This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Radagast83 (talk | contribs) at 04:26, 13 February 2009 (No clear consensus for merger). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 04:26, 13 February 2009 by Radagast83 (talk | contribs) (No clear consensus for merger)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
No issues specified. Please specify issues, or remove this template. (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Kinesiotherapy is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations of those requiring extended physical conditioning.
Occupational description
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 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, neurological, psychiatric, pediatric, cardiovascular- pulmonary, and geriatric practice settings.
Job description
Kinesiotherapy is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations or those requiring extended physical conditioning.
The kinesiotherapist is a health care professional competent in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task-specific functional tests and measures. The kinesiotherapist determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the client, a goal-specific treatment plan.
The intervention process includes the development and implementation of a treatment plan, assessment of progress toward goals, modification as necessary to achieve goals and outcomes, and client education. The foundation of clinician-client rapport is based on education, instruction, demonstration, and mentoring of therapeutic techniques and behaviors to restore, maintain, and improve overall functional abilities.
The scope of practice for kinesiotherapy identifies the job tasks that registered kinesiotherapists are qualified to perform. The individual kinesiotherapist may obtain additional training and credentials in areas beyond the scope of practice. The Standards of Practice for registered kinesiotherapists serves as a guideline for practicing registered kinesiotherapists and provides a basis for assessment of kinesiotherapy practices.
Employment characteristics
Registered kinesiotherapists are employed in Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, public and private hospitals, medical fitness facilities, rehabilitation facilities, learning disability centers, schools, colleges and universities, private practice, and as exercise consultants.
The types of treatments carried out by kinesiotherapists focus on but are not limited to: therapeutic exercise, ambulation training, geriatric rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, adapted fitness and conditioning, prosthetic/orthotic rehabilitation, psychiatric rehabilitation, driver training, and adapted exercise for the home setting.
A registered kinesiotherapist is an allied health professional competent in the administration of musculoskeletal, neurological, ergonomic, biomechanical, psychosocial, and task specific functional tests and measures. The kinesiotherapist determines the appropriate evaluation tools and interventions necessary to establish, in collaboration with the client, a goal specific treatment plan.
The intervention process includes the development and implementation of a treatment plan, assessment of progress toward goals, modification as necessary to achieve goals and outcomes, and client education. The foundation of clinician-client rapport is based on education, instruction, demonstration and mentoring of therapeutic techniques and behaviors to restore, maintain and improve overall functional abilities.
Kinesiotherapists can administer treatment only upon receipt of a prescription from qualified physicians, nurse practitioners and/or physicians' assistants.
References
- Kinesiotherapist: Occupational Description - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)