SERVICES
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
This involves assessing patients with injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system (the bones and joints) and prescribing a specific exercise program to rehabilitate the injury or disorder through management and improving the symptoms.
This may include (but is not limited to) the following:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Joint injuries including joint replacements
- Pre/post operative procedures
Chronic Disease Management
Individuals suffering from chronic disease/conditions are treated using exercise management.
Some conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Hypertension
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson's
Disability Rehabilitation
Sport conditioning
Geriatric fall risk management
This assessment is tailored to individuals who require muscular strengthening, improvement in balance and the ability to perform activities of daily living.
Home visits
These are arranged in accordance to each individuals preference or personal circumstances.
Body composition
A full body assessment is conducted (including skin fold measurements, circumference measurements, body fat percentage, BMI) and feedback will be given.
Fitness assessment
Discovery fitness assessment - vitality members can earn up to 7500 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial assessment will enable the Biokineticist to determine a baseline to design an exercise program.
The initial assessment includes the following:
- A full medical history and risk assessment
- Evaluation of posture, range of motion, muscular strength, flexibility and endurance.
- Patient feedback
What do I need to bring for the assessment:
- Medical aid details and personal particulars
- Any referral letter you may have from a Doctor, surgeon, physiotherapist or any other medical professional.
- Any recent scans and reports
- Please wear comfortable, loose fitting exercise clothes
The rehabilitative exercise sessions are based on the results obtained during the initial assessment. During these sessions the Biokineticist will explain the details of the exercises to ensure the correct biomechanics are achieved.
The exercise sessions comprise of the following:
- Warmup
- Individualised exercise specific to the injury or condition
- Cool down
What do I bring?
- A water bottle and towel
- Please wear comfortable exercise clothing
Duration:
Sessions vary between 30-60 minutes depending on the injury or condition.
No you do not have to be suffering from an injury to see a Biokineticist.
Biokineticists do not only treat injured individuals.
Here is a list of other reasons to see a Biokineticist:
Postural correction
Body composition assessments
Personal training and weight loss
Vitality fitness assessments
Biokineticists are allied medical professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), most medical aids will cover the cost of your biokinetics consultation and treatment once you have submitted your claim.
Payments can be made by cash, electronic fund transfer (EFT) or by VISA/MASTERCARD credit cards.
The initial consultation requires immediate payment, while the rehabilitative exercise sessions can be paid immediately or on a weekly basis.
A physiotherapist will assess, treat and manage a variety of injuries by means of hands-on, manual techniques. Physiotherapists start initial phase of rehabilitation by treating pain, swelling and gaining pain free movement.
A Biokineticist will treat the cause of the injury or condition using exercise therapy based on scientific evidence. The goal is to restore muscle balance and strengthen the muscles around the joints.
Physiotherapists are involved in the initial phase of rehabilitation, when a patient experiences pain, swelling and a deficit in the range of motion in a joint.
A patient can start seeing a Biokineticist once the pain and swelling has subsided, and the range of motion is acceptable. The Biokineticist will focus on correcting the biomechanics and restore the strength and flexibility to enable the patient to return to sport and activities of daily living.
Testimonials
"Shandré is an excellent biokineticist. I made significant improvement. When I started therapy with Shandré I limped, could barely stand on one leg and was terrified of getting on the floor. But after several months of working with Shandré’s, I no longer limp and can stand on one leg and I’m now comfortable getting on the floor and getting up unassisted.
Shandré is an amazing therapist because she is extremely patient and knowledgeable. She pushed to try new things outside my comfort zone but never exerted me beyond my limits. I would recommend Shandré to anyone who serious injuries and muscle weakness looking to recover."
"I am a 65 year old female veterinarian. I tore my left posterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligaments 45 years ago. It was treated conservatively as surgery for posterior cruciate ligament repair was not available in SA at this time. DJD now present and knee replacement surgery was contemplated, I was advised to consult with biokineticist Shandré Pretorius in 2019.
She is competent, thorough, knowledgeable and positive. Due to the fact that I have had several other injuries (fractured pelvis, spine, wrist, ribs, collar bone, foot). I was unable to perform the usual exercises and Shandré was able to modify, accommodate and think "out of the box" to match my other disabilities. Within a month the stability in my knee increased, the pain decreased and my overall body posture, balance and strength increased. I have since decided not to go for a knee replacement at the present time."
"As a track coach, I train three provincial teenage athletes. At various times when these athletes have been injured, Shandré has assisted with their rehabilitation and strengthening. Not just with Biokinetic skills but also with practical advice.
I have always found Shandré to be exceptionally professional yet she has the ability to put her client at ease and immediately develop a rapport and trust. I will gladly recommend Shandré as a Biokineticist to anyone, her willingness to assist and her great people skills are a rare find!"