Obesity

I specialise in working with obese patients to help with weight loss, and the many metabolic diseases (high BP, High Cholesterol, Diabetes etc.) that accompany extreme obesity. I work with them to implement a change in lifestyle, to getting them active and enjoying exercises, as well as the added benefits of weight loss.

This exercise needs to work in conjunction with a manageable diet plan. I also work with the Cape Town Bariatric Clinic

“The Cape Town Bariatric Clinic at the Life Kingsbury Hospital in Claremont, Cape Town offers bariatric surgery (surgical treatment for morbid obesity) within the context of a multidisciplinary team of medical and paramedical specialists. The team comprises endocrinologists, critical care physician, dieticians, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, biokineticist and two accredited laparoscopic bariatric surgeons. A professional nurse serves as the clinic coordinator. The team assesses patients to determine whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option for their obesity and, if so, prepares them for the surgery and assists them with their journey after the surgery.”

Sports conditioning

Strength and conditioning is a fitness and physical performance exercise prescription, which is specifically used to improve performances in athletic competition, as well as assist athletes to prevent injuries.

Strength and Sports Conditioning is not simply about lifting weights, but involves a holistic approach towards improving many/all physical fitness parameters. Our strength and conditioning training implements all the aspects of fitness that is necessary for improving your performance and getting you into optimal physical shape for competitions or events.

We work with athletes to help them build sports specific strength and conditioning, allowing them to improve in their specific fields. For example: we will help a tennis player improve his game. A bespoke program with be developed in order to meet your performance goal. Our program may include elements of speed, agility, endurance, core stability, power and strength training, depending on your specific requirements and those of your sport. We will continuously monitor and evaluate improvements in order to ensure your transfer into enhanced sports performance.

Rehab

We work with patients who require specific rehab to help them get back onto the sports field again, or getting back to normal daily routines –pain free.

Sports rehabilitation is a multi-disciplinary approach towards treating injuries sustained through sports participation, while at the same time helping the patient regain pain-free mobility. Our team of highly trained professionals have a combined goal of assisting patients to return to pre-injury activities, whether the patients is a professional athlete, amateur or casual player. Common injuries treated by our sports rehabilitation team is sprains and strains. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments caused by overuse, overstretching and tearing. A strain, however, is an injury or tear in the muscle itself.

Rehabilitation generally begins with a pain management treatment program. The treatment program is a progression of exercises that is slow and pain free. Stretching exercises should be pushed into slowly and held at the first point of discomfort. Strengthening exercises should be done with a light enough resistance or weights. Exercises should never increase pain or swelling, even the next day.

Pre and Post-Natal Exercise

Pregnancy doesn't mean that you have to give up your active lifestyle. In fact, the right moves can ease common complaints like back pain and sleep troubles. Biokinetics helps to strengthen core muscles, eases back pain and helps you relax. It may even make labour shorter and more comfortable.

We provide Special Population groups (such as pregnant women) with a required exercise routine, designed to provide a full body workout without any strain or pressure.

When you are pregnant, your body produces a hormone, known as relaxin, which makes your ligaments stretchy and elastic in preparation for childbirth. You will have high levels of relaxin until you have given birth. The increased elasticity of your ligaments may cause your joints to become looser, making you prone to twisting your ankles. As your baby grows inside of you, you might notice your centre of gravity shifting, making you less steady on your feet too.

Pre and post-operative rehabilitation

Pre-operative rehabilitation is scheduled before surgery to ensure that you are educated on ways to help you speed up recovery. We will work with you to establish your goals for therapy, and review any post-operative precautions that you might have. You may be instructed on how to get in and out of a chair or move around in bed, in the most comfortable manner. You may also be instructed on how to use an assistive device, such as crutches. Depending on your needs, you may have to visit us once or multiple times before surgery. However, we will give you exercises to perform at home in order to maximise your mobility before surgery.

With post-operative rehabilitation, we aim to restore your prior level of physical functions. This includes being able to return to work, recreational activities and even competitive sports. We provide one-on-one treatment sessions to closely monitor your progress, ensuring that your recovery is optimal.

Your participation in your rehabilitation is critical.

Metabolic disease reduction

Metabolic syndrome is the term used to describe a group of factors that increase your risk of heart disease and other problems, such as diabetes and stroke. The term "metabolic" refers to the processes involved in the body's normal functioning.

There are five conditions that can be described as metabolic risk factors. These conditions are: A large waistline, a high triglyceride level, a low HDL cholesterol level, high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar. Your vulnerability to heart disease, diabetes and stroke increases with the number of metabolic risk factors you have. Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common, due to the rise in obesity rates in South Africa. In the future, metabolic syndrome will kill more people than nicotine.

The only way to prevent or delay a metabolic disease is to live a healthier lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is a lifelong commitment and requires long-term effort and teamwork. We will set up an exercise regime for you, that starts slowly and easy, to get your body comfortable and warmed up. We will also provide you with a diet plan to ensure that you are eating healthy.