Exercise
that treats.
Not just trains.
Melissa McLaren is Somerset West's specialist biokineticist — using exercise as medicine for sports rehabilitation, chronic disease, oncology recovery, and pre/postnatal care. HPCSA registered. Medical aids accepted.
Your medical aid may cover your biokinetics sessions. We work with all major schemes and have active programme partnerships.
Don't see your scheme? All major South African medical aids can claim biokinetics as an allied health benefit. Ask us at your first session.
If your body needs to move better — we work with you.
Biokinetics bridges the gap between medical treatment and general fitness. These are the people we help most.
Exercise specialist.
Human first.
[BIO TO CONFIRM] Melissa McLaren is a HPCSA-registered biokineticist based at the DSD Center in Somerset West. Originally from East London — where she spent 12 years working with athletes and an active coastal population — she relocated to the Helderberg and built a practice around the full spectrum of what biokinetics can offer.
Her training goes beyond the standard degree. Additional qualifications in oncology exercise (one of very few practitioners in Somerset West), pregnancy and postnatal rehabilitation, and chronic disease management make her practice genuinely uncommon.
The practice operates from the DSD Center in Croydon, with additional sessions available at Sitari Country Estate and De Velde Lifestyle Estate for residents.
What we treat. How we treat it.
Biokinetics uses exercise as a medical tool. Each service starts with a thorough assessment, followed by a tailored program built around your specific needs.
Exercise during and after cancer treatment.
Most people don't know that exercise during cancer treatment isn't just safe — it's one of the most evidence-backed interventions for reducing fatigue, improving treatment tolerance, and supporting recovery. Melissa completed specialist oncology exercise training specifically for this work.
Every patient is different. Programs are adapted to the type of cancer, treatment stage, side effects, and current function. The goal is always to maintain as much quality of life as possible during treatment, and rebuild it fully afterward.
- Reduces cancer-related fatigue by up to 40%40% reduction
- Improves treatment tolerance and completion rates
- Accelerates post-surgery recovery and function
- Reduces risk of cancer recurrence in some conditions
Group sessions for consistent progress.
All group classes are led by Melissa. Small groups for maximum attention. Running from the DSD Center, Croydon.
Ongoing strengthening focused on the back and core. Suitable for all fitness levels, particularly those recovering from back pain or wanting to prevent it.
Trimester-appropriate exercise for maintaining strength, fitness, and comfort during pregnancy. Monitored and medically sound.
Specifically designed for postnatal recovery — targeting core and pelvic floor restoration while rebuilding overall strength.
For fitness, sport performance, or general strength goals. Evidence-based strength programming.
What happens when you come in.
First session runs 60 minutes. You leave with a clear assessment, a personalised exercise program, and a timeline.
Bring any relevant medical reports, scan results, or referral letters. Comfortable clothing. Medical aid card if applicable.
Transparent fees. Medical aid welcomed.
Biokinetics is a registered allied health profession. Most medical aids cover treatment — and we actively participate in several programme partnerships.
Fees confirmed at booking. Medical aid co-payments vary by plan.
We actively process claims for most schemes. Bring your medical aid card and ID to your first session. We can advise on co-payment expectations during the consultation.
People who came in. And kept moving.
From post-surgery recovery to ongoing chronic disease management — every case is different.
After my knee replacement I was terrified I'd never play golf again. Melissa's post-op program had me back on the course in four months — and stronger than I was before.
Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes felt like the end of my active life. The Discovery Diabetes Care program here changed that. I actually look forward to my sessions now.
The postnatal group is the best thing I did after my second baby. My pelvic floor actually works again.
I continued exercising through chemotherapy because Melissa made it safe and manageable. I genuinely believe it helped me get through treatment.
Years of chronic lower back pain — two rounds of physio that didn't hold. Melissa's assessment found the cause. It's been 18 months pain-free.
As a Sitari resident I didn't even know biokinetics was available here. Now my whole family comes — kids included.
Questions, answered.
Find us in Somerset West.
The practice operates from the DSD Center in Croydon with additional sessions available at two local residential estates. All sessions are by appointment.
Saturday & Sunday · Closed
Book online.
Move better — starting now.
First session runs 60 minutes. Walk out with a clear assessment, a personalised exercise program, and a plan. Medical aid accepted. Online booking available.
Bookem online scheduling · or contact us directly