You may be wondering, what exactly is the difference between kinesiology and physiotherapy? Both certainly have areas of overlap, but they aren’t the same. So who do you see? Who would be a better fit for what you need? We’ll delve into the distinctions between the two professions in this post.
Who are Kinesiologists?
Kinesiologists are trained professionals in the study of human movement. Kinesiologists typically use active techniques, backed by their thorough understanding of the body, to help people improve their strength and conditioning, maintain muscle mass and function, and to rehab, manage, or prevent injury or disease. You can take a look at the scope of practice for a kinesiologist on the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario website here.
Who are Physiotherapists?
Physiotherapists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals whose aim is to use treatments to restore, maintain, and improve patients’ mobility, function, and overall well-being. This can come after someone has gone through surgery, injury, illness, or chronic disease. You can take a look at the scope of practice for a physiotherapist from the College of Physiotherapists here.
How do they Overlap?
They seem to sound pretty similar - which they are! We’ll look at how the two professions differ in a moment, but let’s take a deeper look at how they overlap. Both kinesiologists and physiotherapists must be registered under their respective colleges and pass their licensing exams. Both have extensive knowledge in how the body functions, and in providing therapeutic exercises that will help people with their specific needs. Both kins and physios strive to help people improve their functioning, quality of life, and to educate people for long-term success.
What Differentiates the Two?
Kinesiologists and physiotherapists offer complimentary services but sometimes with different focuses, and therefore sometimes their treatments differ.
Physiotherapy typically sees people with more serious medical conditions, and acute injuries and conditions. Physios may offer more passive modality treatments such as massage, joint manipulation, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and acupuncture. Physios may also prescribe joint braces, orthotics, compression garments, and other equipment or devices. One big factor that sets physiotherapy apart is that physiotherapists are able to diagnose musculoskeletal issues, as well as refer for x-rays or MRIs.
In contrast, a kinesiologist will see people when they are more in the sub-acute or chronic phase, perhaps for a long standing injury or chronic pain. Kins typically use a more active method of treatment, using strength and cardio-based exercises to help people reach their fitness, rehabilitation, and general health based goals. Kinesiologists cannot diagnose like physiotherapists, but they can identify dysfunctions in the body and then create a plan to help manage and/or correct it. Oftentimes, after seeing a physiotherapist and getting past the acute phase, people will transfer over to a kinesiologist to continue treatment.
Can Kinesiologists use Manual Techniques?
Now, manual techniques can sometimes be used by kinesiologists in a treatment plan, as long as it falls into the scope of practice. Some common manual techniques used by kins are soft tissue release and active stretching. Typically, a kinesiologist will need additional training in order to perform these manual methods. Physiotherapists, meanwhile, receive specific training on joint manipulation, musculoskeletal testing, and manual therapy techniques to use during patients’ treatment.
Recommendations
If you have a more serious injury or medical condition, such as a motor vehicle accident (MVA), then seeing your physician and physiotherapist at first might best. They can help with the initial diagnosis, swelling, and prescribe imagining. After things have subsided a bit, a physiotherapist may refer out to a kinesiologist to begin active rehab with specific exercises and movements. Depending, someone may even seek out a kinesiologist early on to aid in restoring physical function quickly. There aren’t any rules on which to see first. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.
If you have a chronic condition, some mild aches and pains, or just have the goal in improving general fitness, then a kinesiologist would probably suit you best. After an initial assessment, a kinesiologist will determine an effective plan going forward and will help you by correcting form, prescribing homework, and helping you adhere to the program.
Conclusion
Both kinesiologists and physiotherapists have the goal in optimising patients’ function and help them with their health goals. Kinesiologists with a more active approach, and physiotherapists with a more passive approach. Most work in tandem with each other, with many patients seeing one or both specialists at the same time. From my own experience, many people find success from working with a health team which may include both a kinesiologist and a physiotherapist, and adhering and staying consistent with the advice they provide.
If your goal is to improve strength or mobility, prevent disease, ease aches and pains, then a kinesiologist may be a great fit for you! Not only do kinesiologists help you with these things, but they can provide you with the tools to take control of your health and help you move and feel your best.
About Us and How We Can Help
Our goal at Delta Kinesiology 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!
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