A Career in Kinesiology

Kinesiology is a unique natural therapy that employs muscle testing to determine areas of weakness and strength in the human body. It applies a variety of techniques to address problem areas and restore the body to a state of harmony and balance.

Many kinesiologists were inspired to learn the practice after experiencing its benefits as clients. Kinesiology is a modality that can be used on its own or in conjunction with many other natural therapies, including physical therapy, exercise physiology and occupational therapy, so it's worth considering as a career path in holistic health.

The Beginnings of Kinesiology

The roots of kinesiology are said to go back to at least the time of Aristotle (384-382BCE), who was the first to study human movement in depth, hence dubbed the "father of kinesiology". Kinesiology, as it is practised today, originated in the 1930s and was adopted by an American chiropractor, Dr George Goodheart, in the 1960s. According to Goodheart, the muscles are the body's messengers, constantly communicating the state of the body's health.

Goodheart, along with Dr John Thie and others, then recognised the potential of muscle monitoring in addressing a variety of health issues and producing better health outcomes. They developed a system called Applied Kinesiology, which includes the Chinese acupuncture points as an integral part of analysis and treatment.

This type of complementary therapy monitors the muscles for imbalances that indicate what the body is experiencing. Health professionals can use kinesiology techniques to determine whether an ailment is caused by a nutritional deficiency, blocked energy pathways, biochemical imbalances, environmental factors, or mental health issues.

Unlocking the Benefits of Kinesiology

By combining principles from both Eastern and Western medicine, kinesiology offers a unique approach to health that addresses the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit. Here are some of the numerous benefits that individuals can experience through the practice of kinesiology:

Physical Balance and Vitality

Kinesiology helps restore physical balance by identifying and addressing imbalances in the body's energy systems. Through muscle testing techniques, kinesiologists assess the body's responses to stressors and identify areas of dysfunction. By rebalancing the body's energy flow, kinesiology can alleviate physical discomfort, improve posture and enhance overall vitality.

Emotional Wellbeing and Stress Reduction

Emotions play a significant role in our wellbeing, and kinesiology recognises the influence of emotional factors on our physical health. Kinesiologists work with clients to identify emotional stressors and their impact on the body. Through specific techniques such as acupressure, emotional stress release or neuro-energetic balancing, kinesiology helps individuals release emotional blockages, reduce stress and achieve emotional equilibrium.

Mental Clarity and Cognitive Enhancement

In addition to physical and emotional benefits, kinesiology also offers advantages for mental wellbeing. By integrating brain gym exercises and techniques that stimulate neurological pathways, kinesiology can enhance cognitive function, improve focus, concentration and memory. This can be particularly beneficial for students, professionals or anyone seeking mental clarity and optimal cognitive performance.

Improved Performance and Athletic Achievement

Athletes and individuals engaged in physical activities can benefit greatly from kinesiology. By assessing and optimising the body's energy systems, kinesiology can help enhance physical performance, prevent injuries and support recovery. Kinesiologists may utilise techniques such as sports kinesiology, muscle testing and specific exercises tailored to individual needs. The result is improved strength, flexibility, coordination and overall athletic achievement.

Enhanced Self-awareness and Personal Growth

Kinesiology goes beyond symptom relief; it encourages individuals to become active participants in their own healing journey. By gaining insights into the root causes of physical or emotional imbalances, individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves. This heightened self-awareness can lead to personal growth, empowerment, and a sense of purpose.

Support for Chronic Conditions and Rehabilitation

Kinesiology can be an invaluable resource for individuals dealing with chronic conditions or recovering from injuries. By identifying underlying imbalances and creating tailored treatment plans, kinesiology supports the body's natural healing processes. Kinesiologists may incorporate techniques such as nutritional guidance, gentle exercises and stress reduction strategies to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life and facilitate rehabilitation.

The Role of Kinesiology in Holistic Health

Kinesiology is a powerful modality that plays a significant role in promoting holistic health and wellness. As a complementary therapy, it seamlessly integrates with other modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic care and naturopathy, offering a comprehensive approach to healing and wellbeing.

One of the key aspects of kinesiology is its ability to assess and address imbalances in the body's energy systems. By using muscle testing techniques, kinesiologists can identify areas of stress or dysfunction, allowing them to pinpoint the root causes of health issues. This knowledge empowers kinesiologists to develop tailored treatment plans that focus on rebalancing the body, mind and spirit.

