Kinesiology Schools and Careers Guide
What is kinesiology?
In the purest form, kinesiology is the study of muscles and movement. When used in a clinical setting, it becomes an evaluation and treatment tool for restoring overall health balance to the body. Its beginnings originated in the 1960s as a clinical science from work performed by Dr. George Goodheart. Over time, many branches have developed with different specialties. To date, there are around 80 different types of kinesiology. Many colleges offer kinesiology degrees that are more focused on sports physiology. This is different than the clinical use of kinesiology.
Some refer to the use of kinesiology in the clinical setting as "muscle testing". Others refer to these techniques as specialized kinesiology. At a basic level, it is the art and science of using neuromuscular feedback from the body to achieve optimal health.
How is kinesiology practiced?
The kinesiologist may use various healing modalities to help you attain optimal health. These modalities include body work as it performed in applied kinesiology or may include nutritional, herbal, homeopathic or supplement recommendations. Also considered is diet, sleep and exercise recommendations along with emotional techniques, meridian balancing and energy work techniques. Virtually any type of healing technique may be tested for and utilized in the kinesiology session as long as it is legal for that person to do so.
What kinesiology degrees or certificates are available?
Degrees and certificates are typically obtained by two different groups. Applied kinesiology is only taught to those who have a health oriented degree. They include people like chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors and doctors of Oriental medicine. The remaining types of kinesiology are taught to those who wish to learn the techniques to help themselves and their families. Programs typically have a minimum age and some educational requirements before enrollment. Acquiring certifications in various types of kinesiology allows one to practice in some states that don’t require licensure. This, however, must be accompanied by a disclaimer form stating one’s non-licensed status and intentions to stay within the legal guidelines set forth by the state.
What associations support kinesiologists?
There are two main primary associations one may join as a specialized kinesiologist: the Energy Kinesiology Association and the International Association of Specialized Kinesiologists.
Where can I get training?
- Alabama
Red Mountain Institute - Homewood
- Arizona
- Cortiva Institute - School of Massage Therapy - Scottsdale
- California
- Hands on Healing Institute - Pasadena (Tujunga)
- District of Columbia
- Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage - Arlington/Falls Church, VA
- Hawaii
- Maui School of Therapeutic Massage - Makawao
- Massachusetts
- Cortiva Institute - Boston - Watertown
- Michigan
- Institute of Natural Therapies - Hancock
- Institute of Natural Therapies - St. Ignace
- New Jersey
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - A campus in Piscataway
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - A campus in Wall Township
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - Piscataway
- Cortiva Institute - Somerset School of Massage Therapy - Wall Township
- New Mexico
- Wholistic Kinesiology Institute - Albuquerque
- Texas
- American Institute of Allied Health - Dallas/Lewisville
- Utah
- Certified Careers Institute - Clearfield
- Virginia
- Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage - Arlington Area/Falls Church
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