POLOKWANE – At first Monica Afonso thought she would become a cardiologist, but early into her BSc general course she realised biokinetics is her calling.
She recently opened her own practice and Review spoke to her about being a woman in this field. Biokineticists are Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) practitioners who are concerned with preventive healthcare, the maintenance of physical abilities and final phase rehabilitation.
“We are more focused on the cause of the problem. We use scientifically-based exercise and physical activity programmes.” Monica explains that she loves sport and biokinetics combines sport and medicine. It also allows her to work closely with other people.
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“The best thing about my work is that I meet new people and that I can help them. Since I work one-on-one with them, I get to know them personally.”
According to Monica, no two cases are the same, even if it is about the same body part. She treats each person with the personal care they need.
“People do not know and understand biokinetics and how it can help you. I am here to help people, they just need to accept the help.” Monica explains that she is the stop patients have to make after going to a physiotherapist.
“I am not allowed to do what a physiotherapist does, like massaging the patient. I may only make use of exercises to help the patient. It would be best if a patient comes to me twice a week, but that is not always possible. So once a week or even once, every two weeks is fine.”
Contrary to popular belief, there are more women in this industry than men and Monica explains that more people are willing to be treated by a woman than a man.
“It is not that women are better biokinetics, but most women do not feel comfortable to be treated by a man. In some cultures, women are not allowed to be treated by men.”
