Cerebral Palsy (CP) and how Biokinetics can help - Nicole Robson (Paladin Biokineticists)

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition, where the part of the brain that controls muscle function, is damaged. This often occurs at birth. A variety of causes (predominantly at birth) include:

• low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
• severe jaundice
• brain infections
• bleeding into the brain
• head injuries
• maternal infections such as rubella (German measles)

 There are many different types of Cerebral Palsy that are classified as follows:

• Spastic: prominent reflexes and stiff muscle movements.
• Dyskinetic: This is divided into two types:
• Athetoid:  involuntary slow, movements
• Dystonic: Lack of trunk stability (affects posture)
• Ataxic: uncoordinated muscle movements
• Hypotonic: Low muscle tone (floppy)
• Mixed: combination of any of the above.

Exercise plays an important role in managing CP. Biokineticists are qualified health professionals who are trained to prescribe specific exercises. The purpose of exercise is to assist in providing independent movement. This is done by performing various functional movements, which often mimic activities of daily living. This goes hand in hand with muscle strength and therefore joint stability. Most importantly physical movement assists by preventing joints from becoming tight or permanently contracted.

Daily range-of-motion (ROM) exercises are essential in helping to prevent and delay and contractures (spasticity) as well maintaining mobility of joints. Stretching exercises are performed to increase range of motion. Progressive resistance exercises are important in developing strength. Fun Based exercises are also used for children to assist in posture correction, core and balance.

CP is a non progressive disease but can be managed through exercise which ultimately improves the individual’s quality of life.

Nicole obtained her BA in Human Movement Science at the University of Pretoria and completed her Honours Degree in Biokinetics at the University of Johannesburg. 

Nicole has an interest in Rhythmic Gymnastics and this particular sport led to her interest in the human body and orthopaedic rehabilitation, particularly of the back. She also has a keen interest in a variety of other sports. An area of focus that Nicole is also passionate about involves the training of children ranging from the very young child to teenagers. 

Nicole can be contacted on 082 888 8826 or nicolerobson@kinetics.co.za

How do I know I need a Biokineticist? - Bianca Bunge (Paladin Biokineticists)

• Have you been suffering from lower back pain for the last month, year, or all your life?
• Have you recently sustained a sports injury?
• Have you undergone any Orthopaedic surgery?
• Are you planning on undergoing any Orthopaedic surgery in the near future, and need to do some strengthening and conditioning beforehand?
• Do you suffer from any joint pain or niggles?
• Do you suffer from daily headaches?
• Does your whole body feel tight and tensed?
• Have you recently undergone any Cardiac surgery?
• Are you unhappy with your weight and want to shed a few kilograms?
• Is your posture worrying you?
• Are you an athlete looking to enhance your performance?
• Do you Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes?
• Do you have High Blood pressure or Cholesterol?
• Do you experience knee pain when running and/or squatting?
• When you embark on your ab challenge workout, do you seem to feel every exercise in your lower back instead of where you actually need to feel it, uhm, your abdominals?
• Do you occasionally feel numbness and tingling down your legs?
• Do you suffer from any chronic conditions such as Parkinsons, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, to mention a few?
• Have you sustained a Neurological or Spinal injury?
• Do you just generally feel tight, tired, tensed and weak

Have you answered yes to any, or even a few of these questions? Well, then chances are you need a Biokineticist!! And we can help you!!

Bianca completed both her BA in Human Movement Science as well as her Honours degree in Biokinetics at the University of Pretoria. 

Bianca has a keen interest in various sports, particularly Netball and Running. She loves working with individuals and athletes of all levels and assisting them in achieving their desired goals. It’s all about the comeback! 

She’s passionate about the human body, movement, and working with different people and has a special interest in Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, in particular knee, hip and back rehabilitation. 

Bianca can be contacted on 082 8297 438 or biancabunge@kinetics.co.za