What is a Kinesiologist?
A Bachelor of Kinesiology is a degree that encompasses the study of human body movement. Once the degree is completed a person is known as a “Kinesiologist”. A Kinesiologist applies physiological, biomechanical, and psychological principles to movement when working with a variety of clients. To put it in other terms, exercise science is the focus of the practice. A Kinesiologist studies and appreciates how the body moves whether it be healthy, injured, battling disease or competing at a high level of sport performance. Our discipline also covers the effects of physical activity on health, society and quality of life.
At Acumen we believe in a comprehensive approach to health care that encompasses all areas of one’s journey. Our team is made up of an Orthopaedic surgeon, Athletic Therapists, Kinesiologists and Strength and Conditioning coaches. We believe in supporting each patient through their rehabilitation and meeting their goals. Therefore some patients may require or choose to work with a Kinesiologist.
Where does a Kinesiologist fit in in your rehabilitation journey? At Acumen we have a specialty in orthopaedic care. This means we fully understand and treat musculoskeletal (bones, tendon, muscle, ligaments) hindrances. Kinesiologists are able to assist with the following to improve overall outcomes:
- Acute or chronic musculoskeletal/soft tissue injuries that need guidance with rehabilitation
- Learning the proper biomechanics of exercise and/or exercise rehabilitation
- General strength and conditioning
- Learning proper technique and form for basic and advanced movement and exercises
- Functional movement evaluation
- Soft tissue release
- Athletic taping
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Emotional, physical and mental stress of injuries
- Sport performance
- Education
Wherever you are in your exercise or rehabilitation journey, there will likely be a benefit from working alongside a Kinesiologist. It may be the missing link for that exercise you have been trying to master for years, or simple guidance on where to begin after an injury such as an MCL sprain. Kinesiology covers a broad scope of practice that can benefit anyone from the general population, to chronic disease and/or athletic populations. If you are wondering if Kinesiology may be right for you, check out our team members under “Specialists”, or message us for information.
References
Scope of Practice of Kinesiology. (2019). Canadian Kinesiology Alliance.
AKA. (2021). Alberta Kinesiology Association.
