Over the past 10-20 years, Kinesiology has evolved rapidly as a profession. When I graduated from UVic in 1999 (omg), 99% of people looked at me sideways when I told them I had a degree in Kinesiology. Today, most people have at least heard the term, Kinesiologist, but to many the profession is still a mystery. We want to clear that up for you, your physician, your health and rehabilitation team and your extended medical providers!
What the heck is a Kinesiologist anyways?
Part of the mystery is due to the extremely wide scope of practice that Kinesiologists are trained to work within. We work in many different areas, depending on our passions, experience and specialties. The definition of Kinesiology looks like:
What the heck is a Kinesiologist anyways?
Part of the mystery is due to the extremely wide scope of practice that Kinesiologists are trained to work within. We work in many different areas, depending on our passions, experience and specialties. The definition of Kinesiology looks like:
Kinesiologists are human movement specialists offering a wide variety of assessments and services to the public to assist with both injury/illness prevention and injury management. Their practice is based on the core sciences of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and psychomotor behaviour. Kinesiologists work in the fitness industry, clinically, and in industrial environments.What do Kinesiologists do, exactly?
Kinesiologists provide services through the application of the science of human movement and deliver quality solutions through prevention, objective assessment, and evidence based intervention.
The field of Kinesiology encompasses a wide range of services and 'Kin's' may specialize in some or all of the following:
Injury Rehabilitation/ Exercise Therapy
•Perform job demands analysis and functional evaluation testing•Design, develop and monitor exercise, rehabilitation and conditioning programs•Rehabilitation program assessment, review and management
Ergonomics/Human Factors
•Physical demands analysis •Reduce/eliminate workplace MSI's •Designing, analyzing or adapting workplace conditions to reduce risk of injury •Identification and assessment of risk factors •Pre-employment/Post Offer Screening •Worker safety education and injury prevention training •Design workplace specific warm-up and stretch programs •Tool design or modification
Active Health and Fitness
•Design and conduct individual health and wellness programs •Teach and organize courses/workshops in health promotion including fitness, nutrition and wellness issues
Biomedical Applications
•Gait analysis consultation •Assist in the design/manufacturing and fitting of orthotics, braces and prosthetic devices
Rehabilitation Equipment and Technology
•Prescription and assessment for rehabilitation equipment including mobility devices with ergonomic applications
Research
•Plan and execute laboratory experiments and research projects
Disability/Case Management
•Planning and arranging services to facilitate a return to work/return to activities of normal living •Job Coaching services •Functional Abilities Evaluations/Functional Capacity Evaluations •Attendance/Absence management •Claims management
Facility Management/Owner
How do you become a Kinesiologist? Kinesiologists in Canada are required to complete a minimum of 4 years University and obtain a Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science or equivalent. Registered Kinesiologists meet and uphold the standards of their Provincial and Federal Associations. How can you find a Kinesiologist? Look no further...you are following one:) LOL, besides myself there are hundreds of Registered Kins in BC- just go to the BCAK website to find one in your area. Questions? Check the BCAK website or give me a shout anytime! Cheers, Sarah.
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