A registered kinesiologist has a university degree in kinesiology (or human kinetics) and specializes in human movement. To become registered a person must be certified through the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK) and be a practicing member in good standing.

The first series of questions they will ask is: do you suffer from muscle pain? Do you struggle with weight management? Do you wish you were more fit and healthy?

If someone answers yes to one or more of these questions then a registered kinesiologist is right for them.

At Nicola Valley Kinesiology we always begin with a health consultation. This session includes a muscular fitness assessment, height, weight, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, a personal goals assessment, a homework plan with pictures and weekly email support. 

This month I have included a case study. This is an example only and does not represent a current or past client.

Susan: A Case Study

Susan is a 55-year-old who is 20 pounds overweight and suffering from pain in her right shoulder. She is frustrated and wants to find a solution. She’s been taking over the counter medication and is looking for a natural alternative. She sees an article in the paper about registered kinesiology services so she decides to investigate.

She finds out that a registered kinesiologist uses exercises and stretches to help clients eliminate muscle pain and lose weight, and decides to make contact by email.

“Hello. My name is Susan and I am interested in learning how to eliminate my shoulder pain and lose some weight.”

Shortly after her email is sent Susan receives a reply. She is happy with the answer and schedules her first appointment called a health consultation. She is asked to dress comfortably and refrain from having caffeine for at least two hours prior to the session.

On the day of her health consultation, Susan arrives 10 minutes early to fill out a simple health questionnaire. When the session begins Susan explains her concerns and her goals. She is listened to carefully and learns that her registered kinesiologist has also struggled with muscle pain in the past. Susan learns that not only does her practitioner have the education and experience to help — she’s actually recovered from an injury herself.

As the session continues Susan has her heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight measured. Her registered kinesiologist also checks the range of motion (flexibility) of her shoulder and determines that she has limitations causing pain.

Once the assessment is complete they practice specific exercises and stretches to begin the rehabilitation process. Her registered kinesiologist not only demonstrates the exercises but creates a personalized homework plan with instructions, pictures and videos for her to work on over the next two weeks through a program called Physiotec.

In the photos below Erin is demonstrating an exercise that Susan received in her home program. It’s called the pendulum swing. Erin stands in front of a chair and places her unaffected arm on the seat for support. Keeping her back flat Erin leans forward and relaxes her right arm. She begins by using momentum to gently swing her arm forward and back (as shown) and side to side. She will complete six to twelve repetitions and two sets daily on both arms.

The photos below show Erin demonstrating a rotator cuff strengthening exercise. She lays on her left side and places a rolled up towel just above her elbow of her right arm. She bends her elbow to 90 degrees and lets it relax in front of her. At the beginning she won’t use any weights – she will build up to this over time. During the exercise she lifts her forearm up towards the ceiling and gently back as far as she can go without pain. She completes six to twelve repetitions every other day on both arms and builds up to two sets over the next two weeks.

Over time Susan’s right shoulder becomes stronger and her pain goes away. She is so happy with the results she decides to work on her weight loss goal.

Contact Katrina Bennett at (604) 832-2207, NVKinesiology@gmail.com, www.NVKinesiology.wordpress.com for more information.