What is Kinesiology?
When you run into the term Kinesiology you need to be very careful to check how it is being used. You will need to separate your ideas and know what is kinesiology and what is applied kinesiology. The two items are vastly different, and the confusion between the two can happen quickly.
First let’s tackle the question of “What is Kinesiology?” Kinesiology is the study of human movement. Every human is a uniquely designed biomechanical organism. Do not start arguing about using the term mechanical, in this context we mean the workings of the joints, the tie in locations of muscles, tendons, and all connective tissues. Each body moves with their own unique set of efficiencies and inefficiencies. By studying the kinesiology of an athlete you can make recommendations on how to improve their performance by modifying their forms of movement. With their particular set of muscles, connective tissues, and bone structure, it may be more efficient for them to move differently than another athlete they have been emulating. These slight changes in techniques can often make the difference between being just another athlete, or breaking world records.
Now, when we start talking about “What is Applied Kinesiology?”, we move into the realm of chiropractic medicine and body diagnosis. A chiropractor trained in Applied Kinesiology will test different body parts and muscles for strength and condition. By doing these series of tests it can help them determine what parts of the body are having ailments, and potential methods of treatment. Often the remedies will include a combination of chiropractic treatments and other natural therapies. An individual trained in applied kinesiology uses their muscle testing to determine what muscles, nerves, and even organs may be affected by some kind of illness, or other affliction.
As you can quickly see these two areas of study are vastly different. One is used in a diagnostic method for illness and to guide in the treatment of illness. Kinesiology is used to determine body mechanics and to improve performance.
What is Kinesiology’s role for a normal person? It is not only used to study the performance of athletes, but is also used to evaluate people recovering from injuries to guide them in learning proper movements, and ways to improve their movement for work and household chores. Generalized kinesiology can study the average human performance, and create methods to improve safety in the workplace, improve the designs of cars, furniture, and all items used by humans.
You should be starting to ask yourself the question, what is kinesiology and applied kinesiology’s part in my life? If you are suffering from any kind of weakness or illness you may wish to consult a chiropractor trained in applied kinesiology to aid your path in healing. Kinesilogy plays an important role in every facet of your everyday life. Every movement you take can become more efficient with proper study, and evaluation, but for most of us, this is outside of our needs and desires. We are happy to use the advancements which are provided by the study of kinesiology which improve the life of everyone through improved products.
