What Does a Biokineticist Do? A Guide for New Patients

Many patients arrive at their first session with the same question: “What exactly is a biokineticist?” It is a fair question. Biokinetics is a registered health profession in South Africa, but it is not nearly as well known as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, despite being just as valuable. This guide explains what we do, who we treat, and what you can expect when you come to see us.

Exercise as medicine

A biokineticist is a clinical exercise specialist. We use evidence-based exercise programmes as our primary therapeutic tool. Where a physiotherapist might use ultrasound, massage, or dry needling, a biokineticist designs and supervises individualised exercise programmes aimed at rehabilitating injury, managing chronic conditions, and improving physical function.

We are not personal trainers. We have a four-year degree and postgraduate honours in biokinetics, which equips us to work with patients who have complex medical histories, physical limitations, and specific clinical needs. The goal is always to find the right exercise at the right intensity for your specific situation, not a generic programme.

What conditions does a biokineticist treat?

Biokinetics covers a wide range of conditions. At JW Bio, our patients come to us with orthopaedic injuries (including but not limited to; back pain, pre- and post-operative rehabilitation for joint replacements and ligament reconstruction), cardiac conditions, neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, and fall prevention and balance work for older adults.

Biokinetics is also useful for apparently healthy individuals who want a structured, evidence-based exercise programme.

What happens at the first session?

The first session is a comprehensive assessment. Your biokineticist will take a thorough medical history, ask about your current symptoms and goals, and assess your posture, flexibility, and strength. The assessment gives us the information we need to design a programme that is specific to your body and your needs.

From there, treatment sessions follow an individualised programme. Some patients progress through one-on-one sessions until they are ready for a small group class. We offer falls prevention classes (four to six people, focused on balance and leg strength) and back health classes (focused on core strength and body awareness) as options for patients who have progressed to a maintenance level.

What can you realistically expect?

Biokinetics is not a quick fix. Meaningful improvements in strength, balance, and function take time and consistency. Most patients begin to notice changes within six to eight weeks of regular sessions, but the real benefits compound over months of consistent work.

The goal we are working towards is yours, not ours. Whether you want to be able to play with your grandchildren, reduce your pain levels, get through your day with less fatigue, or run your first 5km, we work backwards from that goal to design a programme that will actually get you there.

Need a hand?

If you have been referred to us, or if you are simply curious whether biokinetics could help you, we would love to hear from you. You can book an initial assessment via https://jwbio.co.za/contact or call us on 011 880 4719.