A kinesiotherapist is a licensed allied health professional who specializes in using scientifically proven exercise principles to improve a person’s physical and functional abilities. Kinesiotherapists are movement science experts. They can only treat a patient if a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner has written a prescription for them.
A kinesiotherapist should be well-versed in exercise and movement. They create, monitor, and modify exercise routines to help people regain strength and function following an injury, illness, or extended period of inactivity. A variety of mobility skills other than exercise, such as ambulation, driver training, and prosthetic and/or orthotic rehabilitation, which is the use of bracing or artificial limbs to assist in increasing functional mobility, can be included in their expertise.
In addition to a traditional exercise program, kinesiotherapists frequently use aquatic therapy, adaptive fitness, conditioning, and exercises in the home to help clients gain independence. In addition to exercise, the kinesiotherapist focuses on endurance and general conditioning to improve overall functional abilities. The ability to perform daily tasks is referred to as functional ability.
Based on each client’s physical limitations and overall conditioning, the kinesiotherapist creates individualized goal-specific treatment plans. They are in charge of demonstrating, implementing, and overseeing the individual exercise programs, as well as making necessary adjustments based on the client’s abilities and progress. Clients are taught, mentored, and educated about the importance of specific exercise routines.
The kinesiotherapist must be able to comprehend and communicate important information and techniques related to movement biomechanics and ergonomics. The mechanical application of movement is what biomechanics is all about. It’s important to remember, for example, that when you walk, your heel should be the first to hit the ground. If your entire foot hits the ground, retraining and using specific exercises can help you increase your stamina and reduce pain.
Ergonomics, on the other hand, is the study of the connection between body mechanics and the task at hand. In other words, kinesiotherapists can assess your job and the way you perform it, and make recommendations for changes. Simple techniques, such as more frequent weight shifts, can be used in some cases. In other cases, a task-specific exercise program can help to strengthen overworked muscles, improve movement efficiency, and ensure proper body mechanics. For example, combining a back strengthening program with a simple modification of bending at the knees while lifting can significantly reduce the incidence of low back pain.
In general, a kinesiotherapist is an expert in proper movement and conditioning. Their main goal is to improve functional capabilities reducing debilitation or weaknesses. In other words, a kinesiotherapist can assist you in regaining physical fitness.