Kinesiologists are individuals who are trained to address the biomechanics of movement and the way it relates to human performance. The word “kinesiology” is derived from two Greek words, meaning “movement” and “science”. Hence, kinesiology is the study of human movement and its implications on performance at school or work. Because of this, a kinesiologist will assist their clients with not only mobility but also in understanding how the body moves and why we move that way. They’re also a great resource for coaches looking to expand their knowledge about athlete performance and injury prevention techniques. Whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, a business owner looking to improve your team, or someone who just wants to be healthier, there are many reasons why you should use a kinesiologist as often as possible! Here are 5 reasons why you need to use a kinesiologist:
Kinesiologists can identify your movement weaknesses
A kinesiologist can easily pinpoint your movement weaknesses. In fact, it’s one of the first things we do. We will look at how you move and then compare it to how you should be moving. If your movement is off, we can tell you where the issue is and what you need to do to fix it. We will typically do this with a functional movement screen or a movement assessment. The goal is to identify potential weaknesses in the four systems of the body – the skeletal system, the nervous system, the vascular system, and the musculoskeletal system. This way, we can identify what is inhibiting your ability to perform the way you should. A movement assessment is similar to the FMS except it is a more in-depth and detailed evaluation. A movement assessment typically takes longer to complete as the kinesiologist will observe more of your movement patterns.
Kinesiologists can help you understand why you’re injured
A Vancouver kinesiologist can help you understand why you’re injured. Sometimes we can get frustrated when we’re dealing with an injury or pain. We don’t know why it’s happening and that can cause us to feel lost and unsure of what to do next. The first thing a kinesiologist will do when trying to understand your injury is to assess your movement. We are trained in what is normal and what is abnormal movement. We will observe how you move and then compare it to how you should be moving. This way, we can determine what caused your injury and why. This can be helpful because then you will know what you need to be focused on when you’re trying to heal.
Kinesiologists can correct your dysfunctional movement patterns
Kinesiologists are trained to correct your dysfunctional movement patterns. Once a kinesiologist understands your injury, kinesiologists will then look to see what is causing it. Once know what causes your injury, kinesiologists can correct that problem pattern and help you move more efficiently. A kinesiologist can correct your dysfunctional movement patterns through various modalities. Kinesiologists can also help you learn how to correct your patterns on your own once they’ve corrected them. We may use manual therapy, corrective exercises, and/or neuromuscular retraining to correct your movement patterns. Manual therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on or hands pressure techniques to the body to elicit a healing response. Corrective exercises are specific exercises that have been proven to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent re-injury by realigning the joints, reducing muscle spasms, and increasing joint mobility and strength. Neuromuscular retraining is the process of relearning patterns of movement with the goal of reducing pain and injury.
Kinesiologists can improve your athletic performance
Kinesiologists can improve your athletic performance by correcting your movement patterns. Once we understand which patterns need correcting, we can help you improve your performance. The first thing we will do is correct your movement patterns to ensure the performance you’re currently getting is the best it can be. Once we’ve corrected these patterns, we will then look to see where you can improve performance by increasing speed and strength. We can do this by using various modalities like resistance training, manual therapy, and/or corrective exercises. A kinesiologist can also help you with your diet and hydration habits. If you’re looking to achieve a specific level of athletic performance, we are a great resource to use.
Kinesiologists are trained in various techniques to address movement issues
As mentioned earlier, kinesiologists are trained to address movement issues. This means kinesiologists are trained in a variety of techniques to help you overcome your issues. Some of these techniques include corrective exercises, acupuncture, soft tissue work (Manual Therapy), and dietary change. Corrective exercises are specific exercises that have been proven to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent re-injury by realigning the joints, reducing muscle spasms, and increasing joint mobility and strength. Acupuncture uses thin needles to help correct imbalances in the body. Soft tissue work is the use of various modalities like massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release. Dietary change is using food to help correct issues like allergies and gut health.
How Active Rehab can help
Active rehabilitation is a type of treatment that utilizes movement to help correct issues like joint mobility, muscle strength, and joint stability. This type of treatment is usually done in conjunction with other treatment methods like corrective exercises, acupuncture, and dietary change. The idea behind active rehabilitation is that movement is your friend. Movement is what helps your body stay healthy and strong. So when you’re dealing with an injury, you have to do everything in your power to keep moving correctly to keep your body from getting even more injured. Kinesiologists are trained in active rehabilitation and can help you progress safely.
Conclusion
Kinesiologists are trained to identify your movement weaknesses, help you understand why you’re injured, correct your dysfunctional movement patterns, and improve your athletic performance, trained in various techniques to address movement issues and can help you progress through active rehabilitation. If you are experiencing pain or injury, or if you just want to be healthier, it is best to see a kinesiologist.
