What Is Kinesiology?
Kinesiology is the science of human movement. Kinesiologists apply evidenced-based research to improve function, health and wellness of people. As university trained health professionals, Kinesiologists apply the principles of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology and psychomotor behaviour to improve health, function and performance for people, and encourage preventative activity such as: physical activity, workplace health and safety, injury prevention, injury management, chronic disease and the overall improvement of health.
Prevention
Kinesiologists are leaders in the prevention of injury and chronic disease. Most Canadians would be surprised at the link between proper physical activity and health improvements. For example, physical activity reduces the risk of death from coronary heart disease and it significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and colon cancer. Physical activity enhances mental health and improves muscles, bones and joints which combine to maintain function and preserve independent living.
Management
Kinesiologists use exercise in the management of injury and chronic disease. While the best way to manage injury or disease is through prevention, Kinesiologists are more often on the front-lines in restoring client health when injury occurs.
Performance
Kinesiologists are devoted to improving performance, health, and overall quality of life. Nearly every Canadian can improve their performance, function and well-being across mental and physical parameters, through improved movement and exercise. Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and every level of function and physical ability to assess, track, manage and achieve a broad range of personal health goals.
Follow this link for more information on Exercise and Stretching benefits.
Kinesiology Insurance Coverage:
Visits with our Registered Kinesiologist can be covered under your chiropractic benefits (if you see both Dr. Elizabeth and Rachel) as the visits will be directed by Dr. Elizabeth Radley-Walters. Alternatively, they can be covered under Registered Kinesiology benefits as some plans have coverage for this:
- SunLife – covers $300 per calendar year for massage/kinesiology treatments
- GreatWestLife – depends on the plan itself and what you have for your health benefits
- Manulife – Kinesiology treatments can be added to your plan for an additional cost·
Other insurance companies require members to consult their policy or ask their insurance professional if their coverage includes Kinesiology treatment
Kinesiology Services: (All services are overseen by the Doctor of Chiropractic)
Chiropractic Stretches/Exercises
Amanda works alongside Dr. Elizabeth Radley-Walters and is the clinic’s Kinesiologist. Doctors of Chiropractic practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling. Here at Active Chiropractic we want you to get the most out of your experience and overall health care. With dual health care from the Chiropractor and Kinesiologist you will be assured to get just that! Dr. Elizabeth will ensure that you get your full treatment of chiropractic adjustments along with myofascial release and then you may or may not (depending on your current condition) be directed to Amanda to be given corrective stretches and exercises to enhance your recovery and promote proper posture. Rachel will consult with Dr. Elizabeth on the very best and most beneficial course of action for each and every patient in terms of their stretching and/or exercise program.
Functional Movement Systems (FMS)
This is a screening system that we use here at Active Chiropractic Family Health Center as a means to test patients/clients basic functional movement patterns. This exercise philosophy and corresponding set of resources is based on sound science, years of innovation, and current research. Making this an even more valuable tool, is the fact that FMS allows professionals to assess movement patterns in a “healthy” population, not only individuals with an injury or pathology. A personalized stretching and exercise program will be prescribed to help decrease risk of future injury and promote functional capacity.
Electromyography (EMG)
EMG stands for ‘Electromyography’; and it is a training program that uses your muscle biofeedback to treat muscle dysfunction. You will be able to visually see what your muscles are doing and be able to correct a movement pattern that you may be doing incorrectly which will help with your rehabilitation and improve your movement efficiency. Ensure you do your exercises correctly and reduce your pain through EMG treatments!
Microcurrent & TENS Treatments
Did you know that along with our Electromyography (EMG) treatments, we offer Microcurrent and TENS treatments as well? This is a great addition to our services as it offers you the opportunity to heal faster! If you are currently dealing with an acute injury, muscle cramping/ spasms, or chronic inflammation, then Microcurrent or TENS may work for you! Benefits from using microcurrent or TENS may include:
- Can help speed the healing process
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
- Masks acute and chronic pain
- Releases muscle trigger points
- Improves soft tissue regeneration
Gait Assessments
Gait assessments are a great service for active individuals as well as those who are looking to learn more about their current posture, functional movement ability, walking dynamics and how to improve mobility and stability. We look at a wide range of motor programming systems that relate to human gait and analyze them so that you understand what we are talking about! In addition to this, we use advanced computer programming to illustrate various aspects of your foot dimensions dynamically, statically and posturally. Corrective stretches and exercises are also prescribed to help improve movement efficiency!
Custom Orthotics
Along with our gait assessments, we offer custom orthotics! A custom orthotic is a device designed to align the foot and ankle into the most anatomically efficient position. They look like insoles, but are biomechanical medical appliances that are custom made to correct your specific foot imbalance. Custom orthotics will reduce stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet back into proper alignment. Custom orthotics may be covered through your extended health care. Our orthotics are made from a three-dimensional cast of your feet along with advanced computer programming to get a very accurate analysis of your feet dynamics and structure. Please check into your insurance coverage to see if orthotics can be covered for you!
Core Assessments
Core assessments are a great tool to assess abdominal musculature and its biomechanical relationship to the entire kinetic chain, when applied to the prevention of back pain, maintenance of good posture and optimal sports performance. Faulty abdominal training can create postural problems and it's important to learn how to reestablish activation of the abdominal and understand why core coordination and strength tests are essential for both orthopedic patients experiencing such issues as low back pain and competitive athletes. Exercises are prescribed that are suitable for the post-rehabilitation patient all the way to performance enhancing techniques for the amateur and elite athletes.
Cancer Survivor Exercise Sessions
In the last couple of decades, considerable progress has been made in diagnosing certain cancers earlier and treating many cancers more effectively. During this time physical activity has emerged as an important modifiable health behaviour that also plays a key role in both the prevention and treatment of certain cancers. Maintaining a minimum base level of fitness will help keep you strong during treatments and rebound quicker during recovery periods. Also, because it is safe and easy to implement, more clinicians and oncologists than ever before are recommending that their patients exercise! Here at Active Chiropractic Family Health Centre we offer affordable half hour exercise sessions or 1 hour Cancer Survivor Exercise Classes two times a week! Read our information sheet or check out our latest brochure for more info!