Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsKinesiologyPhysical TherapyWhich Treatment is Best?Can They Be Used Together?Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Kinesiology
Physical Therapy
Which Treatment is Best?
Can They Be Used Together?
Frequently Asked Questions
Kinesiology andphysical therapyare both fields of science related to the body and movement. Kinesiologists and physical therapy providers (physical therapists and physical therapist assistants) are both professionals in health-related fields that can work with clients in a variety of settings.
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What to Know About Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of body movement and physical activity, and how it affects the quality of life, health, and society as a whole.
A degree in kinesiology often includes coursework in:
Individuals with an undergraduate degree in kinesiology often have careers in sports and fitness. Examples include:
People with kinesiology degrees often go on to graduate school for advanced degrees in the field of kinesiology or to pursue careers in other healthcare fields, such as:
People with a degree in kinesiology who want to work with clients or patients might choose to take an exam to become a registered kinesiotherapist through the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy (COPSKT).
Kinesiologists Who SpecializeRegistered kinesiologists can also specialize in a variety of areas, such as:Cancer rehabilitationDriver rehabilitationErgonomic evaluationAdaptive sportsAmputeeFall preventionFunctional capacity evaluationAssistive technology professionalHealth coachAquaticsMultiple sclerosisOrthopedicsTai ChiWeight managementSeating and mobilityResearchCardiac rehabilitation
Kinesiologists Who Specialize
Registered kinesiologists can also specialize in a variety of areas, such as:Cancer rehabilitationDriver rehabilitationErgonomic evaluationAdaptive sportsAmputeeFall preventionFunctional capacity evaluationAssistive technology professionalHealth coachAquaticsMultiple sclerosisOrthopedicsTai ChiWeight managementSeating and mobilityResearchCardiac rehabilitation
Registered kinesiologists can also specialize in a variety of areas, such as:
What to Know About Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the study of human movement as it applies to overall health, rehabilitation of injury, fitness, and prevention of injury.
There are two tracks of study for people interested in working in the field of physical therapy—the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which qualifies a person to take an exam to become a physical therapist, and the Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree, which qualifies a person to take an exam to become a physical therapist assistant.
A physical therapist with a DPT degree has received specialized training in:
Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist and receive training in:
Which Treatment is Best for You?
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether you should see a kinesiologist or physical therapy provider for treatment.
When to See a Kinesiologist
If you’re looking to improve your fitness and live a healthier lifestyle, consider seeing a kinesiologist. A kinesiologist can also provide rehabilitation if you have a long-standing injury and want to help reduce your pain and improve your fitness. Kinesiology sessions focus on improving your mobility, agility, flexibility, and strength, with exercise interventions to improve overall function.
When to See a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are trained to evaluate injuries and work with patients with a variety of medical conditions to develop comprehensive treatment plans to address functional limitations. While exercise is a large component of physical therapy intervention, these professionals also use many othermodalities during treatment.
Examples include:
Can Kinesiology and Physical Therapy Be Used Together?
Summary
Kinesiology and physical therapy are two health fields centered around human movement. Kinesiologists often work with people who are looking to improve their fitness and overall health. They also help rehabilitate people with chronic injuries that cause pain and affect function. Kinesiologists focus on improving flexibility, agility, mobility, and strength, through exercise interventions.
Physical therapists evaluate injuries and rehabilitate people with a wide variety of medical conditions. These professionals use many different types of treatment (including exercise) to help restore function.
A Word From Verywell
Kinesiologists and physical therapists can help you improve function and quality of life after injury or if you are living with chronic illness. If you aren’t sure which one you should see, talk to your primary healthcare provider. Or, schedule an initial assessment and let the professionals decide if their services are appropriate for your condition and goals. If they aren’t, they will help you find the treatment you need.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA kinesiologist works with patients who want to improve their fitness level. They are also able to provide rehabilitation for long-standing injuries to help reduce pain and improve fitness.Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy after an injury or surgery. To figure out if physical therapy could be beneficial, talk with your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
A kinesiologist works with patients who want to improve their fitness level. They are also able to provide rehabilitation for long-standing injuries to help reduce pain and improve fitness.
Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy after an injury or surgery. To figure out if physical therapy could be beneficial, talk with your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Kinesiology Association.About AKA.Corban University.Is a kinesiology degree right for you?American Kinesiotherapy Association.How to become a registered kinesiotherapist.American Kinesiotherapy Association.Available specializations.Washington University in St. Louis.Physical therapy.American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PT.American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PTA.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Kinesiotherapy.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Kinesiology Association.About AKA.Corban University.Is a kinesiology degree right for you?American Kinesiotherapy Association.How to become a registered kinesiotherapist.American Kinesiotherapy Association.Available specializations.Washington University in St. Louis.Physical therapy.American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PT.American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PTA.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Kinesiotherapy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Kinesiology Association.About AKA.Corban University.Is a kinesiology degree right for you?American Kinesiotherapy Association.How to become a registered kinesiotherapist.American Kinesiotherapy Association.Available specializations.Washington University in St. Louis.Physical therapy.American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PT.American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PTA.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Kinesiotherapy.
American Kinesiology Association.About AKA.
Corban University.Is a kinesiology degree right for you?
American Kinesiotherapy Association.How to become a registered kinesiotherapist.
American Kinesiotherapy Association.Available specializations.
Washington University in St. Louis.Physical therapy.
American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PT.
American Physical Therapy Association.Becoming a PTA.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Kinesiotherapy.
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