Introduction to Kinesitherapy: Differences and Connections with Physiotherapy

What is kinesitherapy or kinesiotherapy?

Kinesitherapy, better known as kinesiotherapy, is a method of therapy that takes place mainly through movement. The term "kinesiotherapy" derives from the Greek "kinesis" meaning "movement" and "therapeia" meaning "cure". In simple terms, we can define kinesiotherapy as healing through movement. Kinesiotherapy aims to restore, maintain and improve the individual's motor capacity. Movement, in fact, is considered an extremely powerful tool for positively influencing both people's physical and mental health. Thanks to its very broad scope of application, kinesiotherapy takes into consideration the human being in all its components: physical, psychological and social. In the context of kinesiotherapy, we are not just talking about physical exercise, but also about education in posture, movement, functional re-education and learning strategies to prevent further complications. Treatments may include various techniques, including: massage, stretching, resistance and balance exercises, joint manipulations, relaxation techniques and much more. Kinesiotherapy can be practiced by different professionals. These include kinesiologists with a degree in exercise science, physiotherapists with a degree in physiotherapy, physiatrists - doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation - osteopaths - healthcare professionals capable of identifying and treating people's musculoskeletal disorders - and chiropractors - specialists in the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, particularly of the spine. All these professional figures have a common goal: the patient's well-being through the use of movement. The problems for which kinesiotherapy is used are many and range from chronic diseases such as arthritis and arthrosis, to acute pathologies such as fractures and sprains, through sports injuries and post-operative conditions, up to age-related disorders, such as osteoporosis. In conclusion, kinesiotherapy is an important branch of physical and rehabilitation medicine that uses movement as the main treatment tool. Thanks to the medical and technical skills of the professionals who practice it, kinesiotherapy proves to be a very effective therapy for the psychophysical well-being of the individual.

What does a kinesiologist study?

The kinesiologist is a professional figure who deals with the study of human movement, with the aim of improving an individual's quality of life through physical exercise. This professional, who necessarily has a degree in physical activity, develops specific skills in the field of disease prevention and rehabilitation through physical activity. The kinesiologist has a solid knowledge base in several areas including physiology, anatomy, biochemistry and sports psychology. This allows him to fully understand how the human body works, how it is structured and how it responds to different physical stimuli, from both a mechanical and biochemical point of view. A fundamental aspect of the kinesiologist's study is the analysis of human movement, starting from fundamental body movements (such as walking or running) up to more complex or technical movements (such as lifting weights or performing specific exercises). The kinesiologist therefore studies how to improve the functionality of the body through physical activity, based on the individual characteristics of each person. Furthermore, the kinesiologist studies the principles of sports training and strategies to increase physical performance in a healthy and sustainable way. This means that the kinesiologist can provide personalized advice and training plans, taking into account the individual characteristics of each person (such as age, level of physical fitness and any pathologies or health problems). The kinesiologist also deals with physical rehabilitation, studying the best strategies to restore the body's functionality after an injury or illness. This includes not only physical therapy, but also therapeutic exercise, which includes a variety of physical activities aimed at improving mobility, strength, balance and endurance. In conclusion, the kinesiologist is a professional figure who studies how to improve the quality of life through physical activity, with particular attention to disease prevention and rehabilitation. In addition to a degree in sports science, this profession requires particular sensitivity to the individual needs of each person and a holistic approach, which considers the individual as a whole and not just from a physical point of view. In Italy, kinesiologists are registered with the National Union of Kinesiologists, a body that guarantees the professional standard and continuous training of its members.

Kinesiology VS physiotherapy

First of all, it is important to clarify what kinesiology is and what physiotherapy is. Kinesiology deals with the study of human movement, with particular reference to the mechanical laws that regulate it and the processes of adaptation of the organism to physical activity. Physiotherapy, on the other hand, deals with the functional recovery and rehabilitation of patients suffering from pathologies or injuries of the musculoskeletal system, through the use of physical therapies. The main differences between physiotherapy and kinesiology lie in the goals and methods of treatment. While physiotherapy is more oriented towards the treatment of non-stabilised patients, i.e. those who have recently suffered trauma or pathologies that have compromised their mobility and autonomy, kinesiology focuses on preventive and adapted physical activity, motor rehabilitation and on other specific treatment techniques. Physiotherapy uses tools such as heat, cold, electricity, water and various types of massage to stimulate the body's healing process. The physiotherapist follows the patient along a therapeutic path which includes an assessment of the physical condition, the identification of recovery objectives, the preparation of a personalized treatment plan and the continuous verification of the progress achieved. Kinesiology, on the other hand, offers a more global approach, which takes into consideration not only the patient's symptoms, but also his lifestyle habits, his emotional state and his expectations. The aim is to teach the patient to improve their health and well-being through physical activity, increasing proprioception, i.e. awareness of their body in space and during movement. Treatment techniques include breathing exercises, relaxation, muscle strengthening and posture correction. In conclusion, physiotherapy is a more "reactive" therapeutic approach, which intervenes when a pathology or trauma has already compromised the patient's functionality. Kinesiology, on the other hand, is a more "proactive" approach, which aims to prevent the onset of problems through physical activity education and motor rehabilitation. Both disciplines, however, share the objective of improving the patient's quality of life, helping him to gain or regain good motor autonomy.

What does kinesiotherapy do? What is it for?

