Kinesiotherapy, the economical alternative, to the escalating cost of Physical Therapy.
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Kinesiotherapy (formerly corrective therapy) is an allied health profession, that has been in existence since 1946. The roots of this profession began during World War II. Due to the great demand to return soldiers to active duty, the establishment of corrective physical reconditioning units were formed, hence, the birth of corrective therapy.
Presently, the majority of kinesiotherapists are actively practicing in Veterans Administration Medical Centers, others are found in private practice, and in health care facilities throughout the United States.
The kinesiotherapist is academically and clinically prepared to provide rehabilitation exercise and education, under the prescription of a licensed physician in an appropriate setting. Kinesiotherapists are accountable to the referring physician for the actions of themselves and those of their subordinates. However, kinesiotherapists may conduct group and individualized therapeutic exercise programs, without a physician prescription.
The academic and clinical basis of kinesiotherapy is founded on the two fundamental modalities, exercise and education. Kinesiotherapists are qualified to implement exercise programs designed to reverse or minimize debilitation and enhance the functional capacity of medically stable patients in a wellness, sub-acute, or extended care setting.
The role of the kinesiotherapist demands intelligence, judgment, honesty, interpersonal skills and the capacity to react to emergencies in a calm and reasoned manner. An attitude of respect for self and others, adherence to the concepts of privilege and confidentiality in communicating with patients, and a commitment to the patient’s welfare are standard attributes. At a minimum, a kinesiotherapist is educated in areas of basic exercise science and clinical applications of rehabilitation exercise. Training is received in orthopedic, neurologic, psychiatric, pediatric, cardiovascular-pulmonary, geriatric and wellness practice settings.
Services provided by the kinesiotherapist include, but are not limited to:
1. Evaluation
The kinesiotherapist obtains detailed information from a patient and his/her clinical record, regarding the specific history of the injury/disability that resulted in the physician referral for treatment, followed by an appropriate physical assessment pertaining to the injury/disability. The kinesiotherapist then records the data, develops an appropriate treatment plan, and communicates with the referring physician regarding the proposed treatment.
2. Therapeutic Intervention
The kinesiotherapist administers fundamental therapeutic exercise or activity to accomplish the stated goals of the treatment plan, relying on fundamental procedures, such as those outlined in the Kinesiotherapy Scope of Practice and Scope of Assessment. The treatment plan may include appropriate patient and caregiver education and/or social integration and awareness activities. Treatment is monitored and revised according to patients’ needs, with regular reports provided to the referring physician to ensure that the treatment plan and goals are appropriate for the rehabilitation and safety of the patient, staff, exercise equipment and facility.
Scope of Practice
Includes, but is not limited to:
An assessment segment: observation and measurements.
An objective segment: examination for muscular strength and endurance, neuromuscular coordination, kinesthesis, flexibility, ROM, cardiovascular capacity, general mobility, functional capacity, reaction time, proprioception and sensory deficits.
A Psychosocial component: appropriate nature of action responses, capability of task planning, perceptual awareness and consistency of mood.
A plan segment: objectives and program content, time frame, and patient reassessment based on specific goals, established during the initial evaluation and are re-evaluated every two weeks thereafter.
Assessment at discharge: problem and goal achievements in kinesiotherapy, ability to perform activities of daily living, work tasks, home exercise programs and level of social integration.
Referral for other services: such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, vocational and pyschosocial intervention, will be based on assessment of the patients' needs that cannot be met or delivered by the kinesiotherapist.
Scope of Assessment
Includes, but is not limited to:
* Anthropometric characteristic's exam: body weight and composition, girth and skinfold measurements.
* Arousal, mental and cognitive exam: orientation capacity, problem solving, memory and awareness.
* Neuromotor exam: balance, posture, and locomotion.
* Joint integrity and mobility exam: pain awareness, connective tissue laxity and passive range of motion.
* Sensory Integrity Exam: kinesthetic awareness, two point, dull and sharp discrimination.
* Motor exam: assessment of reflexes.
* Muscle exam: manual muscle testing and computerized testing for force, velocity, torque, power and work.
What a kinesiotherapist brings to the table, is a vast wealth of knowledge and experience. Kinesiotherapists are proficient in many areas of physiology, psychology, physical and adaptive education. With proper medical intervention, kinesiotherapy, can possibly reverse an individual's debilitation, and maintain his or her functional capabilities and independence. Registered Kinesiotherapists are uniquely trained and positioned to meet the economic challenges in providing cost effective, and quality health care.
At Professional Health Care, our therapists are home based, which means, therapy is provided within the comfort of your home, wellness center, or local health care facility, we treat the individual, not just the disability.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Profession of Kinesiotherapy, please feel free to contact me.
William N. Cervantes M.T., R.K.T.
Professional Health Care, Inc.
Whittier, California
(562)-625-0355
Member of the Whittier Area, Chamber of Commerce
Member of the American Kinesiotherapy Association
Registered and Board Certified, by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy
