Conditions we treat

How you can be helped

According to biokinetics’ scope of practice as listed by the Health Professions Council of Namibia, Biokineticists aim to promote physical ability and performance, prevent and rehabilitate certain medical ailments, do body composition analysis, wellness intervention and functional restoration in the following domains:

Muscular and Orthopedic Disease, Disabilities, and Injuries

Knee
Ankle
Shoulder
Elbow
Hip
Wrist
Spinal Column

Orthopedic rehabilitation is centered on bringing back function to the muscular and skeletal systems. Biokinetics deals with the diverse disorders and injuries that influence muscles, bones, and joints. The role of a biokineticist is to concentrate on restoring functionality and diminishing the potential for subsequent injuries or wear. Scientifically designed protocols are employed and tailored to each specific ailment, aiming to progressively boost functional capabilities. Exercise regimens are uniquely fashioned for every individual, ensuring maximum recovery of functional ability, and are overseen until full recovery.

Amputations
Muscular/ligament strain
Joint replacements
Post operative ligament reconstruction
Osteo-/rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis
Cervical (upper back/neck) and lumbar (lower back) dysfunction
Neurological problems
Spinal cord injuries
Stroke

Biokineticists are instrumental in rehabilitation across various conditions. For amputations, they develop exercises to strengthen the stump and adapt to prosthetics. They aid in muscular or ligament strains by promoting healing and flexibility. For joint replacements and post-operative ligament reconstructions, the focus is on restoring motion and muscle strength. They offer interventions to manage pain and enhance joint function in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis. With cervical and lumbar issues, emphasis is on spinal health and posture. For neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, and strokes, biokineticists design exercises to improve neuromuscular coordination, balance, and overall function.

Neuromuscular (brain-to-muscle) disorders and disease

Neuromuscular disorders fall under the broader category of neurological diseases, specifically impacting nerves that govern movement. These conditions can be either acquired over time or genetically inherited, and pinpointing a diagnosis can be intricate. Some notable neuromuscular disabilities include multiple sclerosis, post-polio syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease.

Resistance training has proven beneficial in enhancing motor function for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, and stroke. A combination of resistance and aerobic exercises bolsters physical fitness, muscle strength, and overall functional performance. Additionally, consistent flexibility exercises play a crucial role in mitigating or preventing contractures, especially for those with muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injuries, and strokes.

While most NMDs don't have a cure, exercise has been shown to enhance the quality of life, slow down muscle deterioration, better movement, alleviate symptoms or related health issues, extend the period of independence, and minimize injury risks. Beyond just enhancing motion and muscle function, exercise also positively impacts physiological aspects, boosting both cardiovascular and respiratory health which can contribute to a longer life. Additionally, engaging in physical activities uplifts mental well-being, fostering social connections and instilling a feeling of achievement.

Cardiovascular disorders and disease

Cardiac rehabilitation is a tailored regimen combining exercise and education, aimed at aiding recovery following a heart attack, from other cardiac conditions, or post-surgery for heart-related issues. Particularly in Namibia, where there's a notable prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity, such rehabilitation programs are of paramount importance.

These programs are typically segmented into stages, each comprising supervised, gradually intensified exercises, coupled with support mechanisms to guide necessary lifestyle adaptations. The overarching objective of cardiac rehabilitation is to empower individuals to bounce back stronger, achieving peak physical functionality after their health challenges. By focusing on both physical recovery and preventive strategies, these programs serve as an essential cornerstone in heart health management in all regions of Namibia.

Pulmonary disease and recovery

Endurance training stands as a cornerstone in the rehabilitation process for patients grappling with chronic pulmonary disease. The significance of this form of training cannot be overstated, as it directly contributes to enhancing a patient's day-to-day functional abilities. Effectively implemented, this mode of physical reconditioning not only bolsters stamina and overall health but also uplifts the individual's quality of life.

It's essential to act promptly, introducing endurance training as early as possible in the rehabilitation journey. Early intervention often correlates with more pronounced and lasting benefits, enabling patients to experience tangible improvements in their respiratory function and overall health.

To set the stage for effective exercise regimens, a multi-pronged approach is needed. First and foremost, it's crucial to fine-tune the mechanics of the respiratory system, ensuring patients can breathe efficiently and comfortably during workouts. Next, nutritional guidance plays a pivotal role. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients that support lung health and muscle endurance, is vital. This is complemented by psychological support, helping patients navigate the emotional and mental challenges that often accompany chronic conditions.

The design of the exercise program should be meticulous. It should lean heavily on scientifically-backed aerobic exercise prescriptions, which consider the fundamental principles of how the human body reacts to physical activity. Simultaneously, it's imperative to account for the unique pathophysiological constraints each patient might have. This personalized approach ensures that exercise plans are both challenging and safe. By identifying and adhering to safety thresholds, patients can push their boundaries without compromising their well-being, maximizing the benefits of their rehabilitation journey.

