What is Hypertension and how does a Biokineticist play a role in addressing it? - Anca Wessels (Paladin Biokineticists)

So you’ve heard of the term “high blood pressure”, but what does it really mean?

When your heart beats, it pumps blood out. The pressure it produces is called your systolic measurement (top reading) and should average at around 120.

When your heart is resting in between beats, it gets filled up with new blood. The amount of pressure needed to do this is called your diastolic measurement (bottom reading) and should average at 80.

If your blood pressure measurement is higher than 120/80 (eg. 150/100), you could be suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension). This means that the amount of pressure needed to pump and fill your heart is higher than normal and could lead to your heart being over worked. If left undiagnosed and untreated for an extended period of time, you could suffer from a heart attack or heart failure.

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, one of the treatments that can assist in decreasing your reading is regular specific exercises. This is where Biokineticists come in.

Exercise for hypertension is specifically designed to train your heart how to deal with access pressure. These pressures can include anything from being overweight, to additional work stress, to being very unfit, to financial problems, etc.  By increasing your heart’s capability to adapt to different situations, you will lower your blood pressure and increase your quality of life.

For more info on high blood pressure and exercise, contact us now. You don’t have any time to waste!

Joint pain? Let's get exercising! - Natasha Eekhout (Paladin Biokineticists)

Who needs a weather report when you have joint pain right?

Joint pain is one of those annoying conditions that can stop life and it’s enjoyments in its tracks. It is extremely varied and is painful yes, where even simple daily activities such as getting in and out of your car is a sharp reminder of your limitations. So much for gardening, walking your dog and playing soccer with your kids outside, you may think. Wrong! Just because you have joint pain, does not mean that you have been given permission to sit on your couch and rot away in front of the television, seeing as you have the perception that exercise will only aggravate your condition.

Joint pain is believe it or not, manageable and in some instances can be treated with exercise, allowing you to return to the usual activities pain free, that you once took for granted. Common causes include arthritis, age, previous injuries, overuse and most importantly inactivity.

Yep it may be tempting to eliminate physical activity because of the pain however, this will only worsen the condition, resulting in further weakening of muscles, bones and joints. Exercise is one of the best natural and cost-free remedies. The right exercises need to be performed correctly and can even sidestep surgery. Weight bearing exercises are especially important for strengthening joints, but should be done progressively with an additional walking or cardiovascular program.

Obviously before starting any form of exercise, you need to consult with your doctor first. It may be recommended that you attend supervised exercise sessions to ensure specific, individualised progressive exercise regimes, focussing on correct technique. That’s what us biokineticists are good at too, developing and mastering a joint pain relief exercise plan for you! Happy Exercising! 

Natasha completed her BSc Sports Science undergraduate degree at The University of Johannesburg and her BHSc honours degree in Biokinetics at The University of the Witwatersrand. 

She has a passion for a variety of sports in particular soccer, tennis, running and kickboxing which have contributed to a strong interest in orthopaedic rehabilitation and working with athletes. Other areas of focus include diabetic and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as weight loss and a keen enthusiasm for working with children of all ages. 

Natasha can be contacted on 082 476 9727 or natashaeekhout@kinetics.co.za