What is Kinesiology Exactly?
Kinesiology, often referred to as human kinetics, is the scientific study of human movement and how we perform physical activities.
One fascinating aspect of kinesiology is its emphasis on individualized assessment and treatment plans.
If you're looking for expert guidance on this subject and injury recovery, look no further than Maurice at Dynamic Fitness & Rehabilitation. His personalized approach focuses on not only treating the symptoms but also addressing the root cause of the issue, ensuring long-term relief and improved mobility.
Key Components of Kinesiology
The key components encompass the study of human movement, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. By exploring these interconnected elements, kinesiologists gain an understanding of how the body moves and functions.
Whether it's exercising, rehabilitation after an injury, or just performing everyday tasks, Kinesiology seeks to understand and improve our physical capabilities.
Below are some of the key components:
Biomechanics
Exercise Physiology
Motor Control
Sociological and Psychological Aspects
Exploring the Different Branches
This is a broad field that comprises several branches, each specializing in different aspects of human movement and performance.
Whether you are looking to improve your athletic skills, rehabilitate from an injury, or just understand the marvels of human movement, there's a branch for you.
Clinical Kinesiology
This is a branch that zeroes in on the therapeutic application of kinesiology. In this realm, trained professionals carry out assessments and develop rehabilitation programs for individuals suffering from movement disorders, often resulting from an injury or a disease.
Sport and Exercise
This can improve physical fitness, increase speed, and promote general well-being. If you've ever wondered about the science behind the sheer athletic ability of your favorite athlete, this branch is your answer.
Occupational
It examines how work affects our bodies and the potential health risks involved. A specialist in this field might, for instance, help in creating an ergonomically designed workspace to promote efficiency and reduce injury.
Biomechanics
It studies the body's mechanics using principles of physics. It's fascinating stuff, exploring how the human body applies force and how it responds to external forces.
These are just some of the branches of Kinesiology - a field that makes an art out of the science of body movement, constantly striving to improve our lives and pushing the boundaries of our capabilities.
Improving Athletic Performance
By understanding the dynamics of human movement, professionals can advise athletes on their technique, strength, flexibility, and range of motion, all essential factors in improving performance.
This can contribute immensely toward improving an athlete's capabilities and reducing their risk of injury.
Muscle Balance
Misalignments can occur due to overuse of certain muscles, leading to decreased efficiency in sport performance. Kinesiology offers insights regarding these balancing issues and provides resolutions to correct them.
Professional kinesiologists often use muscle testing to evaluate the strength and function of individual muscles. They can then provide personalized recommendations to improve muscle efficiency, whether that's through strength training, stretching, or other targeted exercises.
Injury Prevention
Every athlete knows that an unnecessary injury can put a big dent in their progress. Another intriguing benefit is its potential to reduce injury.
By understanding the mechanics of how our body moves, athletes can learn to perform their activities more safely and efficiently.
A professional’s help comes in handy once again here, suggesting adjustments in an athlete's physical activity based on their observations.
Common Techniques Used in Kinesiology
Let's take a closer look at the common techniques utilized in the field. When a kinesiologist is at work, they are not just randomly poking and prodding. They are making use of a range of precise and scientifically backed techniques that are designed to identify, understand and ultimately improve the workings of the human body.
So, what are some common techniques used?
Muscle Activation Technique (MAT)
Muscle activation technique (MAT) is a revolutionary approach that aims to improve muscle function, alleviate pain, and enhance overall performance.
Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on stretching or strengthening muscles, MAT targets the nervous system to re-establish a proper connection with the muscles.
By identifying and addressing weak or inhibited muscles, MAT can help individuals overcome imbalances and limitations in movement. This is what Maurice specializes in!
Muscle Testing
This involves applying pressure to a muscle and gauging its response. This can provide insight into areas of weakness and strength, helping to guide treatment and exercise plans.
Biofeedback
Some kinesiologists may use biofeedback, a process where electrical sensors are used to monitor body functions such as muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure. This information is then used to teach control over these functions, improving general health.
Gait Analysis
For athletes, a specialist might conduct a gait analysis. Here, the focus is on observing and analyzing the way you walk or run. Any imbalances or inefficiencies can be identified, and training can be adjusted to enhance performance and prevent injuries.
Therapeutic Exercise
It's not all about diagnosis. Specialists also make use of therapeutic exercise techniques. This can range from basic exercises to improve mobility and strength, to more complex regimens designed for rehabilitation or to enhance athletic performance.
Read More>> The Basics of Biomechanics & Body Movement
Unleash Your Body's Potential
Through research and practical application, kinesiologists play a crucial role in promoting health, preventing injury, and enhancing performance for individuals across diverse populations.
Contact MAT and Doctoral Kinesiology Candidate, Maurice, at Dynamic Fitness today for an evaluation and get your body moving better today!
With a deep understanding of human movement and the mechanics of the body, Maurice can answer all your questions and offer tailored solutions to help you recover from any injuries you may be experiencing.