Hands on: sports therapy with the Warriors

Kinesiology (we call it KIN) is the science of human movement. That’s a pretty simple definition, but if you think about it, it’s really all about body health.

KIN covers all the bases — from the science of anatomy and biomechanics, to injury prevention and rehabilitation, plus nutrition and wellness.

In practice

While fundamental sciences are definitely part of KIN theory, courses like KIN 140L — Sports Injury Management Lab — focus on the practical. “The lab is where students take knowledge from the classroom and apply it,” says Rob Burns, clinical instructor in the Department of Kinesiology.

KIN 140L is an elective course with a waitlist. (Whaaat?!) Seriously. It’s a popular course because it gives students the chance to practice, make mistakes, ask questions and hone the skills needed to treat or prevent injuries. The opportunity to practice is a huge benefit!

“I think that getting up and doing things after they’re shown to me helps to solidify it 20 times over,” says first-year student Emma.

In every class students work with a partner to apply what they’re learning to a real, live human being. Whether it’s taping, massage, injury assessment — even making an ice bag — the skills students perfect in 140L are all leading toward bigger opportunities. “We try and make each week very applied in terms of palpation,” notes Rob. “Students also practice therapeutic skills and gain confidence needed for co-op jobs in the community, in our campus clinics, or as a student therapist for Waterloo varsity teams.”

Go Warriors!

Students who complete KIN 140L can apply to become a student therapist with one of Waterloo’s 31 varsity teams. “Student therapists are assigned to teams and end up doing anything from pre-practice taping, emergency care on the field, game injury evaluation, concussion assessment, and post-practice treatment,” says Rob. “They become part of the team and can gain hundreds of hours of practical experience.”

It’s definitely a resume builder and it’s one of the reasons Devon wanted to take the KIN 140 lab. “I thought that working as a student therapist would be a good way to see if it’s something I’d like to do in the future. So I took 140L, loved the course, and will be getting involved with a team next season,” says Devon.

More than therapy

The hands-on opportunities for student therapists are amazing, and a great way to solidify in-class learning. But it’s more than practical. Student therapists become the first line of defence at all games, practices and tournaments. It’s a big responsibility. But it’s also a chance to become part of the team, make new friends, get to know coaches and therapy professionals.

“It’s beyond the technical skills. The soft skills they learn — like team work and time management — are incredibly important,” says Rob. “These are skills that can be applied to any other field.”

Why Kinesiology at Waterloo?

Is KIN for you?