Biokinetic Blueprint: The Captain America of rehabilitation

 

You know that understated leader or superhero, the one who leads from afar, does the hard graft, has the greatest impact, yet doesn't get all the acclaim. That is Biokinetics for you in a nutshell. I believe that due to the nature of the profession, it is undervalued by other medical professions and society as a whole. The problem lies in the education behind the profession and where it fits into the rehabilitation process. Biokinetics is a young profession and is still establishing itself, although it has already made a big impact.


"Exercise is hard" is the common phrase from most people, but have you had a session with a Biokineticist yet? Have you felt the burn and activation of a muscle yet undiscovered that has the potential to change your back pain, take away that niggle in the hip, or alleviate the pain of countless years of knee pain? The unknown hero is around the corner and awaiting your call.


Biokinetics is a medical profession first and foremost, working with end-stage rehabilitation patients, utilizing clinical exercise as a modality. It is about transforming the body and changing the perceptions of people and how they use their bodies. Many patients have come to me not realizing the benefits of doing specific exercises for specific conditions. The exercises at first may seem mundane and "easy," but the journey is about a process that leads to longevity. Biokineticists strive for activation through stability and control of movements, which do not hinder or compensate other areas. The world and the current millennial outlook are very much focused on the instant gratification perspective. I believe this is being played out in many facets of life, and no more so than in the health and fitness industry. Exercise sessions are becoming more outlandish, pushing harder and faster, and sports are developing shorter formats that are more explosive and intense, all while the load on the body intensifies. The resultant factor is injuries instead of upkeep, maintenance, and rest.


The overall aspect of Biokinetics, as mentioned, is exercise. However, it is not exercise in the traditional sense. Some of my patients, currently in their 60s, relate quite a few of the exercises to a TV star named Jane Fonda, who was draped in tight-fitting leggings and a crop top to match. These were the days of big hair and loud colours and controversial dress sense. However, a lot of the exercises from this era have a funny correlation to many of the rehabilitation exercises that have made their way back. The study of these exercises shows that they are evidence-based in their use to achieve activation and the desired outcome of stability.


Another aspect that I'm sure everyone can relate to is stretching. I'm sure we all spend at least 10 minutes easing our bodies into perfect form manipulations to get ready for the onslaught of the day each morning. It always seems that the most underrated and easiest things that have the most impact are left to last. Stretching is one of those things, and I remember a mentor of mine telling me one day that when they had kids of their own, they would instil that every morning, their kids would get out of bed and do 10 minutes of stretching. Oh, if everyone could do that!


Where I am inevitably going with this blueprint is that Biokinetics, as the silent superhero, can actually prevent injuries and should be a staple for all sportspeople, but even more so for the average person. Humans are made to move; that's why we have joints that can move in many planes, muscles that produce movement, and a heart and lungs for propulsion in their simplest form. Why wait for an injury to happen when you can be proactive and preventative instead?












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