Kinesitherapy, pronounced as /kɪˌniːsəˈθerəpi/, is a medical term used to describe a form of physical therapy that emphasizes the use of movement and exercise to promote healing and recovery. The word "kinesi" comes from the Greek word "kinesis," meaning movement, while "therapy" means treatment. The spelling "kinesitherapy" incorporates the prefixes "kinesi-" and "-therap" to create a word that accurately reflects the concept of movement-based therapy. This term is commonly used in the medical field to describe a range of treatments, from exercise-based rehabilitation to gentle stretching and massage.
Kinesitherapy is a therapeutic discipline that focuses on the use of movement and exercise for the prevention and treatment of various physical conditions and injuries. It is a branch of physiotherapy that is specifically tailored to improve the functioning and mobility of the human body. The term "kinesitherapy" is derived from the Greek words "kinesis," meaning movement, and "therapia," meaning treatment.
Kinesitherapy utilizes various techniques and exercises to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and coordination, as well as to manage pain and improve overall physical well-being. These techniques may include stretching exercises, resistance training, postural correction, joint mobilization, and specific movements designed to target and address specific impairments or conditions.
The aim of kinesitherapy is to optimize the body's ability to move and function, whether it be in the context of rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, or as a preventative measure to maintain optimal physical health. Kinesitherapists work closely with patients, assessing their physical abilities and limitations, and designing personalized treatment plans to address their specific needs.
Overall, kinesitherapy is a therapeutic discipline that uses movement and exercise to promote optimal physical well-being, address impairments, and restore functional abilities. It is an important component of physiotherapy and plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and maintenance of physical health.
The therapeutic employment of movements, both active and passive; kinesiatrics, movement-cure.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A system of cure in which the treatment consisted of certain muscular movements as regulated by the nature of the disease.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word Kinesitherapy is derived from two Greek roots: kinesis meaning movement and therapia meaning therapy or treatment. So, Kinesitherapy essentially means movement therapy or treatment through movement.