Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy are two closely related professions, but there is a big difference between the two. Kinesiologists study how the body moves and how muscles work together while athletic therapists treat injuries that occur as a result of physical activity.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in either field, or you’re seeking treatment, it’s important to understand the differences between them. In this blog post, we will explore the roles of both kinesiologists and athletic therapists and highlight some of their key responsibilities.
We will also discuss what these health professions are, education and certification requirements for each profession and outline the pros and cons of each from a clients’ perspective. So, if you are wondering “what is the difference between kinesiology and athletic therapy?” keep reading to find out!
This is the second blog in the series, so you can learn more about what a kinesiologist does by reading our blogs about the difference between kinesiologist and physiotherapist, personal trainer and sports medicine for more context.
What is kinesiology and athletic therapy?
These two health professions both offer therapy to clients seeking better performance and recovery from sports injuries, so are they the same thing? No. Their education and therapeutic treatments are distinct.
Kinesiology Is The Study Of Human Movement
The study of human movement is an amalgamation of anatomy, physiology (human function), neurology (nervous system and brain), biomechanics, psychology (our thoughts), and biochemistry. Although each of these disciplines is profound, kinesiology ties them together in a single scientific discipline.
To learn more about kinesiology and why clients choose it as therapy, make sure to read our ultimate guide to kinesiology.
Athletic therapy is the treatment of injuries related to sport and exercise
Athletic therapy is a stand-alone clinical profession. Kinesiology is a science-based field including both research and clinical therapy, athletic therapy is clinic-based.
Compared to a kinesiologist who is versed in all human movement including healthy lifestyle, rehab, athletic training and conditioning, exercise with chronic illness for all ages; an athletic therapist works on prevention, assessment and intervention in sports injuries.
Are kinesiologists also athletic therapists?
No. Athletic therapy is its own post-secondary discipline and therapy. In a sports environment kinesiologists do athletic training whereas athletic therapists are first responders for sports injuries.
What education and certification do kinesiologists and athletic therapists need
Both professions require a university degree and certification. Athletic therapists study from specific programs accredited by the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association. At some universities, students my study in the Department or School of Kinesiology, but no necessarily. They follow an approved curriculum.
Kinesiologists are trained through the Department or School of Kinesiology, and are accredited by their provincial association.
Are athletic therapists or kinesiologists regulated health professions?
For the most part no, neither is regulated with one exception, the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. Outside of Ontario, kinesiologists and athletic therapists rely on their local member associations for their scope of practice and ethical guidelines, as well as to handle complaints from the public.
Can athletic therapists or kinesiologists Diagnose?
No, neither profession can diagnose, but provide assessments and treatment plans instead. Diagnosis is the responsibility of doctors of medicine, chiropractors and physiotherapists.
Which is better?
I want to make it clear that clear that Athletic therapists are specialized in prevention, acute treatment and rehab of sports injuries, which kinesiologists are not.
They are well suited to work with athletes on injury assessment and rehab. If you have experienced an injury related to sport or exercise, an athletic therapist might be right for you.
If you’re seeking rehab or conditioning in a sports setting, or if you’re dealing with a health condition such as chronic pain, or you’re in need of an ergonomic assessment, a kinesiologist will be able to help. Kinesiology generally have a broader scope than athletic therapy, so a kinesiologist would be better suited for you if you have a health condition, postural issues, general health goal like getting stronger or any type of injury.
Conclusion
Kinesiologists work to improve all human movement and function through training or rehab, while athletic therapists specialize in the treatment of injuries related to sport and exercise. Both professions require a university degree as well as certification from a professional organization. While there is some overlap between the two fields, each has it's place in an athletic environment.
Make sure to read about how kinesiology is different from medical professions like sports medicine and physiotherapy on our blog for more context.
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