Kinesitherapy, or kinesiotherapy, is a rehabilitation technique that uses movement as the main therapeutic tool. This approach takes into account the individual's musculoskeletal system, with particular attention to the functioning of the joints and the muscles linked to them. It can treat a wide range of mobility problems caused by muscle trauma, fractures, surgery and degenerative diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis. The main task of kinesitherapy is to increase the strength and resistance of the muscles that allow us to move. Through targeted exercises, we work to improve the ability of muscles to contract and relax, promote blood flow and stimulate the production of synovial fluid, a compound that lubricates joints and reduces friction between cartilage. This helps improve mobility and decrease pain. Kinesitherapy plays an important role in the rehabilitation phase after trauma or surgery. It is essential in preventing muscle atrophy and accelerating recovery, allowing the patient to regain full functionality of the joint in less time. It also promotes the regaining of balance, coordination and correct posture, fundamental aspects for preventing further injuries or falls. Similarly, kinesitherapy is useful for counteracting degenerative diseases. In fact, with age, muscle strength tends to decrease and joints to become less flexible. Through specific exercises, kinesitherapy can help maintain muscle strength and joint elasticity, delaying the progression of these diseases and improving the patient's quality of life. We also remember the importance of kinesitherapy as a preventive, as well as curative, technique. Through adequate exercises, it can in fact help maintain good joint mobility and prevent the onset of pathologies linked to a sedentary lifestyle and aging. In conclusion, kinesiotherapy represents a valid tool for addressing a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems, promoting healing, recovery of functionality and prevention. Each therapeutic program must be personalized based on the patient's specific needs, the type of injury or illness and the level of muscle and joint function. To date, kinesitherapy continues to evolve and implement new methods to ensure the best possible results.

Kinesiologist method

Kinesitherapy or kinesiotherapy is a physical rehabilitation technique which, through body movement, aims to recover and improve motor functions altered by trauma, disease or deformity. At the center of this therapeutic methodology is the kinesiologist, a professional with specific training in this field. Kinesiotherapy is based on the concept of "kinesis", or movement, and how it can be used as a therapeutic tool. Its intervention mode is defined based on the patient's state, dividing the therapy into three levels: passive kinesis, assisted kinesis and active kinesis. Passive kinesis refers to those cases in which the patient is unable to move independently. It is the kinesiologist who moves the body parts involved for him, in a delicate and controlled manner, thus obtaining training for the muscles and joints involved. Assisted kinesis is an intermediate between passive and active. In this case, the patient tries to move the affected body segment with the help of the kinesiologist, thus exercising both the muscles and the joints. Finally, in active kinesis, the patient is able to independently perform the expected movements. The kinesiologist in this case acts more like a guide or consultant, teaching the exercises and checking whether they are performed correctly. However, kinesitherapy is not limited to these three levels, but can be enriched with other techniques and tools. Massage therapy, for example, can be used to relax muscles and reduce pain. Postural therapy, on the other hand, aims to correct the patient's incorrect habits in body position, thus improving his general well-being. Furthermore, the kinesiologist can use electronic tools to achieve his therapeutic objectives. These devices can generate heat, vibrations or electrical impulses, which can be useful for reducing pain and inflammation, strengthening muscles or promoting blood circulation. In conclusion, the kinesiologist's method of intervention proves to be flexible and personalized, adaptable to the different needs of the patient. Through a mix of techniques and tools, kinesiotherapy can promote a better quality of life and a more effective recovery of motor functions.

Objectives of kinesitherapy

Kinesitherapy or kinesiotherapy is a health discipline based on the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of human movement disorders. It can be practiced both in public contexts (such as hospitals and public clinics) and private contexts (such as physiotherapists' offices or specialized gyms) and can be prescribed by a general practitioner or specialist. But what are the objectives of kinesitherapy? First of all, the main purpose of kinesitherapy is to improve an individual's quality of life through the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of movement disorders. This objective is pursued through different techniques ranging from therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, physical therapy and educational interventions. One of the specific objectives of kinesitherapy is to maintain and/or improve joint mobility and muscle strength. This objective is achieved through a series of targeted exercises, aimed at stimulating the muscles and helping the individual to regain the right muscular and joint balance. Another goal is to prevent disability. Disability means the loss or alteration, even temporary, of a motor function. Kinesitherapy can be a valid support in this sense, because thanks to a personalized exercise program, it can help the individual maintain or recover his autonomy. The third objective concerns pain management. In fact, kinesitherapy can intervene on chronic or acute muscle pain, resulting from particular pathologies or conditions, thanks to manual therapy techniques and physical exercise. In this case, the professional will work not only to reduce the pain, but also to prevent its recurrence. Finally, another fundamental objective of kinesitherapy is re-education in correct posture. In fact, correct alignment of the body is essential to prevent future pain and pathologies. To practice kinesitherapy it is essential that the premises are suitable and respectful of the laws regarding hygiene and workplace safety. The material used must also comply with current regulations. This is to guarantee the safety of the patient and the professional, and the effectiveness of the treatment. In conclusion, the objectives of kinesitherapy are ambitious but concrete and can be achieved thanks to the expertise of the professional, the collaboration of the patient and an adequate and safe environment. Each intervention is studied and adapted according to the needs and peculiarities of each individual, in order to guarantee the best possible result.