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Writer's pictureDaniela Radoman

What is Kinesiology?

Updated: Apr 15, 2024

Kinesiology is simply the study of human movement. From what muscles are used to walk, how disease affects the body, to how optimise the ergonomics of a workspace, kinesiology covers it all. The scope of practice is broad - which is a great thing! It allows room for people of all ages, histories, physical abilities, and goals to benefit from its services. 

Kinesiology, derived from the Greek words "kinesis" (movement) and "logia" (study), is the scientific study of human movement, encompassing various aspects such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neurology, and psychology.

Kinesiologists are trained professionals who provide unique and valuable services to enhance health and wellness by helping to plan, manage, and improve fitness. They work closely with people to prevent and treat illness or injury, increase physical performance, manage the delivery of individual health care plans, provide workplace design services, and provide support in rehabilitation and wellness management. 

What’s great is that you don’t need a doctor’s referral to see a Kinesiologist, but we do recommend consulting with your physician if you have a prior injury or condition. We do encourage communication between healthcare professionals, so if you’re seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor, specialist, or somebody else for treatment, please let them know they can reach out to us to discuss how we can work best together to help you reach your health and fitness goals. 

Educational Background & Credentials

Kinesiology is a regulated health profession in Ontario, meaning only people who met all the prerequisites and passed the licensing exam can be called Kinesiologists, Registered Kinesiologists, or R.Kins, as they are protected titles. This means that you are guaranteed evidence-based, high quality care and services. 

College of Kinesiologists of Ontario

In Ontario, the profession is regulated by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (COKO), which was the first jurisdiction in the world to recognize it as a self-governing healthcare profession in 2013. Kinesiologists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or in a related field, providing them a solid foundation in the principles of exercise science and human physiology. Apart from that, kinesiologists need to be licensed under, and adhere to, the rules and regulations made by the COKO, which ensures public safety and quality of service. R.Kins are also often members of the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA) and Ontario Kinesiology Association (OKA)


Roles & Responsibilities

As mentioned before, the scope of practice for kinesiology is quite broad. A kinesiologist may choose to specialise in a specific niche, or may choose to work in a variety of different settings and areas. Below are just some of the things Kins can do!

  • Exercise Prescription and Rehabilitation: Kinesiologists design personalised exercise programs tailored to an individual's needs, whether for general fitness, rehabilitation, or performance enhancement. They play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions through targeted exercise interventions.

  • Health Promotion and Education: One of the key objectives of Kinesiology in Ontario is to promote active living and prevent sedentary behaviours. Kinesiologists act as advocates for physical activity, encouraging individuals to integrate movement into their daily lives. Through education and practical strategies, they help Canadians overcome barriers to physical activity, fostering a healthier and more resilient population.

  • Functional Movement Assessment: Through advanced movement analysis, kinesiologists assess an individual's movement patterns to identify imbalances or areas of weakness. This information helps in developing targeted interventions to improve mobility, stability, strength, and overall movement efficiency.

  • Chronic Disease Management: Kinesiologists can and often work alongside other healthcare professionals, forming an integral part of interdisciplinary teams. This collaboration ensures comprehensive care for individuals recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions, or seeking to optimise their physical performance. They design exercise programs that align with medical recommendations to improve patients' health outcomes.

  • Ergonomics and Workplace Health: Kinesiologists are involved in creating ergonomic work environments to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and enhance overall workplace health. They assess and modify workstations to ensure optimal body mechanics and reduce the risk of occupational injuries.


Tax, Insurance & Financial Reimbursement Options

Did you know that kinesiology services can now be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax? The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has now included Kinesiologists under their list of authorised medical practitioners, which allows you to claim medical expenses and get tax breaks for kinesiology services.

Insurance companies have started to recognize the importance of Kinesiologists, and many have begun to include kinesiology services in their Extended Health Benefits plans. Consider contacting your insurance provider to see if any services can be covered or reimbursed.

Another option would be seeing if your employer offers a Health Spending Account (HSA). Other considerations include: Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC), WSIB, Long & Short Term Disability policies, Motor Vehicle Accident claims. 


How We Can Help

Our goal is to help women specifically reach their health and fitness goals. We specialise in conditions and injuries that women are more likely to experience, and we tailor the sessions using evidence-based principles and methods to help you reach your goals. Whether that be going about your day pain-free, building muscle, improving stamina, or feeling better about yourself, we are here to help.

Check out some of the ways we can help below!



Delta Kinesiology



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