In conjunction with other holistic therapies, kinesiology enhances the overall effectiveness of treatments. For example, combining kinesiology with acupuncture can optimise energy flow and improve treatment outcomes. Similarly, when kinesiology is integrated with chiropractic care, it can assist in identifying structural imbalances and providing appropriate corrections.

By embracing a holistic approach, kinesiology recognises the interconnectedness of various aspects of health. It acknowledges that physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are interconnected and impact each other. Through this integrated approach, kinesiologists can help individuals achieve optimal health, supporting their journey towards balance, vitality and overall wellbeing.

Ethical Considerations in Kinesiology Practice

Ethics and professionalism are vital in the practice of kinesiology, ensuring the highest standards of client care and maintaining the integrity of the profession. Kinesiologists adhere to a code of ethics that governs their conduct and guides their interactions with clients.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of ethical practice. Kinesiologists respect the privacy of their clients and ensure that any personal information shared during sessions remains confidential. This fosters trust and creates a safe space for clients to discuss their concerns openly.

Establishing and maintaining professional boundaries is another crucial ethical consideration. Kinesiologists maintain a professional relationship with their clients, ensuring that the therapeutic alliance remains focused on the client's wellbeing. They avoid dual relationships or conflicts of interest that may compromise the therapeutic process.

Informed consent is an essential ethical principle that ensures clients have a clear understanding of the nature of the kinesiology session, the techniques used, and the potential outcomes. Kinesiologists explain the purpose of each assessment or treatment technique and obtain consent before proceeding.

Ethical dilemmas may occasionally arise in kinesiology practice. For example, a kinesiologist may face a situation where a client's needs exceed their scope of practice. In such cases, it is essential to refer the client to the appropriate healthcare professional and prioritize the client's best interests.

By upholding ethical standards, kinesiologists demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to their clients' wellbeing, fostering a strong foundation for effective and ethical practice.

What Does a Kinesiologist Do?

A kinesiologist uses muscle testing and monitoring to identify imbalances in the body that are responsible for causing illness. They focus on the flow of energy, otherwise known as Chi, and how it affects the neuromuscular region of the body while it is at work.

Using kinesiology techniques provides information to determine the underlying cause of a problem and employ a range of healing techniques to resolve energy blockages within the body. A kinesiologist can assist with a variety of conditions, including:

• Stress
• Physical injuries
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Occupational pain
• Delayed motor development
• Immobility
• Anxiety
• Allergies
• Limiting beliefs stored in the subconscious mind

What Qualifications Must a Kinesiologist Have?

A degree in kinesiology can lead to a wide range of rewarding careers. Depending on what they want to do after graduation, kinesiology students can pursue a diploma qualification or an undergraduate degree. Short certification programs are also available for people in the health profession who want to broaden their skill set and include kinesiology services in their healing repertoire.

A Certificate IV can be earned in under a year and includes both home and classroom coursework. The course material includes everything from basic anatomy and physiology to business administration. Upon completion, the student can register with a professional kinesiology association and begin working as a practitioner.

Diploma level courses are ideal for high school graduates or those looking to change careers. They cover topics such as energetic healing theory and techniques, mind-body medicine, and other natural healing techniques, which vary by school.

A Diploma of Kinesiology will take two to three years to complete. After which, you can go and start a career as a kinesiologist. If you wish to grow your knowledge and skills and be able to address more complex conditions, it's worth considering a graduate diploma.

Most course providers recommend taking an entry-level class or workshop first to determine if you wish to learn kinesiology in depth. Some students prefer studying certain aspects of kinesiology which they can apply to related modalities, such as sports medicine or physical therapy, and an entry-level course seems to be all that they need.

Only students who successfully earn at least a Certificate IV will be eligible to work as kinesiologists and register with industry associations like the Australian Kinesiology Association (AKA). You can obtain a higher qualification and recognition with further study and practice.

Integrating Technology and Kinesiology

Technology has significantly influenced the field of kinesiology, enhancing assessment methods, treatment techniques and overall outcomes. Advancements in wearable devices, motion capture systems and digital platforms have opened up new possibilities for kinesiologists to provide precise and objective evaluations and interventions.

Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers or heart rate monitors, offer valuable insights into an individual's physical activity, sleep patterns and vital signs. Kinesiologists can integrate this data into their assessments to gain a better understanding of the client's overall health and develop personalised treatment plans.

Motion capture systems have revolutionized movement analysis in kinesiology. These systems use cameras or sensors to capture and analyse an individual's movements, providing detailed information about posture, gait and muscle activation. Kinesiologists can use this data to assess movement patterns, identify imbalances and design targeted exercise programs.

Digital platforms and telehealth have become increasingly prevalent in kinesiology practice. They enable remote consultations, online exercise programs, and the ability to track progress and communicate with clients between sessions. This technology allows for greater accessibility to kinesiology services and supports ongoing client engagement and compliance.

As technology continues to advance, kinesiologists are exploring innovative applications. Virtual reality and augmented reality are emerging tools that can be used to simulate real-life situations, facilitating rehabilitation or performance enhancement. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms hold promise in analysing large datasets and generating personalized recommendations.

By embracing technology, kinesiologists can enhance their assessment accuracy, treatment effectiveness and client engagement, ultimately improving outcomes and the overall experience for individuals seeking kinesiology services.

Clinical Studies Shed Light on the Efficacy of Kinesiology

While anecdotal evidence and personal testimonials have highlighted the potential benefits of kinesiology, it is crucial to examine the findings of clinical trials and studies to gain a deeper understanding of the efficacy of kinesiology. Here, we summarise key research that sheds light on the effectiveness of kinesiology in various contexts.

Pain Management

Several studies have investigated the role of kinesiology in pain management. One clinical trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the effects of kinesiology taping on individuals with chronic low back pain. The study found that kinesiology taping provided significant pain relief and improved functional outcomes compared to a control group.

Musculoskeletal Conditions

Research has explored the efficacy of kinesiology in addressing musculoskeletal conditions. A study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy investigated the effects of kinesiology taping on individuals with shoulder impingement syndrome. The findings suggested that kinesiology taping improved shoulder range of motion and reduced pain compared to a control group.

Sports Performance and Injury Prevention

Kinesiology has gained popularity in the sports realm. A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research examined the impact of kinesiology taping on muscle strength and endurance in athletes. The results indicated that kinesiology taping did not significantly affect these performance factors but suggested potential benefits in preventing muscle fatigue.

Stress Reduction and Psychological Wellbeing

Studies have explored the effects of kinesiology on stress reduction and psychological wellbeing. In a randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine, researchers investigated the impact of kinesiology on stress and anxiety levels in college students. The study reported significant reductions in stress and anxiety following a kinesiology intervention compared to a control group.

Energy Balance and Meridian Systems

Kinesiology focuses on the body's energy flow and meridian systems derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine. A review published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies analysed existing studies on the effectiveness of kinesiology in identifying imbalances in the meridian system. The review highlighted positive outcomes, suggesting that kinesiology techniques can aid in detecting and rebalancing energy disruptions.

Where Can You Study Kinesiology?

You can never go wrong with a learning institution that offers nationally recognised courses in kinesiology such as those mentioned above. However, you must also compare each school's tuition fees, coursework delivery method and faculty members with those of others to see which one meets your needs.

The following are among the highly recommended kinesiology training grounds in Australia:

• College of Neuro-Training South West WA Campus
• College of Complementary Medicine
• The Nidana Collective
• Dorothea Bassett - Live and Learn Kinesiology Workshops
• The College of Neuro-Training - Lilydale
• By The Bay Kinesiology
• Ruth Romen - Touch for Health
• Melbourne Kinesiology and Detox Centre

Career Opportunities for Kinesiologists

A kinesiology major has various career options available to them. Kinesiologists can work in a multidisciplinary clinic, combining their techniques with those of other allied health professions to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. Setting up a private practice, as well as teaching, is another option. Many kinesiologists have gone on to apply their skills to other holistic health disciplines such as chiropractic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), massage therapy and many types of energy healing modalities.

Source: The University Network

Because kinesiology recognises the interconnections between the physical, chemical and energetic bodies, it is widely used for treating a wide range of health disorders, and complementary health practitioners are often discovering more ways to use it.