Walk It Off is proud to announce that two of our SCI Recovery Trainers, Rebecca and Taylor, are officially Registered Kinesiologists!
In September, both trainers wrote their entry-to-practice exam with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (COKO). We are very pleased to announce that after enduring a painful wait period, both Rebecca and Taylor were informed they passed the exam and we are happy to add Registered Kinesiology (R.Kin) to the list of health care professions we can offer at Walk It Off along with Physiotherapy, Registered Massage Therapy and Personal Training.
You’re probably thinking, “What exactly is a Kinesiologist and what can they do for me?” Well, you were not the only one thinking that so we decided to explain it with a blog!
What Is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology, in the simplest form, is the science of human movement. Kinesiology is a
multidisciplinary science that branches into human anatomy and physiology, biomechanics of the human body, psychomotor behaviour and neurorehabilitation, and ergonomics. Kinesiology focuses on prevention and rehabilitation of injury and physiological conditions, improvement of human movement and function, and management and maintenance of health and wellness.
What Can A Registered Kinesiologist Do For Me?
An R.Kin is certified to work with everyone; from able-bodied individuals to those living with SCI or other chronic disabilities and illnesses. An R.Kin is trained and educated to assess, create and implement treatment plans that work to improve cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological health of any individual through exercise therapy, rehabilitation and maintenance programs. If you want to work on increasing muscular strength or bone density, would like to prevent injury, or you want to push towards a marathon, an R.Kin is trained to help you accomplish your goals!
How Do You Become A Registered Kinesiologist?
4 Year University Bachelor’s Degree
To become registered with COKO, and subsequently become an R.Kin, one must have successfully completed and received a 4 year Honours Bachelor degree from a recognized Ontario University. The individual must have attained a set minimum amount of courses in each section, determined by the COKO, during their undergraduate degree in Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics, Psychomotor Learning and Neuroscience, Exercise Physiology, Assessment and Exercise Prescription, Sports Psychology, Pathology, Ergonomics, and Nutrition. A candidate who does not meet the set minimum of courses in these areas will not be able to apply to the COKO to become an R.Kin.
Application to COKO
Once the individual has given proof of completing the educational prerequisites they may begin the application process to the COKO. The COKO requires you to take a mandatory Jurisprudence course demonstrating understanding of the laws, regulations and standards that govern kinesiology in Ontario. The COKO requires proof of good character and requires applicants to provide a criminal record check. Once all of these steps are completed, you may submit your application to the COKO for their evaluation.
Entry-to-Practice Exam
If the COKO accepts your application, you are able to write the Entry-to-Practice exam. This exam covers all information you are expected to know as a practicing Kinesiologist. The exam is in place to ensure each applicant is knowledgeable to safely and competently practice kinesiology without risk to the public. If you pass the examination, you are able to register with the COKO and are officially a Registered Kinesiologist!
R.Kin vs. Personal Trainer:
There are educational differences between an R.Kin and a Personal Trainer. Many personal training certificates can be acquired within a couple days of training through an organization. An R.Kin has to have at least 4 years of University education of learning the human body and how to effectively work with it plus many have a personal training certificate as well. A personal trainer will have basic anatomy and fitness training knowledge making them a good tool to assist with weight loss and muscular strength goals. An R.Kin will be more knowledgeable in the science of human movement such as physiology, biomechanics, assessment and exercise prescription. As well as be able to assess and create treatment plans, an R.Kin is qualified to work with individuals with injuries or chronic conditions whereas a personal trainer is not. An R.Kin is also able to collaborate with other health professionals like Doctors and Physiotherapists.
R.Kin vs. Physiotherapist:
After completing an undergraduate degree, a Registered Physiotherapist (PT) completes an additional 2 years at a University completing a Masters Physiotherapy program and writes a regulatory exam. The PT is able to do manual manipulations and mobilizations (passive movement of a skeletal joint) whereas an R.Kin is not trained in this. A PT can also perform other manual techniques on ligaments and muscles as a treatment method for injury rehabilitation. PT’s and R.Kin’s often work together as a health care team with the PT overseeing the treatment plan, like at Walk It Off. Both health care professionals have a thorough and complete understanding of human movement; a PT specializes in correcting and treating abnormal human movement whereas an R.Kin specializes in improving and maximizing human movement.
Will My Insurance Cover Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is not covered by OHIP. Some extended health insurance packages are beginning to cover kinesiology. Make sure you check with your employer to see if you are covered! Otherwise, you can deduct the services of a Registered Kinesiologist as a medical expense on line 331 of your tax return. See the Canada Revenue Agency website for details on how much of your kinesiologist’s services you can claim as a tax write-off, and be sure to ask if your exercise professional is in fact registered.
As always we welcome your feedback and your questions. You can connect with us by email or telephone or leave a comment right here on the site. Check out our Facebook and Twitter pages and our YouTube Channel too and join in the conversation!
See you at the gym,
Rebecca and Taylor
SCI Registered Kinesiologists!
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