Metabolic disorders and disease

Through comprehensive evaluation, informed education, and the implementation of scientifically grounded supervised exercise regimens, we can champion preventative lifestyle alterations to mitigate mortality rates in patients predisposed to cardiovascular disease. A wealth of recent research underscores the positive impact of physical therapy in countering risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, such as:

Hypertension (Elevated Blood Pressure)
Diabetes - Type 1 & 2
Elevated cholesterol levels
Obesity
Stress and Depression

In tackling these challenges, a collaborative approach is paramount. Enduring lifestyle changes, under the vigilant guidance of doctors, dietitians, and a cadre of healthcare experts, are instrumental in forestalling heart attacks and strokes.

Psychological disorders

According to the Mental Health Foundation, engaging in physical activity can enhance your mental wellness. Physical activity refers to any movement that engages your muscles and expends more energy than when you're at rest.

Exercise, a type of physical activity, entails organized or methodical workouts. Activities like weightlifting, participating in aerobics or bootcamps, and being part of a sports team are considered exercises.

Studies indicate that when you're physically active, your brain releases specific chemicals called endorphins and these are the very chemicals that elevate mood, enhance energy levels, boost self-esteem, sharpen concentration, and regulate sleep patterns.

Engaging in exercise can be a fantastic opportunity to socialize and meet new friends. Moreover, it provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday chores, allowing you to center on personal health and rejuvenation.

Embracing an active lifestyle can bolster feelings of self-value and amplify self-confidence.

A few psychological benefits of exercising

less tension, stress and mental fatigue
natural energy boosts
improved sleep
a sense of achievement
focus in life and motivation
less anger, frustration or feelings of depression
better social life – having fun

Exercise and Depression

Depression is a prevalent condition that can be severely disabling, marked by feelings of sadness, diminished interest or joy, and sentiments of guilt or low self-esteem. It can also present with altered sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, or consistent weariness. These depressive symptoms can stand alone, coincide with chronic diseases such as diabetes, or arise after a sustained injury. Notably, major depression links with a heightened risk of premature death, largely attributed to cardiometabolic disorders.

Regular engagement in physical activity or exercise, even in minimal amounts, tends to reduce the likelihood of depressive symptoms and future bouts of depression. Exercise positively impacts depressive signs and, for some, might be as effective as certain psychological or medicinal treatments. Additionally, consistent physical activity serves as a proven method for weight regulation, optimizing diabetes management, and mitigating the cardiovascular risks frequently associated with mental ailments, including depression.

Corporate Wellness

Optimal health and efficiency management are pivotal in the modern corporate landscape. Emerging research consistently highlights a direct correlation between healthier staff and improved financial outcomes. This has driven corporations to introduce Workplace Health Programs (WHP). With health-care expenses surging, cutting into profit margins, it's becoming evident that WHPs will be vital for cost-management, particularly in small to medium-sized businesses. Key risk factors typically addressed include:

Elevated Cholesterol levels
Smoking habits
Raised blood pressure
Excessive body fat or obesity
Inadequate physical activity
Stress levels

Corporate wellness initiatives aim to delineate a company’s overall health framework. Comprehensive health evaluations of both management and the general staff are undertaken to gauge health conditions, potential risks, and prevailing lifestyle patterns. Together with dietary analyses, this data forms a solid foundation for effective wellness strategies.

Biokineticists collaborate within a diverse professional team, tailoring the program to a company's unique needs. The objective is crafting the most suitable strategies, ensuring the peak health and productivity of all employees.

Other areas of intervention include:

High Performance:

Assessment in the form of team or individual performance testing is used to gage the level of fitness, skill, agility, speed, power etc. Intervention programs are then developed to improve elements that tested below the norm or that needs to be specifically improved for optimal performance in a specific sport.

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Childhood Obesity

is becoming a major concern today. Children are less active due to less time spend outside. This is due to various causes, some of which are things like less required sport participation, safety concerns and today's television and internet culture. The lack of physical conditioning amongst children also lends itself to under developed motor skills, muscular strength, endurance, balance and coordination. These factors have a huge impact on academic achievement, sport participation and achievement, concentration, weight management and self image. The Biokineticist addresses the specific needs of children of different ages in order to improve their physical profile. We work in conjunction with various other professions including occupational therapists, doctors, dietitians to ensure the optimal physical development of your child.

Kinesio Taping:

Some Biokineticists are qualified to use and apply kinesio tape.
What Does Kinesio Taping Do?
Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It can be used preventative, for maintenance, for edema control and for pain management. Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induce various kinds of symptoms.
Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs.

Physical Selection

is a scientific assessment of the workplace to place manual laborers in specific areas based on their physical attributes. The job description of a specific occupation requires specific physical characteristics to ensure the worker’s ability to perform the task at hand successfully and productively.

The aim is to reduces the risk of injury to employees in order to create a healthier workforce with less absenteeism. Employers are then able to measure the workers suitability for a specific task.

Ergonomics is also considered part of physical selection and focuses on the office worker. It is defined as the science of designing the job, equipment, and workplace to fit the worker. Proper ergonomic design is necessary to prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can develop over time and can lead to long-term disability. Ergonomics involves workstation set-up and design, body posture evaluation and prevention of computer-related injuries and more. Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals of health and productivity.