Frequently Asked Questions

Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. It explores how our muscles, bones, joints, and nervous system work together to produce movement and function. It focuses on understanding how the body moves, how it can move better, and how to prevent injury or discomfort in daily activities, sports, and work environments.

A Kinesiologist (R.Kin) is a health professional with specialized education in movement science. They are trained to assess, evaluate, and treat musculoskeletal and movement-related issues through exercise therapy, biomechanical assessments, and functional movement strategies. Kinesiologists work with a range of people—from those seeking to improve their fitness to those recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions, or addressing specific movement dysfunctions. Their goal is to enhance quality of life, reduce pain, and improve physical performance through a science-based, movement-focused approach.

For more information read here:​​ https://bcak.bc.ca/for-the-public/what-kinesiology/

Fitness Coaches can be self-certified and focus on fitness coaching and motivation. Their scope is more general and geared toward healthy individuals or those looking for basic fitness routines, weight loss, or performance improvement.

In Canada, the Canadian Society For Exercise Physiology (CSEP) are the gold standard certification for personal trainers. A CSEP certified personal trainer offers structured fitness programs that include exercise prescription for healthy individuals. They may work with people looking to improve their fitness, but their scope is limited compared to a Kinesiologist, especially when it comes to working with medical conditions or injury rehabilitation.

Registered Kinesiologists (R.Kin), have a bachelor level of education (Bachelor's in Kinesiology) or more and may have clinical expertise in areas like biomechanics, rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and injury prevention. Their role extends beyond general fitness training to encompass healthcare settings and more medically-focused interventions

​​Kinesiologists (R.Kin) focus on functional movement, exercise prescription, rehabilitation, and chronic disease management through exercise. They are not trained to perform manual therapies like joint manipulations or deep tissue work but are experts in movement analysis and exercise therapy to prevent injury and improve quality of life.

Physiotherapists (PT) have a Master’s degree and are trained to diagnose and treat specific injuries and conditions, often using manual therapy (e.g., joint mobilizations, soft tissue manipulation), modalities, and exercise to restore function and manage pain. They specialize in treating acute injuries, pain relief, and rehabilitation.

Overall, Kinesiologists are often focused on preventive and rehabilitative exercise, while physiotherapists have a more clinical, hands-on approach for managing acute injuries, pain, and restoring function. Both play a key role in your health and wellness journey!