Is Kinesiology the Same as Physical Therapy?
When it comes to addressing muscle and joint issues, many people often wonder what kinesiology is and if it is the same as traditional physical therapy. This confusion is understandable, as both approaches aim to enhance functional movement and restore balance throughout the body.
Today, we’ll discuss both approaches and consider their unique aspects and potential benefits.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) is a broad discipline that incorporates various strategies to enhance mobility and function. It’s frequently used for rehabilitation post-injury or surgery and includes exercises, manual therapy, and modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation.
What is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the scientific study of body movement. It addresses the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological mechanisms of movement. In practical application, kinesiology uses this knowledge to assess and treat individuals to improve their physical performance and address movement disorders.
Many of the clients I see at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation have already completed physical therapy but are still seeking improved movement, reduced pain, or lasting solutions.
The Differences
A key distinction between kinesiology and physical therapy lies in approach and intent:
Physical therapists typically work with individuals recovering from surgery or major injuries. Their goal is to restore function and mobility as quickly as possible to prevent complications such as stiffness or long-term immobility (e.g., frozen shoulder).
Kinesiologists often step in after PT, especially when a person hasn’t regained full function or is dealing with long-term musculoskeletal issues, sometimes months or even years post-injury.
Physical therapy also usually only focuses on the area of concern. For example, if you visit a therapist for knee pain, their treatment plan will generally be centered around the knee.
As a kinesiologist, I ask deeper questions and take a look at the entire body. In the case of knee pain, I may ask, Why did you need knee surgery in the first place? Knees don’t typically wear down in isolation. The way you move, walk, and run all contribute. That’s where the concept of the kinetic chain comes in.
Understanding the Kinetic Chain
The kinetic chain refers to the interconnected system of joints and muscles that work together to perform movement. If one link is weak, restricted, or out of balance, it can affect the entire system, potentially causing pain or dysfunction elsewhere.
So, when someone comes to me with knee pain, I assess not just the knee but also the feet, hips, and trunk to identify where dysfunctional movement patterns are coming from. Addressing these root issues helps people move better, feel better, and prevent recurring problems.
Where Does MAT Come In?
Muscle Activation Technique, or “MAT,” is like a reset and recharge for your muscular system. It is the key to unlocking the kinetic chain, allowing the body to function optimally.
My MAT process includes:
Postural assessment: A postural assessment will be conducted, examining every major joint and muscle section. This includes the feet, knees, hips, trunk, shoulders, and neck.
Gate assessment: This may or may not happen depending on the issue. If the problem includes anything from the back and below, I will conduct the assessment. If it's shoulders and above, they move to the postural exam.
ROM exam: This exam involves active movements such as hip flexion, hip abduction, trunk rotation, cervical rotation, and shoulder motion. Depending on the reason for the visit, a more detailed ROM will be examined for their situation to see how their joints move and feel.
MAT treatment has three steps:
Test: This step involves a manual muscle test specific to the joint and muscle fiber we are attempting to test.
Palpation: This position involves stimulation of the muscle at the origin and insertion of the targeted muscle fiber.
Retest: This portion involves retesting the muscle fiber over again to ensure communication has been restored.
Overall, the test tells the brain something is wrong, palpation is to help the brain find out where, and the retest lets the brain know that it's working.
This process is applied in many different ways based on the information gathered from the assessment and exams. I treat what the body shows is wrong, instead of assuming what's wrong. The result is more mobility, less pain, and a sense of control over your body again.
Schedule Your Fitness Assessment
Whether you're dealing with pain, striving for optimal performance, or recovering from an injury, reach out to me, Maurice Harden, a qualified Kinesiologist at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation.
I will help pinpoint weaknesses in the body, then guide you toward exercises and stretches that can restore your mobility and help you live pain-free.
Get started by scheduling your assessment today!