Biokinetics is
the use of exercise and movement as a form of rehabilitation or therapy. A
biokineticist, therefore, uses exercise and movement to enhance the wellness
and functionality of an individual’s physical state to improve the individual’s
quality of life.
There are
three main areas in which biokinetics is involved, namely orthopaedic
rehabilitation, chronic disease management and general wellness.
Orthopaedic
rehabilitation: generally, if a person suffers an injury or has surgery
(ligament reconstruction, joint replacement, spinal fusion, etc.), s/he should
see a biokineticist, after physiotherapy, to strengthen the affected muscles,
so that the person can return to their daily activities or sporting activities
with reduced risk of recurrence. Often, biokinetics is also recommended prior
to surgery (prehab), to strengthen appropriate muscles to support the affected
area, thus speeding up the post-surgery rehabilitation.
Chronic
disease management: exercise is used as a form of medicine to assist in the
management of numerous chronic diseases, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis,
heart disease, arthritis and many more. Certain conditions respond to certain
types of exercise, so the biokineticist will provide appropriate exercises for
the specific condition.
General
wellness: biokineticists will assess and then
provide exercise programmes to improve an individual’s general health status,
by assisting with weight management, general fitness and muscle strengthening.
So, if you
require assistance with any of the following, contact a biokineticist:
·
Sports
injury rehabilitation
·
Post-operative
rehabilitation
·
Orthopaedic
rehabilitation
·
Chronic
disease management
·
Posture
and gait correction
·
Diabetes
and exercise education
·
Pre-and
post-natal exercise
·
Other
physical conditions
