OUR CLIENTS
Mandilene Hoffmann, age 17, Current Junior World Discus Champion
"My prognosis for life at the age of 12 was that I would be wheelchair-bound by the age of 15... "
I am Mandilene Hoffmann, age 17 and an International Para-Athlete, Class F44.
I hold the current Junior World Champion Discuss title, F45 - F46, F42 - F44, F61 - F640.
I also hold various South African records in discus, shot-put and javelin. My current ranking is number 1, 0/20, in the class for discus in Africa and globally. As a senior, I'm ranked no 6 in the world (discus) and am currently on the shortlist to participate at this year's Paralympics, which will depend on the number of slots South Africa receives.
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In 2019 I was also selected for the National Team to participate at the Senior World Paralympics in Dubai for both discus and shot-put.
At the age of 8, I was diagnosed with EZH 2 Overgrowth Syndrome (Weaver Syndrome) during a failed operation on my right knee, to correct patella dislocation in 2012.
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The procedure damaged my nerves, muscles, growth plate and patella in my right leg. I have patella displacement in both legs, tilting of my hip to the right and scoliosis of my spine. Due to these complications in my body, I wore a rigid back brace for 6 years, 20 hours per day.
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I'm relieved to say that from this year onwards, as per my orthopedic surgeon informed and due to my training, I no longer need to wear the brace. My rigid back-brace is enjoying early retirement!
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Today, I walk with the assistance of a walk-on flex on my right leg due to a drop-foot and the patella displacement. I also manage with a permanent knee-brace on my left knee to prevent chronic dislocation of my left patella. In 2015 I had operations done on both of my hands to correct the camptodactyly of my little fingers. This procedure included the removal of nerves from my wrists. I am currently rapidly losing vision in my right eye.
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​My prognosis for life at the age of 12 was that I would be wheelchair-bound by the age of 15.
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To date at every check-up with my doctors and specialists they ask if I need assistance as the x-rays of my body and the person in front of them don't match up.
I was very fortunate to meet my Biokineticist, Chrisna Oosthuizen when I was 11 years old. I have been under the supervision of Queenswood Biokinetics And Gym for 7 years now and due to their program and assistance I am still walking and doing what I love to do most in life - sport.
Chrisna works with my coach, doctors, physiotherapists, orthotist and sport institutions to maximize my training program and bring out the best in my technique. Throughout the rigid training and fitness sessions, Chrisna also must manage the effects of my syndrome.
All honor for the fact that I continue to walk and participate in world-class sporting events, goes to Chrisna's incredible support.
Stephen Schoeman-Meyer
"On 18 February 2017 I was a passenger in a car that collided head-on with a drunk driver speeding at 200 KM an hour..."
On 18 February 2017 I was a passenger in a car that collided head-on with a drunk driver speeding at 200 KM an hour.
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After being air lifted to Milpark Hospital I spend the next 3 months in ICU and High Care, where I had 23 out of my 26 operations done. Their excellent Doctors and Specialists worked day and night on mending numerous breaks, fractures and contusions in my body which ran from head to to.
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This was followed by 2 months in Meulmed Rehabilitation Hospital, where the Therapists tried their best to get me up and walking again.
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A follow-up surgery in Milpark, another in Pretoria East Hospital and again surgery in Eugene Marais Hospital left me with an array of scars, pins and screws in both legs and feet; as well as a left leg that is shorter than the right.
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This made it difficult and sometimes painful to walk. I also became tired very quickly and was physically weak.
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In April 2018, my GP referred me to Chrisna Oosthuizen's Queenswood Biokinetics and Gym for rehabilitation and assistance in correcting my gait - a recommendation that, to this day I am very grateful for.
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Biokineticist Bernadette Eksteen, assessed my condition and immediately put together a variety of stretches and exercises, which not only helped me get rid of a cane I used as a walking aid, but also strengthened my entire body as well as built up my endurance levels. This enabled me to physically be more active and increased my confidence.
Anemie Aylward, age 22
"In 2014, I was diagnosed with Scoliosis and...after two years of rehabilitation through a previous Biokineticist there was nor remarkable progress..."
I am Anemie Aylward, 22 years old and my goal is to become a Biokineticist myself. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Scoliosis and soon reaslised that I'm one of the lucky ones that don't experience pain due to having this condition while maintaining an active lyfestyle.
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Scoliosis is a condition where the spine has an abnormal curviture.
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After two years of rehabilitation with a former Biokineticist there was no improvement of my condition and because of this my doctor referred me to Bernadette. Bernadette is one of the Biokineticists at Queenswood Biokinetics and Gym. From 2017 to 2021 good progress has been made and after each consultation with my doctor he noticed that the degrees of correction in my spine imptroved.
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After three years of being in Bernadette's care there is an improvement of twenty-three degrees!
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Although my Scoliosis will probably never be cured as it is a genetic factor present in my family, with the help of exercises and correct care, the degrees in my spine will always improve and this will again provide me with a better quality of life as an adult.
Charl Johan Loubser, age 36
"My journey with Chrisna began in 2015. Before then I had massive problems with coordination, I could barely sit up, struggled with performing small, controlled movements and I couldn't stand or walk..."
In 2012 my wife and I were involved in an accident where I was seriously injured with Traumatic Brain Injury. After 9 months in various medical facilities and Rehab I was eventually able to go home.
My journey with Chrisna began in 2015. Before then I had massive problems with coordination, I could barely sit up, struggled with performing small, controlled movements and I couldn't stand or walk. By 2019 I could do all of the above, except walk.
Chrisna made a huge effort in finding an excellent orthopedic surgeon for a knee replacement surgery which would give me more stability when standing and possibly help me walk with aid. She accompanied my wife and me to all the preceding appointments. And when the day for the operation came around in 2020, Chrisna was there, supporting and encouraging me and my family right through the whole day - from admission until I came out of theater late that night!
In the 2.5 years since the knee replacement she has enabled me to stand without pain or discomfort and even walk short distances with aid. My balance and posture have improved by leaps and bounds, and so has my confidence.
When Covid-19 lockdown happened, Chrisna switched my therapy from the gym to coming personally to my home to keep me exercised and improving all the time.
Chrisna is a dedicated, caring person that gives her all and more to her patients.
Above are testimonies from a few of our clients from across South Africa whose lives have been transformed through Queenswood Biokinetics and Gym's orthopaedic and biokinetic rehabilitation.
