What Is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement. Registered kinesiologists (R.Kin) are regulated health professionals trained in anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, and motor learning — and they apply that knowledge to help people move better, recover from injury, and improve their physical function.
At C.S. Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre, our kinesiologist works closely alongside our physiotherapy team. This coordinated approach means that manual therapy and hands-on treatment are directly supported by a structured, progressive exercise program — leading to more complete and durable recovery.
What a Kinesiologist Does
Your kinesiologist's core work is exercise prescription — but it goes well beyond handing you a printout of exercises. They assess how your body moves, identify weaknesses and imbalances that contribute to pain or injury, and design a program that targets those specific deficits.
They also supervise your exercise sessions, correct technique in real time, and progress your program systematically as your capacity improves. This supervised, individualized approach produces significantly better outcomes than generic home programs alone.
Who Benefits from Kinesiology?
- People recovering from musculoskeletal injuries who need structured exercise rehabilitation
- Post-surgical patients (joint replacements, ligament repairs, spinal surgery)
- WSIB clients in active rehabilitation programs
- Motor vehicle accident clients building functional capacity
- Athletes returning to sport following injury
- Older adults working to maintain strength, balance, and independence
- People managing chronic pain, arthritis, or degenerative conditions
- Anyone who wants expert guidance on exercise to prevent future injury
Kinesiology Within WSIB and MVA Programs
Active rehabilitation delivered by a registered kinesiologist is a recognized and funded component of WSIB and motor vehicle accident (MVA) treatment programs. For injured workers and accident victims, a kinesiology-based active rehabilitation program helps rebuild the strength and work tolerances needed to return to their job safely.
We coordinate this care directly with your WSIB case manager or auto insurer, ensuring your program meets the documentation and reporting requirements of your claim.
More than a gym program. Kinesiology at a physiotherapy clinic is clinical rehabilitation — each exercise is chosen for a specific therapeutic purpose, supervised by a trained professional, and adjusted based on your response. It's not personal training; it's evidence-based rehabilitation.
What to Expect from Your Kinesiology Program
Your first session begins with a movement assessment. Your kinesiologist will evaluate your strength, flexibility, balance, and movement patterns to identify the areas most in need of attention. From this, they develop a personalized exercise program and walk you through each component with careful attention to form and technique.
Subsequent sessions build progressively on the foundation established in your first visit. Your kinesiologist tracks your progress, adjusts the program as you improve, and provides guidance on what to do at home between sessions. Over time, the goal is to make you self-sufficient — capable of maintaining your function and fitness independently.
What We Focus On
- Strength training for injured or weakened areas
- Postural correction and core stability
- Balance and coordination training
- Functional movement patterns relevant to your work or sport
- Return-to-sport or return-to-work conditioning
- Running mechanics and injury prevention
- Home exercise program design and education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a kinesiologist and a physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists assess and treat injury with hands-on manual therapy and exercise. Kinesiologists specialize in exercise science and movement — designing and supervising therapeutic exercise programs. The two work together very effectively, and many patients benefit from both as part of a coordinated rehabilitation plan.
Is kinesiology covered by my extended health insurance?
Many extended health plans include kinesiology coverage. WSIB and MVA programs also fund active rehabilitation delivered by kinesiologists. Coverage varies widely by plan — call us and we can help you figure out what you're entitled to.
Do I need a referral to see a kinesiologist?
No referral is required. You can book directly. If you're also seeing a physiotherapist, they will collaborate with your kinesiologist to ensure your programs are aligned and complementary.
How is kinesiology different from personal training?
Registered kinesiologists are regulated health professionals with university-level training in anatomy, biomechanics, and injury rehabilitation. Personal trainers focus primarily on fitness and performance for healthy individuals. A kinesiologist works in a clinical context — their role is to address physical dysfunction, not just build fitness.
Can kinesiology help with chronic pain?
Yes. Therapeutic exercise is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for chronic musculoskeletal pain. A kinesiologist can design a graded program that builds your capacity and resilience without aggravating your symptoms — gradually reducing the impact of pain on your daily life.
Kingston's Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Clinic
We're located at 1479 John Counter Boulevard, Unit 201 in Kingston, Ontario. If you'd like to know whether kinesiology is right for your situation, call us at 613-384-2664 or reach out through our contact form.