The importance of pre-hab..

Recently a long standing patient of mine had to have back surgery.
Her surgeon and physio were blown away at her ROM in her SLR (Hamstrings), her strength in her back as well as her core strength.
She went in to her surgery armed with her strong body that she had worked so hard at in biokinetics for a long long time.
Although the op was necessary we knew that she was strong enough to not only handle it but also to recover quickly.

The op was a success and since then she has made remarkable progress! Even I am amazed at what she is doing just 4 weeks post op. So much so that in hospital her physio altered the standard home program down so as not to let her push herself too much!:)

We firmly believe that she couldn't have done this without her pre-op rehab (prehab), just showing how important it is to see a biokineticist not only after surgery but also before.
Prehab cuts down your recovery time, improves the success rate of the op and allows you to be ready to go much sooner.

Are you having an op soon? Call us for a consult and start biokinetics today!

My kids....

When I started working with kids, I did it because I loved kids. At the time I had no children of my own. Little did I know what I was in for!

Now, a mum of a goregous boy, Hamza and a therapist that prides myself in the treatment of kids, I have never felt more alive!

Treating kids is not like treating adults. As much as I enjoy seeing my orthopaedic and neuro patients, the treatment of kids is just different!

Each day is a challenge, each session is a playground and each child is a son or daughter to me.

It has amazed me how my simple therpay can help these kids not only with their muscles and posture but I have seen, how through exercise, their self esteem, confidence, concentration and even speech is improved!

I take everyday to admire and be amazed by the parents of these truly special kids! No amount of therapy would do any good if not for the perseverance, hardwork and dedication of the parents.

I have proven to myself that exercise in any form can help your child, today, be it physically, emotionally or mentally!

Therapy with horses

I was recently invited to an open day by Tumanako Physiotherapy. The brief said that the physiotherapist, Samantha Scheepers was the only physio that does actual physiotherapy on a horse!

This immediately drew my attention and I RSVP'ed and let all patients that I thought would benefit, know about the event.
I was joined by a patient of mine, my gorgeous little boy Divan, and his parents, on the day. We were so taken by what they had to say as well as by what we saw.

The therapy is used for kids with various problems, amongst these are cerebral palsy, down syndrome and kids with low muscle tone.

There are various ways that this therapy works. One is the connection between the horse and the child. The therapists explained to us, that until you make that connection with a horse (which comes from working closely with a horse) one will not be able to understand. Nonetheless a connection is made and trust is built based on this connection.
The second is that the gait of the horse mimics our gait pattern. Hence when the child is placed on the horse, their hips are moving as if they were doing the walking.
Another way that this therapy works is that when sitting on the ball, ones core is constantly activated.
Various different positions and mechanisms are used, depending on what the condition and goal of therapy is.

All in all it was a wonderful and inspiring morning! The highlight of which was when Divan got to ride one of the horses! Below I have shared some of the photos of the day.

MCG Biokinetics is considering opening a branch of this type of therapy (biokinetics on a horse) in Johannesburg and we would love to know if you are interested. Please email us your thoughts and comments.

http://www.paedsphysio.co.za/tumanako_2.html

Sam and Andrew with Salma, a down syndrome little girl, doing therapy :

Divans turn!

Getting to know the horse first..making contact...

And....up we go.....not so impressed at first!

Divan's walk with Andrew and mum, Elria

Hello tannie mumtaz!!!!:) too precious!

A proud therapist! :)

Suffering a stroke

Going through a stroke can be life changing and debilitating.

A stroke, brain attack, or a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), is the sudden death of brain cells caused by a lack of supply in oxygen to the brain. Resulting disabilities will vary depending on stroke location and severity.

After a stroke, brain cells die in the affected areas resulting to damaged or even lose neurons. Patients will often suffer physical disabilities such as partial loss of motricity or hemiplegia, sensory loss, language disorders, aphasia, visual disorders, and even memory loss. Level of recovery will vary from patient to patient. Starting rapidly a rehabilitation program is key to recovery.

After a stroke, you’re probably not anxious to put on your running shoes and go jogging. You’re facing other concerns — but you should know that exercise is very important for stroke recovery and for preventing another stroke.

Why Exercise Improves Stroke Recovery
Being physically active will help with your stroke recovery, and help prevent a second one, because it:

• Controls cholesterol levels. Keeping your cholesterol level low is very important if you want to prevent another stroke. Exercise increases “good” cholesterol.

• Fights high blood pressure. By keeping your blood vessels working well, you can fight high blood pressure.

• Controls weight. Many stroke survivors need to lose weight to reduce their risk of another stroke. Even if you’re already at a healthy weight, exercise will help with weight management.

• Fights depression. Depression is common after a stroke and can make it hard for you to find the motivation to do anything, let alone get moving. But did you know that being physically active fights stress and depression, which in turn reduces your additional heart disease and stroke risk?

Focusing on neuro in my practice, I have seen a number of stroke patients. Their hardwork and progression has been nothing short of remarkable!

One particular patient could hardly lift her leg just 2 years ago. She is now able to not only move her leg in all directions but she is now able to walk!!!

Your exercise program will consist of a number of different exercises including passive range of motion, active assisted range of motion, strengthening exercises, stretching, etc

You too can improve with our help!

Most important you need to get clearance with your doctor and make sure you are under strict supervision of a biokineticist when exercising.

Play2Gym

Are you concerned about the sedentary lifestyle our kids are living? Does your child slouch in front of the TV or at the table? Take a look at our Play2Gym page and contact us today!

A new year....a new you!

Welcome back to one and all! We hope you had a good break, are well rested and you are ready to take on 2012!

Mumtaz Gani biokineticsists would love to be a part of your new years resolution and helping you to a healthier, stronger, happier YOU!

We would like to you inform you that we charge below the medical aid rates and are cheaper than most other biokineticsists. Thus by coming to see us your savings of your medical aid will last longer!

Call us today for an assessment to help sort out those aches and pains.