How to Be Kinesiology Physical Therapist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 28, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Kinesiology physical therapists are healthcare professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of movement-related issues. Through their expertise in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, they can assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain, injury, and dysfunction. By using therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, and patient education, they can help improve range of motion, strength, coordination, balance, and overall function.

Common causes of movement problems that a kinesiology physical therapist can address include trauma, disease, overuse, and aging. The effect of their treatments can reduce pain, improve mobility, prevent further injury, and promote overall wellness.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree in kinesiology, exercise science or physical therapy is typically required to become a kinesiology physical therapist. Coursework will include anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, exercise physiology and nutrition.
Get Licensed. Most states require licensure for physical therapists. Requirements will vary by state, but generally include passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and any other examinations required by the state.
Complete a Master's Degree. A master's degree in physical therapy is usually required to become a kinesiology physical therapist. Programs typically last two years and include courses in anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, therapeutic exercise, clinical diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Obtain Certification. Certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) is available for those who have completed a master's degree program and have one year of clinical experience. The certification is specific to the specialty of kinesiology physical therapy.
Gain Experience. Gaining experience in the field is important for those who want to become a kinesiology physical therapist. Working with patients in a clinical setting or participating in research projects related to kinesiology can help build experience and demonstrate knowledge in the field.

Kinesiology physical therapy is a field of health care that focuses on helping people to recover from physical injuries and improve their overall mobility and strength. It is an ideal choice for individuals who have experienced physical trauma, such as a fractured bone or a major surgery, or have a physical disability. To be competent in this field, physical therapists must be highly trained and certified in specialized techniques for recovery and rehabilitation.

They should have a thorough understanding of how the body works and be able to create personalized treatment plans for each patient that include stretching, strengthening, and therapeutic exercises. they must be able to monitor their patients progress and adjust their treatments accordingly to ensure successful outcomes. With proper training, physical therapists can provide effective care and help their patients reach their maximum physical potential.

You may want to check Kinesiology Occupational Therapist, Kinesiology Professor, and Kinesiology Health Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop individualized treatment plans to meet the needs of patients with physical impairments.
Monitor and assess patient progress, modifying treatment plans as appropriate.
Educate patients, family members, and caregivers on injury prevention, safety, and proper body mechanics.
Administer manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage.
Utilize therapeutic exercise to restore strength, mobility, and flexibility.
Integrate therapeutic activities into treatment plans to achieve patient goals.
Document patient progress and update treatment plans accordingly.
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Develop and implement discharge planning to ensure continued progress post-discharge.
Educate staff and community members about physical therapy and injury prevention.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics
Understanding of kinesiological principles and concepts
Ability to diagnose musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions
Skilled in manual therapy techniques such as massage, myofascial release, joint mobilizations and manipulation
Knowledge of therapeutic exercise principles, including the ability to design and implement exercise programs
Understanding of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and laser therapy
Advanced knowledge of biomechanics and motor control
Knowledge of sports medicine and rehabilitation
Ability to work with patients to set goals and monitor progress
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Kinesiology Physical Therapists are highly skilled professionals who specialize in helping people recover from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries. The most important skill for a Kinesiology Physical Therapist is the ability to assess a patients condition and develop a tailored treatment plan to help them recover in the most efficient way possible. This requires an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics.

excellent interpersonal skills are essential for these professionals, as they must be able to effectively communicate with their patients, understand their needs, and build strong relationships with them. Furthermore, an understanding of the mental aspects of physical rehabilitation is also necessary, as it is often required to provide emotional support and motivation to patients as they work to recover. All of these skills are essential for Kinesiology Physical Therapists to be successful in helping patients return to their best possible physical health.

Kinesiology Lab Technician, Kinesiology Technician, and Kinesiology Data Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with physical therapy patients?
Tell me about a challenging situation youve encountered in the physical therapy field, and how you handled it.
What techniques do you prefer for assessing a patients physical therapy needs?
How do you handle difficult patient interactions?
Describe a program youve designed in the past to meet a patients physical therapy goals.
How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in kinesiology and physical therapy?
What strategies do you use to motivate and encourage patients to stick with their physical therapy program?
How do you collaborate with other medical professionals when treating a patients physical therapy needs?
What is your experience treating patients with chronic pain?
How do you explain complex concepts of physical therapy to patients in an easy-to-understand manner?

Common Tools in Industry

Resistance Bands. A flexible band of elastic used to add resistance and strength to physical therapy exercises (eg: using a resistance band to do bicep curls).
Foam Rollers. A cylindrical foam roller used to provide deep tissue massage and increase flexibility (eg: rolling a foam roller on the hamstrings to improve flexibility).
Exercise Balls. An inflated, rubber ball used to improve balance, coordination and core strength (eg: doing a squat while balancing on an exercise ball).
Thera-Band. An elastic band used to improve range of motion, strength and coordination (eg: using a theraband to do shoulder exercises).
Weighted Balls. A weighted ball used to increase strength, power and coordination (eg: throwing a weighted ball against a wall to improve upper body strength).
Balance Boards. A board designed to help build balance and coordination (eg: standing on a balance board while reaching for items).
TENS Units. A device used to provide electrical stimulation to reduce pain and increase muscle function (eg: using a TENS unit on the lower back for relief from sciatica pain).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT)
Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (OPTA)
International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy (IFSPT)
International Kinesiology Association (IKA)
International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS)
International Society of Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH)

We also have Kinesiology Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Kinesiology Biomechanics Specialist, and Kinesiology Exercise Physiologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Manual Therapy. A type of physical therapy that utilizes hands-on techniques to apply pressure to muscles, joints, and soft tissues to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Soft Tissue Mobilization. A type of manual therapy used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia.
Joint Mobilization. Another type of manual therapy used to increase the joint range of motion and reduce pain.
Muscle Energy Techniques. A form of manual therapy that uses isometric contractions to relax tight muscles and improve joint range of motion.
Therapeutic Exercise. A form of exercise prescribed by a physical therapist that is designed to improve strength, flexibility, and balance while also helping to reduce pain.
Postural Re-education. A form of physical therapy that focuses on teaching patients how to maintain proper body alignment and posture while performing daily activities.
Electrophysical Agents. Physical therapy modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser therapy used to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Gait Analysis. A form of physical therapy used to evaluate a patient's gait pattern in order to diagnose and treat any biomechanical problems that may be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Kinesiology Physical Therapist?

A Kinesiology Physical Therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of physical impairments, movement dysfunction and pain related to the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems.

What type of treatments do Kinesiology Physical Therapists provide?

Kinesiology Physical Therapists provide treatments such as therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, aquatic therapy, balance and gait training, and patient education.

What is the average salary of a Kinesiology Physical Therapist?

The median annual wage for Kinesiology Physical Therapists is $86,850 as of May 2020.

What qualifications are required to become a Kinesiology Physical Therapist?

In order to become a Kinesiology Physical Therapist, one must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited institution, obtain a state license to practice physical therapy, and pass a national certification exam.