What is Biokinetics?

Due to the lack of physical activity in modern day lifestyle, numerous health risks have emerged. This inactivity has caused deterioration of the body’s physical function, which has resulted in many more cases of premature death or poor quality of life due to the onset of disease.

As a result of this phenomenon the need for Biokinetic services arose. Biokinetics is a medically recognized professional discipline, applying scientifically based physical activity, to either help prevent disease or to do final phase rehabilitation following the onset of disease or injury. A Biokineticists can be thought of as a specialised exercise therapist that functions in professional alliance to health and medicine. The profession is recognised by and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

The word Biokinetics is taken from the Greek word “BIOS” which means “life” and “KINESIS” which means “movement”. In other words, it refers to the maintenance of quality of life through the use of physical activity.

What does a Biokineticist do?

Biokineticists are the newest member of the allied medical team who specializes in preventative medicine and final phase rehabilitation to improve the quality of life through movement. 

A Biokineticist is an exercise specialist who treats individuals with a variety of conditions from sport and orthopaedic injuries to chronic disease and diseases of lifestyle through the modality of exercise therapy which is based on scientific evidence and personalised exercise prescription. Health promotion and the maintenance of physical abilities is extremely important with age and Biokineticists assist through specialised physical activity programme prescriptions. Movement remains an extremely important concept for people from all walks of life. The loss of the ability to move parts of our bodies can affect all aspects of our lives including communication, learning, development, health as well as affecting general quality of life. Clients and patients will include individuals who’ve had an injury that limits their movements due to a sports injury, age, or those who are recovering from a disease or operation.