What is the difference between a kinesiologist and a physiotherapist? No difference at all! They are only two different ways of naming the same practice.

Indeed, physiotherapy is the art of treating movement by movement. The title of “physiotherapist” associated with it is a title given in some countries, notably France.

However, in the vast majority of the world, the choice has been made to call these professionals physiotherapists or “physical therapists” in the United States.

Their role is the same as that of a physiotherapist: to help you regain your maximum physical capacity so that you can carry out your daily activities or sports in the best possible conditions!

Going to a kinesiologist is not just for the most athletic or those who need rehabilitation work. 

Helping people of all ages daily, whether they are affected by injury, illness, particular conditions or environmental factors, is one of these practitioners’ commitments.

One of the primary objectives of physiotherapy is to regain your independence and remain active in your personal and social life.

When should I consult a physiotherapist, and for what problems?

Physiotherapy is particularly indicated for all painful or activity-limiting problems such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, tendinopathy, nerve irritation, sciatica, cruralgia, cervicobrachial neuralgia, neuropathy, spinal problems, herniated discs, lumbago, muscle injury, tears, strains, acute blockages… to name but a few of the main causes of pain!

Whether it is a back problem (spine) at the lumbar, thoracic or cervical level, or pathologies affecting the joints of the upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand) or the lower limb (hip, knee, foot), your physiotherapist will be able to advise you and help you with the correct course of action and the care to be considered after carrying out a complete assessment. 

Whether it is a back problem (spine) at the lumbar, thoracic or cervical level, or pathologies affecting the joints of the upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand) or the lower limb (hip, knee, foot), your physiotherapist will be able to advise you and help you with the correct course of action and the care to be considered after carrying out a complete assessment. 

Physiotherapy, what effects?

Generally speaking, the physiotherapist deals with all the problems or incapacities that arise after injuries or illnesses, affecting the muscles, bones, joints, neurological system, etc. You may call a physiotherapist to help patients who have suffered accidents or any other event that has caused a physical trauma requiring rehabilitation or muscle-strengthening work. 

Some physiotherapists also provide physiotherapy in specific areas such as respiratory/cardio-vascular/vestibular/perineal physiotherapy.

The treatments used are varied and depend on your problem:

– Massages;

– Manual mobilisation;

– Manipulations;

– Musculo-tendinous stretching;

– Application of soft restraints

– Electrotherapy;

– Thermotherapy and cryotherapy;

– Ergonomic measures…

As physiotherapy is subject to medical prescription, it is common for the doctor or surgeon to decide that a condition needs to be treated by this means and then refer the patient to a therapist.

In addition to the so-called “passive” techniques, which include all the manual methods aimed at combating pain or retractions, the physiotherapist also uses so-called “active” techniques (where the patient is the actor of his or her own healing). These techniques generally involve the patient doing muscle-strengthening exercises at home (or in a suitable environment).

Your physiotherapist will be an ally throughout your recovery/rehabilitation. Because mindset plays a huge role in the road to recovery, it is worth remembering that treatment relies on your commitment to and ownership of the treatment.

If you would like to meet one kinesiologist/physiotherapist, go to PERFORMANCE PHYSIO.

For further reading:

• What Is the Role of a Physiotherapist
• What Are the Fields of Application of Physiotherapy