Joint Laxity... Are you bent out of shape? - Nicole Robson (Paladin Biokineticists)

Ligaments connect bone to bone and therefore play an important role in joint stability. When ligaments are lax, there is less stability and the ligaments are termed “loose.” When this affects more than one joint in the body it is termed hypermobility and is often the cause of chronic pain. Causes are either genetic or as a result of an injury (torn ligament). Individuals with lax ligaments are more pre-disposed to injury and resultant joint degeneration with increasing age.

Common symptoms include

•  pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles
• clicking joints
• pre-disposition to dislocation.
• fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• recurrent injuries – such as sprains

Exercise is a great way to help manage pain and create stability around the joints. As a biokineticsist we can determine which joints are more hypermobile than others and therefore can determine which muscles are compensating. It is important to have specific exercise prescribed so that strength can develop and assist with stabilisation. It is also important to learn what normal range of motion is for each joint, in order to avoid hyperextension.

It is important to concentrate on both isometric and concentric strengthening exercises. In isometric exercise, the joint doesn't actually move, but the muscles around it are contracting. This enables the joint to remain stable whist gaining strength. With concentric exercises, muscles shorten as they contract (i.e. when you lift a weight in a bicep curl).

Emphasis should focus on the most susceptible joints such as your shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles. Core strengthening surrounding joints in your lower back, pelvis and hips is also of vital importance. A strong core assists with overall stability and therefore less chance of injury.

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

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