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International Biokinetics Week

International Biokinetics Week

7 - 10 May 2022

7 - 10 May 2022

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Download PDF
Read more
Download PDF

Frequently asked
Questions

Your health is important to us

Claiming from medical aid vs private fee?

With the referral from your GP, physiotherapist or dietician, to list a few, your initial evaluation, exercise sessions and follow up evaluations can be claimed directly from the medical aid by your Biokineticist. Depending on the medical aid, you might be held responsible for a small co-payment for the evaluations or/and exercise sessions.

If you do not have a medical condition, referral letter, medical aid or you do not wish to use your medical aid for biokinetics, a private fee is available as well. The patient still needs to go through with an initial evaluation and each exercise session will be charged separately. A month-fee will be available after a certain amount of sessions have been completed.

What is covered by my medical aid?

Orthopedic conditions covered by most medical aids:
  • Muscular/ tendon strains, tears and ruptures or tendonitis
  • Ligamental sprains, tears and ruptures or repairs
  • Shoulder injuries, pain or dislocations
  • Knee injuries, pain or instability
  • Mechanical back pain or vertebral disc pathology
  • Post-operative joint replacements or surgery
  • Hernias, cesareans and abdominal surgery
  • Fractures to weight bearing bones – requiring stabilization
  • Osteoporosis/ rheumatoid- or osteoarthritis
  • Spinal surgery
  • Neuromuscular disorders/ cerebral palsy/ polio and post-polio syndrome
  • Stroke/ spinal cord injury/ muscular dystrophy/ Gilliam barre
Chronic conditions covered by most medical aids:
  • Body Mass Index higher than recommended for age and/or gender
  • Borderline hypertension/ borderline cholesterol/ pre-diabetic – no medication
  • Hypertension/ cholesterol/ type I and II diabetes – using medication
  • Hypothyroidism/ hyperthyroidism
  • Lifestyle modification for low risk in chronic disease development
  • Stress/ Depression
  • Fibromyalgia/ Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Atrial fibrillation/ angina (chest pain)/ ischemia
  • Post coronary bypass surgery/ valvular heart disease/ pacemakers/ cardiac transplant
  • Renal failure/ dialysis/ kidney transplant
  • Chronic obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease/ chronic asthma
  • Chronic heart failure/ post heart attack/ cardiovascular risk
  • HIV
  • Cancer
  • Multiple sclerosis/ Parkinson’s disease/ Alzheimer’s disease
  • Pregnancy

What to expect with my first visit?

The procedure of the initial assessment with a Biokineticist will mostly depend on the referral – whether it is for chronic conditions or orthopedic reasons. Chronic condition assessment can entail measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, weight, skinfolds (fat %) and in some cases ECG testing. Some form of exercise testing will be involved, either cycling, stepping or walking/ running while heart rate, blood pressure and posture is monitored. Orthopedic assessment will involve specific special testing if a joint is involved, areas of pain will be monitored, some form of muscular strength testing, posture analysis and flexibility/ range of motion will be measured.

Either way, the assessment will always involve analysis of possible risk factors, lifestyle modification options and postural assessment to ensure proper management of problem areas, precise scientifically based exercise program prescription, prevention of any future complications and personal goal setting strategies.

Difference between physiotherapy and biokinetics?

Physiotherapy and Biokinetics are both university-trained professions that are registered as part of the Health Professions Council.
Physiotherapists are known to use a variety of methods such as acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, massage, joint mobilization and manipulation to treat areas of musculoskeletal disorders - prevention, treatment and management.
Biokineticists utilize exercise for musculoskeletal disorders and chronic disease prevention and management and have a broad knowledge in all aspects health related. Biokineticists can also address lifestyle and behavior modification.
Physiotherapists and Biokineticists can work together for optimal recovery when working with patients with joint or muscular pain, previous injuries or post-surgery to ensure optimal range of motion, pain management and prevention of future complications through effective strengthening of musculature.

What is meant by a multi-disciplinary approach to health?

Biokinetics form part of an optimal functioning wellness program, where the main focus is on improving a patient’s health and quality of life. Whether a patient is being treated by a general practitioner for chronic conditions, a cardiologist for cardiac complications, a orthopedic surgeon for injuries, degeneration or pre-or-post surgery, a physiologist or chiropractor for orthopedic disorders or pain or a dietician for weight management or chronic disease-specific nutritional guidelines, exercise is the one link for assisting in all the above mentioned scenarios. A healthier lifestyle can only be optimally achieved with daily increase in movement. A Biokineticist is an expert in the field of exercise, whether it is for strengthening of skeletal and cardiac musculature, improving lung function or improving flexibility and posture.

What health care providers can refer to biokinetics?

Biokineticists work together effectively with a number of other health care providers, including
  • general practitioners
  • orthopedic surgeons
  • physiotherapists
  • dieticians
  • neurologists
  • cardiologists
  • chiropractors
The health care provider will refer to a biokineticist when they feel the need for exercise intervention and guidance. In order to start the journey towards bettering your health and quality of life, talk to your health care provider about seeing a biokineticist.