Melissa McLaren Biokineticist

Melissa McLaren Biokineticist is based within the Sitari Country Estate in Somerset West.  Working with people to improve their function through exercise as rehabilitation.

The cornerstone to the practice and treatment is education around the correct use of exercise for treating injuries or chronic conditions.

Athletes can also make use of the practice for strength and conditioning programs for their chosen sport.  Whether they have an injury that needs rehabilitation, or would like an assessment on which areas can be improved for better function.

There are group programs within the practice available for back/core strength maintenance, pregnancy as well as postnatal recovery.

Biokineticists are Exercise Specialists.  And have studied exercise and movement and the use of these in the treatment of pain, injuries, chronic conditions, as well as for performance.

Biokinetics is the Science of Movement and the application of exercise in rehabilitative treatment and performance.
Biokinetics is used to improve physical function and health care with exercise.

Registered biokineticists have completed an honours degree in the use of exercise for health, rehabilitation and performance. The profession is also registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

A biokineticist can assist with exercise programs for
– health promotion
– maintenance of physical abilities & conditioning for your sport
– final phase rehabilitation (orthopeadic & chronic disease)

Using scientifically based principles and the insights from your consultation to prescribe an exercise program.

The practice operates from multiple locations within Somerset West, in the Helderberg:

• Sitari Country Estate, Croydon  (residents)
• De Velde Lifestyle Estate (residents)
• 3 Bright Street, Audas Estate – Mayfair Building

After relocating from the coastal town of East London after 12 years, where there is a very active population.  Naturally the practice has worked a lot with athletes (elite and recreational) in their pursuit of returning to competition from injury.

The practice also has a heart for wellness.  And those struggling with direction in their exercise program since being diagnosed with a chronic condition.  Melissa has also completed additional courses in pregnancy and postnatal recovery.  And has a passion for helping guide moms back to activity after having their baby.

Read through the sections on rehabilitation and wellness for further information on these aspects of the practice.

Biokineticists are exercise specialists.  And as such, they make use of various aspects of exercise in order to treat injuries.

After a consultation to asses the individual needs of the patient and obtain physical measurements – a tailored program will be formulated in order to reach the goal of the patient.

If you need help with your injury or function – make contact with your biokineticist.

Orthopedic Rehabilitation (joints, muscles, spine)

Sports Injuries

• Acute (sudden events like strains, tears and breaks).  Biokineticists complete final phase rehabilitation to return to sport pain free and at full function.  Generally this rehab takes place after or in conjunction with initial soft tissue treatment done with a first phase practitioner.
• Chronic (overuse, biomechanical).  Biokineticists will use a biomechanical assessment in order to identify the cause of your injury.  Working towards correcting the problems in order to prevent re-occurrence or subsequent compensatory injuries.

‘Pre-hab’

• strengthening of the muscles and structures before an operation to improve the outcomes post-operatively.
• This type of rehab can also be used in injury prevention.  Strengthening the areas most at risk for your specific sport.

Post-op Rehabilitation

• Following the scientific protocols for optimal strengthening in each phase of rehabilitation after your operation.
• Ligament repairs, joint replacements, spinal fusions, other spine surgeries.
• Post-op rehab allows you to return to your daily tasks or chosen sport at optimal function.

Chronic Conditions

• Diabetes, Cardiac conditions, Strokes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol
• Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Brain Injury, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease
• Arthritis, Lower back pain Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis
• Amputation, Paraplegia, Tetraplegia

Assessment of each patient, their history, needs and current abilities will determine the treatment plan used by the biokineticist.

General function

Not all people feel they have a specific injury that needs attention.  You may have an area of concern that you would like an assessment for.   There are also different life stages which require a different approach to exercise.  Other areas a biokineticist can assist with are –

• Pregnancy:  Prenatal programs for maintaining strength, fitness, comfort and well-being.  Post-natal programs to regain the core and pelvic floor function.
• Exercise for the elderly.
• Posture assessments and corrective exercise.
• Functional assessments and conditioning programs for sports performance and function.

group classes

Back maintenance/ Core

Prenatal Exercise

Postnatal Recovery

Please contact for further information, should you be interested in joining us.

As biokinetics is a registered profession with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, claims from medical aid for your treatment is an option.  Speak to your biokineticist to discuss the option of using medical aid, as each plan and person is different.

Biokineticists are exercise specialists,  and  help with chronic disease management through exercise.  Making use of various aspects of exercise in order to treat chronic health conditions and improve general wellness.

Chronic Conditions

• Diabetes, Cardiac conditions, Strokes, Hypertension, High Cholesterol
• Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Brain Injury, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease
• Arthritis, Lower back pain Syndrome, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis
• Amputation, Paraplegia, Tetraplegia
• Assessment of each patient, their history, needs and current abilities will determine the treatment plan used by the biokineticist.

General Fitness and Health Screenings

You don’t need to be on a specific lifestyle program or have a condition to make use of a biokineticist for an assessment.

• Fat percentage and body composition.
• Strength and cardiovascular fitness testing.
• Posture assessments and corrective exercise.
• Functional movement assessments and conditioning programs for sports performance and function.

Medical aid programs

• Discovery Vitality Fitness Assessment
• BestMed family
• Medscheme – Fedhealth, MBMed, Polmed Weight Management Program
• Discovery Diabetes Care

diabetes & cardiac condition program

A formulated program to educate you on exercising with your condition.  Designed to take you to a place of comfort while exercising.

If you would like further information on this, please contact the practice.

After a consultation to asses the individual needs of the patient and obtain physical measurements – a tailored program can be formulated in order to reach the goal of the patient.

As biokinetics is a registered profession with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, claims from medical aid for your treatment is an option.  Speak to your biokineticist to discuss the option of using medical aid, as each plan and person is different.