Kinesiology and kinesitherapy: What’s the difference?

Better understanding the kinesiologist’s role

There tends to be some confusion about what kinesitherapists and kinesiologists do, and that’s often due to the fact that France and Quebec use two different terms that refer to different disciplines and treatments. A kinesitherapist is a physiotherapist in Quebec. And a kinesiologist is not a kinesitherapist. So, what exactly do they do?

The expert in physical activity

The root word of kinesiology, kinesis, comes from the Greek meaning “movement.” Therefore, a kinesiologist is an expert in physical activity and uses movement to prevent and treat injuries and enhance performance in a biopsychosocial context.

To sum up their role in three points, a kinesiologist’s practice consists in:

• Prevention and teaching of healthy lifestyle habits
• Posture correction and teaching about movements and the adoption of an active lifestyle
• Development of physical capacities and personal autonomy

Whether after an injury or after physiotherapy treatment, a kinesiologist will assess the client’s capacity for movement and physical condition, and then teach them exercises adapted to their situation. By determining, for example, what movements the person can and can’t do, the kinesiologist can develop the ideal training plan. The goal may be to adapt the person’s environment or to reduce the physical and psychological barriers that are preventing them from going back to doing a sport or activity they enjoy.

Many gym patrons consult a kinesiologist to talk about their concerns or their fear of getting injured if they go back to their regular routine. That’s where the prevention and teaching components come in. An experienced kinesiologist will help their clients to understand and apply the principles of training and teach them proper motor performance to avoid injuries.

Kinesiology can also contribute to developing a person’s capacities. A kinesiologist helps athletes to physically prepare for a competition or physical challenge. Using a personalized program, the kinesiologist will focus on pivotal training periods to make sure the client is in peak physical condition on the big day. Of course, this is all done from a therapeutic approach, based on the client’s history and injuries.

The kinesiologist strives to help clients reach and exceed their goals—safely and with a smile on their face!