A registered kinesiotherapist is an allied health professional competent in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task-specific functional tests and measures. A Kinesiotherapist determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the patient and prescribing physicians, nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants, a goal-specific treatment plan to enhance strength, endurance and mobility of individuals with injuries and functional limitations.

The Kinesiotherapy intervention process includes the development and implementation of a treatment plan, assessment of progress toward goals, modification of the treatment plan as necessary to achieve goals and outcomes, and client education. The foundation of clinician-client rapport is based on education, instruction, demonstration and mentoring of therapeutic techniques and behaviors to restore, maintain and improve overall functional abilities.

Kinesiotherapy is an allied health care field that can be covered by health insurance (licensed medical provider referral required). Kinesiotherapists can administer treatment only upon receipt of a prescription from qualified physicians, nurse practitioners and/or physicians’ assistants.

Kinesiotherapists are credentialed by the Council on Professional Standards Board for Registration of Kinesiotherapists, but are not required to be licensed in any state at the time of publishing this article.

Kinesiotherapy is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations and in providing exercise training and education for those individuals requiring extended physical conditioning. The discipline is similar to the approach of Personal Trainers, but the setting of a Kinesiotherapist is more likely in a medical office type of setting, rather than a fitness center. Also, Personal Trainer services include non-reimbursible services related to exercise, such as sports performance enhancement, conditioning for appearance and weight control. Kinesiotherapists are often involved in sports performance enhancement in light of an injury or functional disability. Kinesiotherapists are also compared to Physical Therapists, which perform a wider number of modalities and treatments than a Kinesiotherapist. The modalities performed by Kinesiotherapists are exercise and education.

Many of the services of Kinesiotherapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Athletic Trainers and Personal Trainers overlap.

More information:
American Kinesiotherapy Association — akta.org