How to Become a Kinesiologist

A Career in Kinesiology

In the Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) context, Kinesiology is a holistic healing modality that integrates muscle testing with energetic principles, traditional wisdom, and mind-body awareness. It draws on insights from Eastern medicine, chiropractic concepts, and contemporary counselling approaches to uncover and address imbalances affecting emotional, physical, and energetic well-being. Practitioners use muscle monitoring as a form of biofeedback to communicate with the body’s innate intelligence, helping clients resolve stress, trauma, and blockages that may be contributing to dis-ease.

A career in this form of kinesiology offers a deeply rewarding path for those drawn to holistic healing, intuitive insight, and the art of supporting others in returning to balance. Practitioners often work in private practice, wellness centres, retreat settings, or alongside other complementary therapists^[1]. Their sessions may involve energy correction techniques, emotional clearing, nutritional guidance, or lifestyle support—always tailored to the individual and delivered with an emphasis on empowering the body’s natural healing response.

As awareness of integrative approaches to health expands globally^[2]​​​​, demand is growing for skilled kinesiology practitioners who can address not just symptoms, but the deeper energetic patterns at play. This career path appeals to those who wish to blend scientific knowledge with intuition and who seek to make a meaningful impact by supporting others to live more grounded, balanced, and vibrant lives.

The Role of a Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists support holistic wellbeing by working with the body’s natural intelligence to identify and release energetic, emotional, and physical imbalances. Rooted in muscle testing and subtle body awareness, their role is not just to address symptoms, but to uncover the underlying causes of stress and dis-ease, creating space for deep transformation and alignment.

• Energetic and Emotional Assessment: Kinesiologists use muscle monitoring as a form of biofeedback to tap into the body’s wisdom. This allows them to identify stress responses, energetic blockages, or emotional patterns that may be impacting a person’s overall well-being. Rather than relying solely on external observation, this intuitive method empowers the client’s body to guide the healing process, revealing what needs attention at that moment in time.
• Holistic Program Design: Based on energetic findings, practitioners develop individualised care plans that may include emotional clearing techniques, acupressure, energetic corrections, flower essences, nutritional support, or goal-setting strategies. These sessions are highly tailored and often evolve session by session, meeting clients exactly where they are and supporting gradual, integrated healing across the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers.
• Stress Relief, Realignment & Integration: Kinesiologists play a vital role in helping clients release chronic stress, clear limiting beliefs, and restore balance to the nervous and energetic systems. This gentle, non-invasive approach supports clients in reconnecting with their inner resilience and vitality, making kinesiology particularly helpful for issues such as anxiety, fatigue, learning difficulties, fertility support, and life transitions.
• Collaboration with Holistic and Allied Practitioners: Many kinesiologists work alongside naturopaths, counsellors, bodyworkers, and integrative doctors, offering complementary support within multidisciplinary practices or wellness centres. Their unique skillset adds depth to holistic care plans, helping clients experience sustainable results that address both the root cause and surface symptoms.
• Empowerment and Self-Awareness: More than just a healing modality,  kinesiology is a pathway for personal growth. Practitioners often teach clients techniques to stay energetically balanced between sessions and help them understand the mind-body connection at a deeper level. In doing so, they empower people to become active participants in their healing journey.

The Lingo

Kinesiology, like any specialised field, has its own set of terms and concepts that professionals and students must understand. Below are some key terms commonly used in the world of kinesiology:

• Biomechanics: Biomechanics is the study of how the human body moves, focusing on the interaction between muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments to move^[3]. 
• Motor Control: Motor control focuses on how the body regulates and coordinates essential movements such as maintaining posture, walking, reaching with multiple joints, and grasping objects^[4]. 
• Gait Analysis: Gait analysis is the study of how a person moves while walking or running, examining their movement patterns to identify any irregularities or issues in their locomotion^[5].

Training and Qualifications: Pathways Around the World

Pursuing a career in kinesiology involves a blend of academic study, practical experience, and, in some cases, professional certification. Educational pathways and certification requirements can vary globally, offering diverse opportunities for aspiring kinesiologists. 

We are pleased to count the Australian Kinesiology Association (AKA) amongst our industry partners and defer to their knowledge of the most appropriate skill-based qualification pathways to support upcoming Kinesiologists to enter the profession in Australia^[1].
For a more global picture of training, please consult the International Association of Specialised Kinesiologists (IASK)^[6].

