Definition of Kinesiotherapy
Kinesiotherapy utilizes kinesiology, the science of human movement, to design and implement therapeutic exercise programs for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries and/or neuromuscular disorders. Examples might be ligament sprains, muscle strains, pre- and post-operative conditioning for joint replacements, healed fractures, joint subluxations and disclocations, congenital disorders, arthritic conditions, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. The therapeutic exercise is performed in the swimming pool and/or exercise therapy clinic under the direct supervision and assistance of Registered Kinesiotherapists (R.K.T). The primary objective of Kinesiotherapy is to maximize the strength, flexibility, and endurance of affected muscle groups to promote a more normal functional capacity, and foster independence and a return to occupational and recreational activities whenever possible.
History
The University Board of Trustees approved establishment of the Kinesiotherapy Center in May 1975, and the Center officially opened in October of the same year. The Center was the first in the Toledo area to provide one-on-one aquatic exercise rehabilitation. Since that time, over 10,000 individuals have received therapeutic exercise for musculoskeletal injuries, cardiorespiratory disorders, and perceptual-motor developmental delays. Approximately 700 area physicians have referred patients to the Center over the last 25 years.
Kinesiotherapists are registered by the Council on Professional Standards for Kinesiotherapy, and are members of both the American and Ohio Kinesiotherapy Associations. They have earned undergraduate or graduate degrees in Kinesiotherapy and Exercise Science.
Initial Assessment
A written referral from a licensed physician is necessary. The first appointment takes approximately one hour, when the Kinesiotherapist obtains a detailed history to determine the degree of acuteness of the injury or disorder. The presence of other medical conditions is also ascertained. The strength, flexibility and endurance of the affected muscle groups then are objectively measured. A Therapuetic exercise program then is designed to meet the specific needs of each individual.
Rehabilitation Aquatic Exercise
Therapeutic swimming and isolated exercises performed in the swimming pool provide the initial rehabilitation program for many musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pathologies. The water's buoyancy reduces the physical stress of the exercise, to accommodate individuals with low tolerance for physical activity, such as those who are post-operative. The objective of rehabilitation aquatic exercise is to enable the individual to advance to clinical exercise.
Rehabilitation Clinical Exercise
In the exercise therapy clinic, the principles of isolated planar movement and progressive resistance exercise are used to establish adequate muscular development and joint stability. Manual assistance, manual resistance, active and active-assistive exercises are used. The individual's exercise program is designed and modified as necessary by the Kinesiotherapist in cooperation with the referring physician.
What Referring Physicians Say
"I have personally received kinesiotherapy, as well as referred patients to The University of Toledo Kinesiotherapy Center. I have been pleased with the superb and professional performance provided by the Kinesiotherapists, and continue to refer patients to them due to their clinical effectiveness." -- Lawrence Young, M.D.
"We have referred many of our most difficult cases to the Kinesiotherapy Center with excellent results." -- Donald A. Baker, M.D.
Location
The Kinesiotherapy Rehabilitation and Research Center is located in the Health Education Center on the main campus of The University of Toledo. The Center is self-sufficient, and serves the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan areas.
Additional Information
Please contact the Center by phone at
419-530-2731 (FAX: 419-530-5345)
or by writing:
The Kinesiotherapy Rehabilitation and
Research Center
The University of Toledo
2801 W. Bancroft
Toledo, Ohio 43606-3390