Updated: May 14, 2024

Physiotherapy and kinesiology are two professions that involve the study and treatment of human movement and function. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their focus and approach to treatment. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between physiotherapy and kinesiology, including their training and qualifications, areas of expertise, and the types of conditions they treat. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of which profession may be better suited for your needs!

What kind of treatments do they provide?

Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when a person is injured, ill or has a disability with a holistic approach. Physiotherapists help by using passive modalities such as TENS machines, ultrasound, laser, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) dry needling, and from hands on treatment such as joint manipulation. Physiotherapists also help by active techniques such as injury rehabilitation, injury prevention and education. By educating the person they will obtain the knowledge to help reduce the risk of injury and illness after recovery.

Kinesiology is the study of human movement. A Kinesiologist helps treat people with injury, illness, and disability with passive and active techniques. Passive techniques can include stretching, and soft tissue release by hands on and modalities (Electrotherapy, laser, taping).

Similarities & Differences?

Physiotherapists can diagnose injuries and disabilities while Kinesiologists cannot. Physiotherapists have training in Joint manipulation and passive stretching. Kinesiologists have training in passive stretching but do not have training in joint manipulation, but they can obtain the training through workshops and peers. Both Physiotherapists and Kinesiologists can teach group classes, for example falls preventions classes, circuit classes and more. Both professions must complete continuing education every year (Kinesiologists complete 30 hours) or every 2 years (Physiotherapists complete 30 hours).

Which one is better for my specific condition or injury?

If you have a referring health practitioner (GP, Surgeon, Occupational therapist or other doctor) they will know which profession is best for you. If you do not have a referral, you can visit a Physiotherapist or Kinesiologist and have an assessment and with their education and knowledge either a Physiotherapist or Kinesiologist can determine what treatment your condition or injury is best for.

Who should you see first?

If you suffer a work injury, or an injury from a motor vehicle accident, or from sports and do not require emergency attention from a hospital visit, you should see your General Practitioner or family doctor first. After visiting with a doctor, you should visit a Physiotherapist for passive treatment and your Physiotherapist will assess and may recommend when you should engage in active treatment to see a Kinesiologist. If it is a repeated injury, you may know what treatment is best for it. Therefore, you can see either first.

Qualifications:

A Physiotherapist has a undergraduate degree, and either a Master of Science (MSc) or Doctorate (DPT). A Kinesiologist has an undergraduate degree. Both fields have mandatory training while in school before working in the field after completing their programs.

Additionally, a Physiotherapist and Kinesiologist can have additional education and training attending workshops, seminars, and programs outside of their degree programs. Both professions are required to complete continuing education every year or 2 years when working in the field after completing their schooling.

Will my insurance cover the cost of Physiotherapy or Kinesiology session?

Every health insurance company is different in the amount of dollars you have covered yearly for both Physiotherapy and Kinesiology. You would have to contact them directly to know what the limit is under your plan.

If you are a resident in British Columbia and have coverage with ICBC and are involved in a motor vehicle accident and make a claim, you will be covered for both Physiotherapy and Kinesiology. If you make a claim, 12 weeks starting from the date of your motor vehicle accident you are pre-approved 25 Physiotherapy sessions and 12 Kinesiology sessions.

How long will I need to undergo Physiotherapy or Kinesiology treatment?

It is best to discuss this with your Physiotherapist or Kinesiologist. They will recommend the optimal recovery time based on subjective and objective goals.

What is the success rate of physiotherapy and Kinesiology for my condition or injury?

Without specific information about your condition or injury, it’s tricky to provide detail about a specific success rate for physiotherapy or kinesiology. However, in general, the success rate of physiotherapy and kinesiology can vary depending on the nature and severity of your condition or injury, as well as individual factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan.

What kind of exercises or activities will I be doing during my sessions?

Stretching. This can include passive stretches where your therapist can aid you if you are not able to move your joints to their full range of motion. This can include active stretching where you will follow the movements your therapist teaches you whether that is static stretching (you are stationary and holding a specific position for a period) or dynamic stretching (constant movement to speed your blood flow and warm up your muscles to match the intensity of your active rehab program).

Strength training. This can be done by using just your own body weight to perform strength training exercises or with the aid of equipment that is weighed at a certain measurement (pounds or kilograms). You may use exercise bands, free weights, or rehab machines.

What are the potential risks or side effects of Physiotherapy or Kinesiology?

Muscle soreness, joint pain or further injury. Certain exercises, stretches or hands on techniques can cause pain or discomfort. If exercises are done incorrectly that can cause setbacks and require a longer time to recover and requires additional treatment

Nerve damage. An improper technique or an overload of pressure applied can cause nerve damage resulting in numbness, tingling or swelling.

Infection. If equipment is not properly cleaned and sterilized between uses, there is a risk of infection as viruses and bacteria can contaminate the equipment.   

Can Physiotherapy or Kinesiology help with long-term management of my condition or injury?

Yes. With the proper education with your active rehab program, a Physiotherapist or Kinesiologist shows you how to manage your injury or condition to help prevent a future incident!

Both Physiotherapy and Kinesiology scope of practice overlap.

Both Physiotherapy and Kinesiology are similar in many ways and differ. Both use active and passive techniques to treat injuries, conditions, and disabilities. Physiotherapy is regulated by a legislated college. Kinesiology is regulated by provincial associations; each province has their own association. Another main difference is active treatments and ergonomics are more related to a Kinesiologists scope. Physiotherapists can diagnose and perform physical manipulations.

In conclusion, both physiotherapy and kinesiology professions have similarities and differences in their approaches to treat human movement and function. While physiotherapy is focused on restoring movement and function, kinesiology is about the study of human movement. Physiotherapists can diagnose injuries and disabilities while kinesiologists cannot. Both professions use active and passive techniques but the training and qualifications differ. It is best to consult with your referring health practitioner or have an assessment from either a physiotherapist or kinesiologist to determine which profession is best for your specific condition or injury. The success rate of both professions varies depending on the nature and severity of the condition or injury, and individual factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan.

Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy offers In-Home Physiotherapy and Kinesiology for clients in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey and Whiterock! Connect with our office by clicking the button below, or call 604-828-2610 to book your appointment today!