Movement is Life!!

A Physiotherapy colleague that I respect recently told me that the director of her Physiotherapy School in the UK promoted this adage passionately. My colleague reports that since then she still “can’t stop telling people (in the bank) this” as she presumably comments out loud on the bank customers’ apparent lack of movement!

Having said this, a Physiotherapists scope of practice involves the

• diagnosis,
• management
• prevention

of movement disorders that involve the musculo-skeletal system.

Interestingly, about 20 years ago Physiotherapy in Canada was trying to promote a differentiation of our services versus other health care disciplines and there was a thought to changing the name of our protected title. Adamantly supported at that time was the title Kinesopathophysiologists or Pathokinesiologists.

• Kinesiology is the study of the mechanics of body movements and come from the Greek word Kinein meaning ‘to move’.
• Pathology implies an abnormality or dysfunction (in movement).

A Pathokinesiologist then would analyse, prevent and treat dysfunctional and painful movement.

Although Canada chose not to adopt the change in name; for one this would set off an inconsistency with the title of Physiotherapist around the world, it is important to note that our focus and expertise in dealing with problems with MOVEMENT

• is a unique offering that Physiotherapists have
• adds value to our services

Dysfunctional movement is invariably painful and always inefficient. Joints and bones are meant to move and muscles are designed to produce or control movement. If your physiotherapist is treating an injury or pain in your muscles or joints she will be hoping to restore their normal movement and the broader function that results from healthy muscles and joints.

Some physiotherapists focus more closely than others on the movement aspect of the treatment they are providing or alternatively, collaborate with one that does. It is important to note that the root cause of many musculo-skeletal conditions is poor movement. If the poor movement patterns are not addressed, the condition is not fully resolved and you will be back in your health care practitioners office before long.