What is a Kinesiologist and why should i see one?

Why would someone see a Kinesiologist?

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement and its various components, such as anatomy, physiology, neurology, biochemistry, biomechanics, neuromotor and psychology, as well as its interaction with the environment. It is also referred to as human kinetics, derived from the Greek word ‘kinesis’ meaning “to move”. The field of kinesiology encompasses various professions including physiologists, biomechanists and neurologists, which in Canada are grouped together to focus on human locomotion.

Kinesiologists, who are university-educated health professionals, apply exercise and movement science to promote health and well-being, prevent, manage and rehabilitate injuries, treat illness and chronic disease, restore function, and optimize human performance in various settings such as the workplace, clinical settings, sports and fitness. They are the only movement specialists who use science and research to offer movement as medicine to individuals with health or fitness goals, providing a hands-on and personalized approach.

Physical Activity & Exercise

Physical activity refers to any movement performed by skeletal muscles that requires energy, while exercise is a planned, structured, repetitive, and intentional movement aimed at improving or maintaining physical fitness. Exercise is a subcategory of physical activity, and research indicates that all forms of physical activity contribute positively to health and well-being. Kinesiologists work with individuals of all ages and physical abilities to help them achieve their health and wellness goals, using interventions that may include physical activity to improve their quality of life.

Kinesiologists are trained to assess your movement patterns, identify any limitations or imbalances, and develop personalized exercise and movement programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to your individual needs and goals. They can provide guidance on proper techniques and form to help you perform exercises correctly and avoid injury, as well as educate you on the benefits of physical activity and how it can contribute to your overall health and well-being. Overall, seeing a kinesiologist can help you to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle and improve your quality of life through movement as medicine.

Who can benefit from Kinesiology?

Kinesiology interventions encompass a wide range of approaches that are suitable for all Canadians, regardless of age or health status. These interventions target various populations, including:

• Asymptomatic populations such as adults (including pregnant women), athletes, adventurers, children, adolescents, students, seniors, and aging populations
• Symptomatic and special populations with clinical conditions like metabolic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, musculoskeletal, mental health, psychiatric, and other chronic conditions.

The health and physical activity needs of any population are complex and require an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to provide a higher quality of service. Kinesiologists often work with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive intervention, prevention, and treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each client. They also support medical teams in evaluations and help enhance performance, including sport performance.

What do Kinesiologists do?

Kinesiologists bring a broad range of knowledge and skills to the treatment team, including:

• Providing prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation services in various health facilities, including mental health clinics and private clinics
• Conducting neuromusculoskeletal and functional evaluations
• Applying ergonomics in workplace and occupational health cases
• Delivering high-performance coaching and fitness training
• Promoting public health
• Managing clinical cases and coordinating care
• Providing case management for insurance companies
• Offering personal training and physical condition coaching
• Conducting research, lecturing, instructing, and teaching
• Implementing all other activities that promote physical activity and a healthy, physically active lifestyle.

Kinesiology is a dynamic and evolving profession that continually adapts to meet the changing needs of its clients.

If you live in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam or Port Moody, please give us a call to book your free 30 min discovery call where you can learn more about how kinesiology can help you.

Kinesiology