Kinesiology
What is Kinesiology? What is a Kinesiologist?
Kinesiology put simply is defined as the scientific study of human movement. A kinesiologist is a health professional who focuses specifically on correcting human movement through exercise. Kinesiologists complete a four-year university degree in kinesiology or a related exercise specialty degree that focuses on human anatomy, physiology, exercise prescription, and management of injuries and chronic health conditions. Kinesiologists in BC can become registered with British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) once their degree and other requirements are completed.
Thrive Now’s kinesiologist will work with you to help you achieve your goals through a variety of physical activities, starting with teaching you the appropriate technique to help prevent injuries. They will develop, monitor, and help you progress in your exercise plan, which may include aerobic, strength, and mobility exercises.
What’s the difference between a Kinesiologist and a Personal Trainer?
A personal trainer is only required to attend several workshops and courses, which typically take much less time than a kinesiologist’s university degree. This difference in education level leads to differences in clinical practice. Kinesiologists have a deeper understanding of the human body, exercise prescription, and working with those with injuries or more complex chronic conditions. You can find kinesiologists working in private clinics, hospitals, and long-term care. To learn more about kinesiologists, visit www.bcak.bc.ca.
Benefits of Kinesiology
Physical Rehabilitation
Kinesiology plays a crucial role in rehabilitation programs for recovery from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions. Kinesiology exercise plans can promote healing, restore mobility, improve cardiovascular function, and strengthen weakened muscles.Improved Physical Fitness
Kinesiologists design exercise programs tailored to your needs and goals. These aim to enhance your cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall endurance.Injury Prevention
By analyzing movement patterns and identifying biomechanical imbalances, kinesiologists can develop strategies to prevent injuries. These include proper techniques for movement, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and accidents.Enhanced Sports Performance
Athletes can receive training to target specific muscle groups, improve coordination, and enhance overall performance. Kinesiologists can also provide guidance on an athlete’s nutrition, recovery, and injury management.
Chronic Disease Management
Kinesiology can help manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions, and obesity. These exercise plans can help control symptoms, improve metabolic health, and enhance your quality of life.Stress Reduction
Engaging in kinesiology-led exercise can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A boost in physical health can help your mental health improve.Lifestyle Improvement
Kinesiology promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, helping you to make sustainable changes in your daily routines that lead to long-term health benefits.Conditions Kinesiology Can Address
- Muscular imbalances
- Postural issues
- Joint pain
- Range of motion limitations
- Muscle tension
- Stress and anxiety
- Fatigue
- Sports injuries
- Rehabilitation after surgeries
- Coordination and balance problems
- Flexibility issues
- Performance enhancement
- Neurological conditions
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Chronic pain
If you’ve been in a car accident, ICBC now covers 12 approved visits with a registered kinesiologist. Should you need more sessions, your kinesiologist can fill out an extension request form.
If kinesiology sounds like a great fit for your needs and you are in the Cowichan Valley, book your visit online at Thrive Now!
