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Covid-19 Protocols

COVID Protocols - Updated as of March, 2023

Masks are no longer required. If you prefer to wear a mask during your session please do so. Additionally, if you are more comfortable with your practitioner doing the same, please let us know and we are happy to comply.

General FAQs

What is Kinesiology?

Kinesiologists are human movement specialists. They can help in many areas such as injury assessment and rehabilitation, health and fitness, exercise therapy, Disability/Case/Health and Safety Management, Ergonomics and Workplace Design, Biomedical Technology and Research. Kinesiology has many different terms, other popular terms used are Exercise Therapy and Active Rehabilitation and can be described as the assessment of functional movement and the implementation and progression of an individualized exercise program to aid individuals in a safe and effective movement to return them back to work and everyday activities. At Kinnect Active Rehab, our kinesiologists can help with the following: Injury assessment and rehabilitation - car accidents (ICBC), work injuries (WCB), pre-and post-surgical (cancer, replacements, repairs). Pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation as well as other abdominal and pelvic floor issues in both women and men (hernias, prolapses, diastasis recti). Health and fitness - exercise programs to enhance overall wellbeing that is often affected by sedentary work environments, lifestyle (both active or inactive), and ageing. Exercise therapy - evidence-based exercise programs for those living with chronic diseases, physical and neurological disabilities. For more information about Kinesiology and the areas one can help in check out the BCAK website (link: https://bcak.bc.ca/for-the-public/areas-practice-kinesiologists/)

What is the difference between a Physiotherapy and kinesiology/active rehabilitation

Physiotherapy (PT) is a form of therapy that treats both acute and chronic injuries and conditions. They often treat patients through manual therapy, different modalities (IMS, ultrasound, TENS) and movement. Additionally, PT often focuses more specifically on the area that is causing discomfort. Example: Left shoulder pain = Physiotherapist working on and focusing on Left Shoulder. Kinesiology/Active Rehabilitation is a form of therapy that assists in the prevention (prehab) or rehabilitation of an injury or other conditions. It can help bridge the gap between Physiotherapy and everyday movement and exercise routines. Active Rehabilitation is often done once acute injury begins to heal and it can be done solely or in conjunction with Physiotherapy as well as other forms of care - chiro and massage. Additionally, Active Rehabilitation often focuses more globally than the area of discomfort. Example: Left shoulder pain = focus on the shoulder as well as other areas such as the hips that may be contributing to discomfort. Active Rehabilitation focuses on building an exercise program specific to the individual to help strengthen weak/underactive muscles, aid in joint pain and release tight and/or overactive muscles. For more information on Kinesiology, check out the BCAK website (link: https://bcak.bc.ca/for-the-public/what-kinesiology/)

Is Kinesiology covered under extended medical?

Unfortunately, at this time Kinesiology is not covered by most extended health packages in BC. Kinesiologists are beginning to be seen as a key member of the health care system and the BCAK have teamed up with the Canadian Kinesiology Alliance (CKA) to officially add Kinesiology to the extended health services. The timeline of when and if this will happen is currently unknown. We do suggest you contact your extended health care personally to see if Kinesiology is covered under your specific plan. Additionally, if you have a health and wellness program through your work, we also suggest you contact them as some programs help cover part of the costs for Kinesiology. If you do not have any coverage and think it is important that Kinesiology is added to the extended health care system we ask you to kindly help us by filling out the forms provided by the CKA to request Kinesiology to be covered (link: https://www.cka.ca/en/reimbursements).

I’m really not fit at all and have pain and mobility issues with sustained movement. Can kinesiology still help me?

Absolutely. We tailor each program to every individual and their specific needs and fitness level. We offer a welcoming and educating space to help alleviate pain as well as empower you and your capabilities no matter where you are at.

How often should I see a Kinesiologist?

This varies between each individual and their specific reasons for coming in. For most individual's twice a week is recommended at the start. This is because creating a foundation and proper movement patterns at the start is very important, most individuals unconsciously move improperly to save energy. Seeing a Kinesiologist can help enlighten individuals about their movement habits and what to watch out for and become more spatially aware. After 2-3 days most people tend to fall back into their old movement habits without noticing, therefore, coming twice a week can help reset and ensure individuals' recognize their improper movement patterns. This is only a recommendation and by no means is mandatory. Many clients see a Kinesiologist once a week for a limited time while others choose to see a Kinesiologist monthly indefinitely. Set up an initial assessment with our team and we will help you set up a plan that works best for you.

Why is it important to solve/fix/learn correct form now versus later? And is it too late for me?

Our injuries get worse over time - even when we do not experience pain. Compensation often occurs masking the problem and changing our foundation and overall movement patterns. When this happens over a prolonged period other areas of the body begin to exhaust and pain will arise making the road to recovery much longer than if we addressed it sooner. Although it can always get better no matter how long it has been since the injury, the sooner we address it the better!

How can I best make use of my time when I get home - will the therapy work if I don’t have a ton of time to do exercises on my own? Will I need any special equipment to do the exercises?

This varies between each client, their specific situation, goals and how often they are seeing a Kinesiologist. Generally speaking, no major special equipment will be needed when at home asides from some simple equipment such as bands and a small ball. It is important to complete your therapy exercises at home as directed by your Kinesiologist as 1-2 hours a week with a Kinesiologist is not enough to reduce/eliminate the pain experienced and/or change movement patterns. Often not a lot of time is not required, some clients do 5-10 minutes per day and see a huge difference, our Kinesiologists will do our best to create a plan that works for you and your schedule and not take time away from your daily life duties and the things you love to do. This will be covered more in-depth with your Kinesiologist once an assessment is completed and a plan for your specific situation and goals can be made.

Postpartum and Pelvic Floor FAQs

What is a Pelvic Floor

The Pelvic floor is the bottom of your core, it is made of many superficial and deep muscles which help with continence. Deep hip flexor muscles, gluteus complex and adductors are supporting muscles of the Pelvic Floor and play an important role in proper function. The Pelvic floor helps prevent incontinence, supports the vaginal wall, handles intra-abdominal pressure, stabilizes your spine and pelvis as well controls the bottom of your spine. In other words, when there is weakness or tightness it can influence the entire kinetic chain, creating stress in other areas of the body.

Is Pelvic Floor Corrective Exercise just for women?

No! Both men and women have Pelvic Floors and both can experience issues such as incontinence and hernias. Although due to pregnancy, women are more familiar with their pelvic floor and needing to rehabilitate after birth, men too can benefit from Pelvic floor corrective exercises. These exercises do not only focus on the pelvic floor but the entire core in general and can help individuals who have back and neck problems, diastasis recti (which again can be found in men and women), as well as the issues mentioned above as well as many other symptoms.

What exercises are discouraged postpartum?

Exercises that are discouraged while recovering postpartum are high impact exercises such as jumping, HIIT, and running. Also, avoid any exercises that create significant abdominal pressure such as planks and crunches. Exercises such as these can increase the risk of hernias and prolapses, therefore, until abdominal pressure can be controlled and pelvic floor function and proper foundation are attained they should be avoided. Please note, this timeline is different for everyone, it depends on your base and foundation. Although not discouraged, be extra aware of yoga as during pregnancy and for a while, postpartum women are often still hypermobile and muscles tissues are more susceptible to injury when lengthened too much.

What are pelvic floor safe exercises?

When postpartum, you want to stick with breathing, posture and low impact exercises until any symptoms, problems and intolerances have been addressed. Low impact exercises are exercises that are gentle on the joints and do not involve any pounding movement on the ground, which allows you to focus on reconnecting to proper breathing and pressure management. These two things are very important when beginning to exercise or getting back to everyday life again. Low impact exercises also help balance muscles that often become imbalanced during pregnancy. Please note, KEGELS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH and for some the completely WRONG exercise for them to be focusing on.

When to see a specialist like yourself

It is always important to see someone who specializes in postpartum after giving birth, even if you do not notice any “stand out issues”. As it’s important to recreate your foundation which involves posture, alignment, activation and strength which will help prevent future related injuries. No one experiences the exact same issues as the person beside them so seeing someone one on one will help address your specific needs. It is especially important to see someone who specializes in postpartum if you have experienced a prolapse, diastasis recti, pain during sex, urine incontinence, a hernia, difficulty breathing in fully, hip and/or SI pain to name a few.

I did not recently have babies, mine are older. Is it too late for me?

No! It is never too late. It may take a bit longer to connect and override the improper movement as it has been longer than those who recently had a baby but it is never too late to improve your foundation and eliminate symptoms related to your pregnancy - some you may not of even known they were related!

Is there an internal examination for Postpartum women?

No. If this is something you would benefit from for more in depth information about prolapse etc., please book an appointment with a Pelvic Floor Physio. This is out of a Kinesiologist’s scope of practice. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss your situation if you are unsure if a Physio or KIN is the right first choice for you.

Cancer FAQs

Is exercising safe and/or beneficial for someone going through a cancer diagnosis?

Yes! There is a lot of research currently being done that shows exercise is extremely beneficial for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Exercise can be done safely before, during and after ALL forms of treatment and can counteract many side effects experienced during treatment. It has been found to decrease the growth of tumours - in both size and quantity -, increase immune systems, decrease lymphedema, and decrease fatigue as well as many other side effects. Exercise helps improve physical ability, maintain or improve muscle strength and can aid individuals in coping mentally and emotionally. Most importantly, with a cancer diagnosis, many feel as though they are losing control of their lives and exercise gives some control back and improves Quality of Life. For more information, read a statement from the clinical Oncology Society of Australia and the importance of Exercise and Cancer - https://www.cosa.org.au/media/332488/cosa-position-statement-v4-web-final.pdf

Why is it important to see a “Cancer Exercise Therapist”?

Cancer Exercise Specialists are Kinesiologists and Exercise Physiologists who have additional training and understanding of Cancer diagnoses, treatments (chemo, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy), as well as side effects. This training ensures the clients receive safe, science-based and individualized programs for their diagnosis and experience as no two people are alike. Exercise is safe for those diagnosed but like any disease, it can be unsafe and ineffective if not done properly, therefore, it is very important to have someone with the qualifications to help guide and educate you or your loved one on how to exercise safely and effectively.