Thursday 9 February 2017

What can a Biokineticist do for you?

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