Kinesiotherapy: Definition, History and Characteristics
Kinesiotherapy is a form of physical therapy that uses therapeutic exercise to improve a patient’s physical functioning. This therapy is used to reduce pain, improve motor control, strengthen muscles, and increase range of motion. Kinesiotherapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including brain injury, stroke, and orthopedic and musculoskeletal injuries. The main goal of kinesiotherapy is to restore the patient’s normal physical functioning.
History
Kinesiotherapy has a long history, with the first documented use of therapeutic exercise in ancient Rome. The rise of modern medicine in the 19th century prompted further interest in the use of therapeutic exercise for medical treatments. The development of kinesiotherapy as an organized form of physical therapy can be traced back to the early 20th century. In 1917, Dr. Frank Irvin developed the first kinesiotherapy program in response to an epidemic of polio. The program was designed to help polio patients regain their mobility and strength.
Since then, kinesiotherapy has evolved to become a widely accepted form of physical therapy. In the 1950s, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recognized kinesiotherapy as an official form of physical therapy. Today, kinesiotherapy is an important part of physical therapy practice, and it is used to treat a wide range of physical ailments.
Characteristics
Kinesiotherapy is based on the principles of biomechanics, which is the study of movement and how it can be changed. Kinesiotherapists use a variety of techniques to help patients improve their physical functioning. These techniques include the use of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat and cold therapy. Kinesiotherapists also work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that are tailored to the specific needs of the patient.
Kinesiotherapists also use a variety of assessment tools to evaluate a patient’s physical functioning. These tools include gait analysis, range of motion testing, and muscle strength testing. The data collected from these assessments is used to create an individualized treatment plan for the patient.
Kinesiotherapists also use a variety of techniques to help patients cope with pain and discomfort. These techniques include relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and guided imagery. Kinesiotherapists often work with other professionals, such as psychologists, to provide an integrated approach to treating physical ailments.
References
American Physical Therapy Association. (2020). Kinesiotherapy: Definition and scope. Retrieved from https://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2020/3/12/Kinesiotherapy-Definition-and-Scope
Braman, J. P. (2004). Kinesiotherapy: Theory and practice. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
Grob, D. E., & Zeller, B. L. (2015). Kinesiotherapy: Foundations of physical rehabilitation. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Hatsiopoulos, A. (2012). Kinesiotherapy: A modern approach. New York, NY: Springer.
Roth, S. M., & Roy, J. A. (2012). Kinesiotherapy: An evidence-based approach. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.