The science of human movement is kinesiology. The origin of kinesiology comes from the Greek word kinesis, meaning movement, as well as from kinein, or to move. A kinesiotherapist, therefore, focuses on a patient’s movement or physical activity. He applies his medical knowledge to the analysis of human kinetics in order to find ways to enhance and preserve proper human movement. Kinesiotherapists may work with physical therapy, exercise therapy and rehabilitation programs. They also work with physicians in treating patients.
Scope of Work
As a health care professional, kinesiotherapists are knowledgeable about procedures, tasks, tests and measurements that can be applied to the human body’s musculoskeletal, biochemical, ergonomic, neurological and psychosocial systems. They develop and administer treatment plans for patients requiring therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises to heal injuries, diseases and other ailments plaguing their bodies. Treatments include therapeutic exercise, aquatic therapy, geriatric rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, driver training and prosthetic rehabilitation. Kinesiotherapists need to be well versed in exercise science, physical therapy and rehabilitation in order to help their patients.
Educational Requirements
In the United States, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology is required to become a kinesiotherapist. You can choose a four-year BS in kinesiology, exercise science, human performance or some other approved major. If you're interested in online learning, there are many excellent, accredited online kinesthiotherapy programs. Courses in this field of medicine include the exercise and nutritional science, children’s physical education, normal physical growth and development, therapeutic movement, athletic training and more.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits training programs in this field.
The clinical work component of this course includes 1,000 hours or more of practicum or clinical internship supervised by a Registered Kinesiotherapist (RKT). As a student, you will be expected to conceive and oversee physical programs targeting one of the following areas:
- Neurological Care
- Orthopedic Care
- Pediatric Care
- Geriatric Care
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Psychiatric Care
- Post-Rehabilitation Programs
- Fitness and Wellness Programs
When undergoing training in kinesiology, you are expected to learn:
- The human body’s normal movement.
- How different illnesses and injuries can adversely affect a person’s movement.
- Various exercises and the principles behind these physical exercises, specifically why they are appropriate for certain medical conditions.
- Different methods of motivating patients to perform and follow their specific treatment plans.
- How physical exercises benefit overall health.
- How to plan and conduct individual fitness programs.
- Basic athletic first aid and ways of administering such techniques during emergency procedures.
- Administrative procedures and practices intended to support your role as a kinesiotherapist (e.g. obtaining patient history).
Registration
Upon completion of the Kinesiology program, which usually takes four to five years, you need to pass the Kinesiotherapy Registration Examination. The Council on Professional Standards Board for Registration of Kinesiotherapists handles the credentialing of all kinesiotherapists. In the United States, licensure is not required of kinesiotherapists.
Kinesiotherapists help patients in regaining movement in parts of their bodies that have been impaired by injuries, illnesses and other causes. They master the art of rehabilitative exercise therapy in order to develop exercise treatment programs for patients suffering from limited physical movements.
Kinesiotherapists work under physicians in public and private hospitals and exercise rehabilitation facilities, doctors’ clinics, other medical facilities, schools and fitness centers. Some work as private consultants as well.
The job outlook for kinesiotherapists is good. However, your decision to become a kinesiotherapist and work in exercise science jobs should not only be based on monetary compensation but also on your desire to help patients recover their mobility and live better lives.