WHO ARE KINESIOLOGISTS IN TORONTO AND ONTARIO

written by: Nem​
In Toronto and throughout Ontario, kinesiologists are government regulated experts in human movement that use the latest evidence-based research to help their personal training clients achieve their health and fitness goals.​

Kinesiologists work with people of all ages, goals and physical abilities. Whether you want to improve the way you move, lose body fat, tone, build muscle or enhance performance, kinesiologists will get to the root of the problem and guide you through the process to help you achieve your goals. This is especially true if you are suffering from a chronic disease, take medications or have muscle or joint pain.

Kinesiology came about largely as a result of the unregulated fitness industry. Considering the fact that anyone can call themselves a fitness trainer and there is no regulatory body that governs the fitness industry, there was a need for regulated fitness professionals who could provide expert personal training services in a safe and professional manner. 
 
Making kinesiology a regulated health profession in Ontario, the government ensures that every time you hire a kinesiologist, you can expect high-quality care and service.  Kinesiologists need to pass an entrance exam and meet strict educational, legal and professional requirements in order to practice the profession. 

In Ontario, Kinesiology is classified as a medical expense which means you can reduce tax owing to the government by working with a Kinesiologist. And since some extended healthcare plans cover kinesiology, you might be eligible for a full or partial refund. 

For the remainder of this blog post, we'll talk in more detail about the following:

1. What is kinesiology and how can it help me?
2. Kinesiology is a regulated health profession in Ontario
3. Registered Kinesiologist - protected title
4. Kinesiology - Exercise as a tax deduction
5. Kinesiology - Financial reimbursement options
6. Do you need a doctor's referral to see a kinesiologist?

​1.WHAT IS KINESIOLOGY AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

Kinesiology (from the Greek word "kinesis" which means "to move") is the scientific study of human movement, function and performance. Kinesiology incorporates knowledge from other health disciplines like biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, psychology and neuroscience to provide a holistic and multifaceted approach to health and fitness. 

As university-educated professionals, kinesiologists are Ontario-recognized experts in human movement who use the latest evidence-based research to understand how and why people move the way they do. Kinesiologists get to the root of the problem you are facing to develop highly individualized and effective strategies. 

Kinesiology can:

• Treat and prevent injury and disease (e.g. metabolic conditions, cardiovascular conditions, pulmonary conditions, neurological conditions, musculoskeletal problems, mental health and psychiatric diagnoses)
  
• Improving worker productivity, reducing time lost to injuries and accidents and helping employees get back to work faster;
  
• Prevent a decline in function as a result of age, inactivity or disease
  
• Improve movement quality, fix imbalances and correct asymmetries
  
• Preparation and recovery from a surgery
  
• Improve physical performance (e.g. strength, power, endurance, jumping ability, running performance, etc.) 
  
• Improve health, quality of life and energy levels
  
• Improve body composition (lose body fat, tone, build muscle)

​2. KINESIOLOGY IS A REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSION IN ONTARIO

​In Ontario, the kinesiology profession is regulated by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. This college is not a school, but rather a regulatory body put in place by the government of Canada. Kinesiologist need to meet and maintain strict criteria as set out by the College to ensure public safety and quality of service.

This is very similar to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario,  for example. These colleges serve to protect the patients and clients treated by physicians, surgeons, and dentists, respectively.

If you have a concern or complaint about the care you received from a kinesiologist, you have the right to submit a complaint to the College. After the complaint has been reviewed, College can then decide the appropriate disciplinary action against the kinesiologist you complained about, which can result in suspension and/or fines.  

3. REGISTERED KINESIOLOGIST - PROTECTED TITLE

​The titles “kinesiologist”, “Registered Kinesiologist” and “R.Kin” are protected in Ontario, and only individuals who successfully passed the entrance exam and are registered with the College can call themselves kinesiologists. 

Anybody who calls themselves a "kinesiologist" without being registered with the College is illegal. Some individuals may have a degree in kinesiology, but if they are not registered with the College, they still cannot call themselves kinesiologists.

This is very similar again to physicians and dentists - not everybody can call themselves a physician or a dentists unless they've fulfilled all the criteria necessary to have these titles.

To confirm if someone is actually a kinesiologist, you can search the College of Kinesiologists database here. Aside from ensuring you are getting all the benefits of working with a registered kinesiologist, the database can give you more info about each member such as their employment history, any professional misconduct concerns, current status with the college (e.g. active member, non-active, suspended), etc.

4. KINESIOLOGY - EXERCISE AS A TAX DEDUCTION

Aside from ensuring that you get protected and get quality care whenever a kinesiologist treats you, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) now allows you to claim kinesiology as a medical expense and get tax breaks for kinesiology services. Talk to your accountant about claiming Kinesiology as a medical expense or read more about it on the Canadian Revenue Agency's website here. 

5. KINESIOLOGY - FINANCIAL REIMBURSEMENT OPTIONS

​Certain extended health benefits plan cover kinesiology, so you might be eligible for a full or partial refund on our services. As of writing this post, certain Desjardin and Sunlife insurance plans cover Kinesiology. However, many other insurers also provide coverage for kinesiology services to some amount. It's best to give your insurance company a call and speak to them directly to find out.

Other options for financial reimbursement or partial coverage include:

• Health spending account. The company you work for might provide you with a health spending account, which you can then use for kinesiology. 
• Veterans Affairs Canada
• The Ontario Medical Association for all Ontario physicians
• Motor Vehicle Accident insurance policies
• Workers Safety and Insurance Board
• Long and short term disability policies

OHIP currently does not cover kinesiology services.

6. DO YOU NEED A DOCTOR'S REFERRAL TO SEE A KINESIOLOGIST

​You don't need a doctor’s referral to see a Kinesiologist. However, if you are suffering from a chronic disease or if you receiving special kind of treatment for your condition, it's best to consult with your physician first. We encourage communication between different health professionals, so you can let your physician know that they can get in touch with us to discuss the best possible plan for you and your goals. 

​ABOUT US - KINESIOLOGIST AND PERSONAL TRAINER WITH A MASTER DEGREE IN KINESIOLOGY

​TO Kinesiology is a Toronto-based company focused on providing professional in-home, condo and online personal training, kinesiology and nutrition coaching services. Work with a Certified Personal Trainer and Registered Kinesiologist with a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology. 

Our methods are based on science and our extensive experience working with people just like you. Whether or not you have any chronic diseases or joint/muscle complaints, we'll get to the right of the problem to help you move better, lose weight, tone, build muscle or enhance performance. We understand that we are all different with unique physiologies and body mechanics and therefore everyone needs a different approach.

Here are some of the ways we can help you:
- In-person kinesiology and personal training
- Online fitness coaching
- Our full service offering
- Get in touch with us and let us know how we can help
- ​Subscribe to our email list to get our latest updates

Other articles you might be interested in:
- Difference between a personal trainer and kinesiologist 
- Difference between kinesiologist and physiotherapist

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