-957605-6-5

🔗 The Effectiveness of Physiotherapeutic Techniques on Stress Management Among Families of Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 | AIJR Books

Volunteer Work

❤️ June 2014 | Voluntary Health Education Program – School Twinning

Organization: Organized and implemented a voluntary health education program aimed at twinning the Special Primary School of N. Propontida with the 1st grade of the Primary School of Portaria.

Objective: The program promoted inclusion and acceptance of diversity through joint health and exercise activities.
❤️ October 2023 | Volunteer Physiotherapist – 11th International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon

Participation: Volunteered her services in collaboration with the Department of Physiotherapy of the Hellenic Athletics Federation.

Role: Contribution to the physiotherapy care of athletes.
❤️ October 2017 | Volunteer Physiotherapist – 6th International Thessaloniki Night Half Marathon

Participation: Offered her services as a volunteer physiotherapist in collaboration with the Department of Physiotherapy of the National University of Thessaloniki.

Role: Providing physiotherapy support to runners before and after the race.

Scientific Societies and Associations

🏛️ MEMBER OF SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZATIONS

Pelagia Tsakona is an active member of national and international scientific societies and associations, constantly staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of physical therapy.

Panhellenic Association of Physical Therapists (PAPT)
  • Scientific Pediatric Department of the PAPT
  • Scientific Department for Mental Health of the PAPT

Hellenic Society for Neurodevelopmental Therapy Bobath-NDT

World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)

International Organization of Physical Therapy in Mental Health (IOPTMH)

Her participation in these organizations allows her to remain in constant contact with the international scientific community, to exchange experiences with colleagues from all over the world and to contribute to the promotion of physical therapy at a national and international level.

Philosophy & Personal Interests

💡 MY PHILOSOPHY

I firmly believe that every person has the potential to improve themselves on a physical and mental level. When I help someone improve their health and prevent their problems, it fills me with satisfaction, joy and energy to continue my work.

Patient Empowerment: For me, physical therapy is not just a therapeutic intervention – it is a process of empowering the patient, where I guide them to become their own therapist.

Principles: I believe in active participation, education and lifelong learning – both for my patients and for myself.

Individualization: Each patient is unique and requires an individualized approach that respects their uniqueness, desires and needs.

Combination: Scientific knowledge must always be combined with human understanding, patience and empathy.
🧠 LIFELONG LEARNING

I deeply believe in lifelong learning and scientific research. Physical therapy is a field that is constantly evolving.

Continuous Update: I systematically monitor and update myself on the latest scientific developments, participate in conferences and seminars, and apply only scientifically proven methods in practice.

Clinical Experience: At the same time, I draw knowledge from my own clinical experience and from my own patients, who teach me new things every day about the resilience, strength and ability of the human body and spirit to overcome obstacles.
🏃‍♀️ PERSONAL INTERESTS & HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

I believe that in order to be an effective therapist, I must first apply to myself what I teach my patients.

Daily Exercise: I exercise daily and systematically with an aerobic and anaerobic exercise program at home.

Program: Includes therapeutic exercises for the whole body, diaphragmatic breathing exercise using the triffo breathing device, walking and cycling.

Goals: Prevention of physical and mental health problems, self-healing, improving respiratory function, strengthening the immune system, stress management and relaxation.

Arts and Culture: In addition to physical exercise, I love traveling, music, arts and theater.

Participation: I participate in an amateur theater group, where expression through art helps me maintain my mental balance and cultivate my creativity.

Holistic Living: I believe that art, movement, and science can be harmoniously combined to create a rich and fulfilling life.