Kinesiotherapy

Kinesiotherapy (KT)

Kinesiotherapy (KT) is the application of scientifically based exercise principles adapted to enhance the strength, endurance, and mobility of individuals with functional limitations or those requiring extended physical conditioning.

Veteran Health Administration (VHA) Kinesiotherapists provide state-of-the-art and evidence-based care to Veterans and Services members. Kinesiotherapy provides a full scope of services to over 75 VHA sites of care, including:

• Kinesiotherapy Outpatient clinics
• Inpatient settings
• Community living centers
• Veterans' homes
• Tele-rehabilitation
• Spinal cord Injury centers

Kinesiotherapy practice covers a broad spectrum of neurological, orthopedic, medical, surgical, and mental (behavioral) health conditions. Many VHA sites also include specialty services proved by Kinesiotherapy, examples include:

• Amputation Care
• Aquatics
• Assistive Technology
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Community Reintegration
• Driver Rehabilitation
• Falls Prevention
• Health and Wellness
• Home Modification
• Low Vision
• Orthopedics
• Prosthetic & Orthotics
• Wheelchair Seating and Mobility

Education

VHA Kinesiotherapists must have graduated from a degreed program in kinesiology, or exercise science with a concentration in Kinesiotherapy that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) and approved by the Council of Professional Standards of Kinesiotherapy (COPS-KT). Entry-level Kinesiotherapy education include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science with a Kinesiotherapy concentration (Kinesiotherapist).
• Master’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science and completed Kinesiotherapy clinical training through a VA KT Center of Excellence program, approved by COPS-KT (Kinesiotherapist).
• Doctoral degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science and have completed a Kinesiotherapy clinical training through a VA KT Center of Excellence program, approved by COPS-KT (Kinesiotherapist).

Clinical Specialization

The Council of Professional Standards of Kinesiotherapy also recognizes advanced level practitioners in the following areas for Registered Kinesiotherapists.

• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Driver Rehabilitation
• Advanced Technology Professional
• Seating and Mobility Specialist
• Aquatics
• Geriatrics
• Posture Evaluation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Ergonomic Evaluation

VA Central Office Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services Kinesiotherapy Point of Contact:

Diane Waller, MHA, RKT

Kinesiotherapy Field Advisory Council

The Kinesiotherapy Field Advisory Council (FAC) is a group of field-based, clinical leaders in Kinesiotherapy who advise the Kinesiotherapy Discipline Lead, in areas of strategic planning, national objectives, and professional trends relevant to Kinesiotherapy services within the Department of Veteran Affairs. Additionally the FAC provides guidance to the field and helps shape VHA policy and procedures on matters relevant to VHA Kinesiotherapy services. A primary charge to the FAC is to ensure active collaboration between VHA and field operations in Kinesiotherapy services.

Kinesiotherapy Career Guide

For more information about VHA Kinesiotherapy career opportunities visit My Career@ Kinesiotherapy.

Additional Resources

• American Kinesiotherapy Association*
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs*
• Kinesiotherapist Scope of Practice*
• Kinesiotherapy Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Standards of Practice for Registered Kinesiotherapists*

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