Question 1

What conditions do kinesiologists treat?

Accepted Answer

Kinesiologists typically treat a variety of conditions related to movement, exercise, and physical activity. These can include chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, postural imbalances, movement dysfunctions, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Kinesiologists can also work with athletes to help them improve their athletic performance and prevent injuries. Additionally, kinesiologists can help people recover from surgery or medical procedures by providing exercise rehabilitation programs. However, it is important to note that, in British Columbia, kinesiologists are not allowed to diagnose medical conditions. They do not provide medical treatments such as prescribing drugs, performing surgery, and manipulating joints.

Question 2

How often do I need to come to see a result?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of visits to a kinesiologist depends on various factors, such as the individual's health condition, goals, and treatment plan. The initial assessment will help your kinesiologist to determine the recommended frequency of visits. Generally, we work with you over a series of sessions to develop and implement a personalized exercise program. The frequency of sessions may be weekly or bi-weekly initially. Then depending on your goals and intention, the frequency may change. If your goal is to independently manage your exercises and maintain your health, the frequency may gradually decrease as you progress. If your goal is to improve performance and continuously develop strength, the initial frequency maybe maintained or increased. We work with you to create a realistic and achievable plan for your specific needs.

Question 3

Do I need a doctor's referral?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a doctor's  referral to work with a kinesiologist in British Columbia.  However, some insurance companies may require a referral for coverage. For example ICBC may require a referral from your family physician to approve a funding for your ICBC Active Rehabilitation program.

Question 4

Can services by kinesiologists be reimbursed by extended health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Kinesiologists are becoming more recognized by insurance companies as key members of healthcare teams. In some provinces, certain insurance companies cover kinesiology expenses, including Desjardins, Manulife, Blue Cross, SunLife, IA Excellence, and Great- West Life. Contact your insurance company to inquire if they cover kinesiology fees and add kinesiology services to your insurance plan if they do not. Kinesiologists offer services that address wellness, disease prevention, and injury rehabilitation, making them a valuable addition to extended health benefits packages. By providing preventative exercise, kinesiology services can help reduce disability claims and promote a healthier, more productive workforce.

Please contact us if you need further assistance at dkim@embodieddynamics.net (dkim@embodieddynamics.net)

Question 5

How should I prepare for my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please complete the intake form at least 24 hours before your scheduled assessment. This will allow us to understand your goals and needs before the assessment, ensuring productive assessment for you. The link to the intake form will be sent with the appointment confirmation email and reminder email. Please contact us immediately if you cannot find the link at dkim@embodieddynamic.net. (dkim@embodieddynamic.net.)

Please bring a pair of shorts and a tank top or any shirts that allow us to examine your shoulder girdles for your appointment. For an ICBC claim, we also recommend you bring your claim number, and your lawyer's contact information if you are currently working with one for your active claim.

Question 6

Do you provide ICBC Active Rehabilitation program?

Accepted Answer

We provide ICBC Active Rehabilitation with direct billing to ICBC. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident (at-fault or not), you are pre-approved for 12 Active Rehab sessions with a Kinesiologist within the first 12 weeks of their date of MVA. After the 12 weeks, approval for further treatment will be required from ICBC. We will be happy to help you with this process. Please contact us and send us your ICBC Claim #, your name on the driver’s license, and your Date of Birth so we can help you get started.

Question 7

What is the difference between kinesiologist and physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

In British Columbia, Canada, a kinesiologist and a physiotherapist are two different professions with distinct roles and responsibilities. A kinesiologist is a health professional who specializes in the science of human movement and the application of movement-based therapies and exercise to prevent, manage, and rehabilitate injuries, diseases, and chronic conditions. They typically work with individuals who are recovering from injuries or chronic conditions, or who want to improve their physical fitness and performance.

A physiotherapist is also a health professional who specializes in the diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions that affect movement and function. They focus on improving a person's mobility, strength, and physical function through various forms of treatment, such as manual therapy, modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Physiotherapists may work with individuals of all ages and abilities, from children with developmental disabilities to older adults recovering from joint replacement surgery.

There may be some overlap in the services provided by kinesiologists and physiotherapists as they both provide assessment of movement function and implement manual techniques and exercise-based therapy. However, kinesiologists provide exercise treatments that go beyond those prescribed by physiotherapists. While physiotherapy exercises focus on improving mobility and stability of specific body parts, kinesiology exercise treatments aim to develop and maintain functional resilience of the entire body. Kinesiologists design exercise programs that gradually increase demands on the body to help people achieve long-term resilience and prevent injuries.

While both kinesiologists and physiotherapists use hands-on techniques in their treatments, physiotherapists can use more invasive and direct modalities, including needling, ultrasound, electrical stimulators, and shockwave therapy, for acute and chronic conditions and pain management. Kinesiologists typically use hands-on techniques more suited to chronic conditions, such as soft-tissue release, assisted stretching, guided muscle activation, and gentle joint mobilization, with a focus on active participation of the receiver to promote motor learning. The collaboration between kinesiologists and physiotherapists is common as their treatments are complementary.