Frianke van de Velde Biokineticist

Research Wednesday 🧠

We often tell patients:

“Do your exercises -they’ll help you heal.”

But how?

This paper gives a powerful answer:

👉 Load changes tissue.

Through a process called Mechanotransduction, mechanical stress is converted into cellular activity that drives repair and remodelling. 

In simple terms:

Movement → cellular signalling → protein synthesis → tissue adaptation

The authors even reintroduce the term “mechanotherapy” - using exercise as a treatment to stimulate healing, not just improve fitness. 

And importantly:

• Muscle responds to load by activating growth pathways
• Controlled loading improves alignment and regeneration
• Too little load? → tissue loss
• Appropriate load? → stronger, better tissue 

Which raises a key clinical question:

Are we prescribing exercise as a habit…
or as a targeted biological stimulus?

That’s exactly what and are exploring this month inside The Better Clinician Project - diving into muscle injuries, rehab, and the science behind what actually drives recovery.

Because exercise isn’t just something we give patients…

It’s one of the most powerful treatment tools we have. 💪🧠

Many sports injuries are avoidable. Biokineticists work proactively to assess muscle imbalances, correct poor movement patterns and strengthen vulnerable areas before injury strikes.
🏃‍♂️ Whether you're a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, smart movement is your best defense.

👉 Find a biokineticist near you: https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/

Postpartum recovery is about more than “bouncing back.”

Pregnancy and birth can change posture, strain your back, weaken your pelvic floor and reduce core stability. A Biokineticist works with new moms to rebuild strength safely improving posture, easing discomfort and supporting energy.

👶 You care for your baby - we’ll help you care for your body.

👉 Learn how biokinetics can support postpartum healing: https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/

If you're battling fatigue from burnout, autoimmune conditions, or long COVID, movement might feel impossible - but with the right plan, it can actually improve your energy. Biokineticists use graded activity to gently rebuild your capacity.

💤 Movement can help you feel alive again!

👉 Take your next step forward: https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/

Balance is the foundation for safe, confident movement. Through scientifically based exercises, biokinetics improves balance, enhances coordination and helps prevent falls. Let’s work on stability today for a stronger tomorrow.

Find a biokineticist near you: https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/

Lower Back Pain? You Don’t Have to Live with It!

Back pain is often caused by weak core muscles, poor posture, or muscle imbalances. Biokinetics offers a targeted solution strengthening, stretching and improving movement patterns to relieve pain and prevent future issues. If you’ve been sitting too much or feeling stiff, it’s time to move differently.

👉 Book a movement assessment today:
https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/

Recovering After Surgery? We’ve Got You.

Whether it’s a hip replacement, back operation or sports injury, the rehab journey matters. A biokineticist helps you rebuild strength and confidence step by step. Don’t just heal - recover completely.

👉 Find a recovery partner near you:
https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/

Balance Training: Fall Prevention Starts Here!

Good balance helps you walk with confidence, avoid injury, and stay independent, especially as you age. Whether you’re recovering from a fall or simply want to feel more stable, a biokineticist can assess your movement and strengthen key areas to keep you steady.

👉 Don’t wait for a fall - book a balance check today:
https://biokineticssa.org.za/public-information/