Difference between a Kinesiologist and Physiotherapist in Ontario

Both are very similar in what they do but there are some key differences that set them apart. Read below to find out.

Kinesiologist

Definition: Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, performance and function, and incorporates the sciences of biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, psychology and neuroscience.

Kinesiologists are regulated health professionals that work to treat and prevent injury and disease as well as improve function, health and wellness in all settings and populations.

Education: 4 year university undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, or related field (Human Kinetics, Physical Education, etc)

Designation: R.Kin- must pass regulated exam to practice in Ontario

Objective: Main goal is usually to become more functional, pain-free and more resilient. Unable to diagnose.

Work Setting: Clinical (Physio clinic, Hospital) or non-clinical (Gym, Office)

When to choose: Have a known medical condition, injury or disability but want to improve your fitness. 

Physiotherapist

Definition: Physiotherapy is treatment to restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient’s mobility, function, and well-being. Physiotherapy helps through physical rehabilitation, injury prevention, and health and fitness.

Physiotherapists are regulated health professionals that work to treat injury and disease as well as improve function, health and fitness in all settings and populations.

Education: 4 year university undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, or related field (Human Kinetics, Physical Education, etc) PLUS 2 years Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy.

Designation: PT- must pass regulated exam to practice in Ontario

Work Setting: Clinic or Hospital

Objective: Main goal is usually to restore function and decrease pain from an injury or treat chronic pain. Able to diagnose.

When to choose: If you have an injury or chronic pain that affects how you function everyday.

Why see a Kinesiologist vs a Physiotherapist

Now when you are deciding between going to see a Kinesiologist or Physiotherapist, I would ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I been recently injured? Do I have chronic pain?
• Do I have pain but am still able to do my daily tasks?
• Do I want to increase my fitness but I have a nagging pain or injury?

If you are looking to recover from a recent injury or have chronic pain, then a Physiotherapist is who you should see. If you have already been to physiotherapy and still have some limited mobility, nagging pain or not fully recovered then a Kinesiologist would be the best choice.

Generally speaking, a Physiotherapist will work out of a clinic or hospital setting. Kinesiologists on the other hand, generally work out of clinics while some can be more mobile and travel to client’s homes, gyms or studios. 

My thoughts

Most people get confused about the difference and it makes sense. Both use, prescribe, and instruct exercise. The main difference between them that stands out the most to me is their education level. Kinesiologists are minimally required to complete 4 years of university plus write a provincial exam. A physiotherapist has the same 4 years of education plus 2 more years of specialized education on diagnosing and treatment of injuries.

A confusing aspect is that Physiotherapists and Kinesiologists work together with a client. This may confuse clients since what they do in the clinic is very similar. Physiotherapists generally use their knowledge of Kinesiology when prescribing exercises to clients.

When Kinesiology was first an undergraduate program, it was mainly used as an entry point to get into physiotherapy, a regulated health profession. Now with the changes in regulation, Kinesiology grads can become a Registered Kinesiologist and practice as a regulated health professional. Only in Ontario are Registered Kinesiologists a regulated health professional. This really shows Ontario's commitment to making a more active Ontario and specifying the importance of exercise on the current population.

We hope this article helped clarify the main differences between the two professions. Let us know if we missed anything. 

Hopefully this helps,