How Kinesiology Can Benefit Our Veterans
In Ontario, there are an estimated 224,400 veterans who are clients of Veterans Affairs Canada (combined from war service and Canadian Armed Forces). Let’s discuss how the growing profession of Kinesiology can benefit our veterans.
Did you know?
Kinesiologists in Ontario are recognized as service providers under the Program of Choice (POC) 12 – Related Health Services.
This means that effective February 28th, 2011, Kinesiologists in Ontario can provide their services under the benefits of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
How Does This Impact Veterans?
- As outlined under POC 12 – Related Health Services, veterans can be eligible for benefits coverage of 20 kinesiology appointments per calendar year as prescribed by a medical doctor.
- If additional sessions are needed, your therapist can request approval to extend your program with LiquidGym.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for This Benefit Coverage?
- You may qualify for treatment benefits if you;
- Receive a disability benefit
- Receive services through Veterans Independence Program
- Receive financial assistance through the Long Term Care Program
- Receive the War Veterans Allowance
What Is Kinesiology?
In short, kinesiology is the science of human movement and exercise.
What Is a Kinesiologist?
A Kinesiologist is a university educated health professional who is registered with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario.
How Can A Kinesiologist Help?
Kinesiologists use evidence-based research to treat and prevent injury and disease and to improve movement and performance. Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and physical abilities to help improve health and wellbeing.
A kinesiologist will construct an individualized treatment program to help you achieve your goals.
What Scope of Practice Do Kinesiologists Work Within?
Kinesiologists work within a broad scope of practice, although some specific areas include;
-
- Musculoskeletal Assessment
- Postural Evaluation and Education
- Rehabilitative and Functional Re-training Exercise
- Fitness Conditioning for Weight Loss, Cardiovascular Training, and Strength Development
- Diabetes Management Strategies
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Cancer Rehabilitation
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Mental Health Management
What Can I Expect When Working with A Kinesiologist
When working with a kinesiologist you might expect;
- Documentation of a full health history
- Completion of an initial assessment and discussion of the results.
- Construction of a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
- Regular tracking and measurement of your progress.
- Documentation of the care provided and confidentiality and security of your personal health information.
- Collaboration between health professionals as appropriate (including your case manager).
The Next Steps
- Speak with your doctor or case manager to discuss if kinesiology might be a appropriate treatment option for you.
- Contact LiquidGym and ask to speak with our VAC specialist Christy to schedule your initial assessment to get started on achieving your goals!
FAQ’s
To learn more about our kinesiology services at Liquid Gym, visit our website through:
https://www.liquidgym.ca/kinesiology/
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the POC-12 information page through:
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/legislation-policies/policies/document/1065
Call LiquidGym and ask to speak with our VAC specialist Christy
to schedule your initial assessment to get started on achieving your goals!
CALL LIQUIDGYM 613-820-8228
References
Government of Canada, “1.0 Demographics, Table 1.1 Estimated Veteran Population by Province”, found at https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/news-media/facts-figures/1-0
Medavie Bluecross, “Program of Choice (POC) 12 – Paramedical Services Kinesiologists – Ontario”, found at VAC_02_2011_PP_EN.pdf (bluecross.ca) (February 2011).
Government of Canada, “Related Health Services (POC 12), found at https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/about-vac/legislation-policies/policies/document/1065 (May 18, 2022).
Ontario Kinesiology Association, “Discover Kinesiology, Kinesiology Areas of Practice”, found at https://www.oka.on.ca/site/kinesiology/discover?nav=sidebar
College of Kinesiologists of Ontario, “About Kinesiology”, found at https://www.coko.ca/patients-and-clients/about-kinesiology/
Author:
Samuel Dick
Registered Kinesiologist