Skills and Qualities of a Successful Kinesiologist

To thrive as a kinesiology practitioner within the TCIH framework, one must combine energetic sensitivity with a grounded understanding of holistic health principles. These practitioners are often called upon to navigate the physical, emotional, and energetic dimensions of healing, requiring a unique blend of intuition, professionalism, and personal alignment.

• Empathy and Emotional Insight: TCIH kinesiologists frequently support clients facing emotional blockages, stress, and trauma. The ability to hold a compassionate, non-judgmental space is essential, allowing clients to feel safe as they access and release stored patterns through muscle testing and energetic balancing.
• Clear Communication and Presence: Successful practitioners communicate clearly and gently, explaining the muscle-testing process and energetic shifts in an accessible and reassuring way. Active listening and the capacity to ‘tune in’ to both verbal and non-verbal cues are vital for building trust and tailoring each session to the client's unique needs.
• Energetic Awareness and Grounding: Practising in this field requires a deep personal understanding of energy, boundaries, and self-care. Maintaining energetic hygiene and personal balance allows kinesiologists to be effective channels for healing while avoiding burnout or emotional entanglement.
• Holistic Thinking and Intuitive Problem-Solving: Assessing imbalances in the energy system and tracing them back to root causes calls for a combination of logic and intuitive insight. TCIH kinesiologists develop a holistic lens, able to link physical symptoms with emotional patterns, belief systems, and lifestyle influences.
• Commitment to Self-Development and Learning: This field encourages ongoing self-reflection and growth. The most effective practitioners are lifelong learners, committed to deepening their understanding of energetic principles, cultural traditions, and emerging integrative techniques, ensuring their practice remains both ethical and effective.

Career Opportunities and Growth

The global wellness economy has experienced remarkable growth, reaching a valuation of $6.3 trillion in 2023 and projected to approach $9.0 trillion by 2028. Within this expansive sector, Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) practices, including kinesiology, play a significant role. The Traditional & Complementary Medicine segment alone accounted for $553 billion in 2023, underscoring the substantial demand for holistic health services worldwide^[7].

TCIH kinesiologists find diverse opportunities across various settings:​

• Private Practice and Wellness Centres: Many practitioners establish independent clinics or collaborate within multidisciplinary wellness centres, offering personalised care that addresses physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances.​
• Retreats and Wellness Tourism: With wellness tourism projected to reach $1 trillion by 2024, kinesiologists are increasingly sought after in retreat settings, providing services that enhance relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being^[8]. ​
• Educational and Community Programs: Practitioners contribute to community health by conducting workshops, seminars, and group sessions that promote self-awareness and holistic health practices.​
• Corporate Wellness Initiatives: As organisations prioritise employee well-being, kinesiologists offer programs that address workplace stress, enhance productivity, and foster a balanced work environment.​

The global shift towards preventive and personalised healthcare amplifies the relevance of TCIH kinesiology. Practitioners equipped with recognised qualifications, such as the HLT52415 Diploma of Kinesiology^[9], are well-positioned to meet this growing demand. Continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards further enhance credibility and effectiveness in practice.​

In this evolving landscape, TCIH kinesiologists have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to global health, offering services that resonate with diverse populations seeking holistic and integrative approaches to wellness.

How Much Does a Kinesiologist Earn?

Determining the exact earnings of Kinesiologists practising within the Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) framework can be challenging due to the diverse nature of their practices and the lack of standardised salary data. However, available information provides some insights:​

United Kingdom

• Holistic Kinesiologists: Practitioners often operate in private settings, with earnings varying based on factors like experience, location, and client base. Some sources suggest that holistic health practitioners in the UK earn an average of £30,545 annually, equating to approximately £15 per hour. However, individual earnings can differ significantly^[10].
• Conventional Kinesiologists: In more traditional roles, such as those in clinical or academic settings, kinesiologists in the UK have reported average salaries ranging from £29,107 to £48,163 per year, depending on experience and specific job responsibilities^[11].

Australia

• Holistic Kinesiologists: In Australia, holistic kinesiologists have reported average earnings of approximately AUD $111,102 per year, with entry-level practitioners starting around AUD $79,134 and experienced professionals earning up to AUD $137,664 annually. These figures can vary based on factors such as location, specialisation, and whether the practitioner operates independently or within a larger organisation.

Considerations

It's important to note that earnings for TCIH kinesiologists can be influenced by various factors, including:​

• Geographical Location: Urban areas may offer higher earning potential due to increased demand and higher service rates.​
• Experience and Specialisation: Practitioners with specialised skills or certifications may command higher fees.​
• Business Model: Those running their own practices have the potential for higher earnings but also bear the costs of business operations.​
• Client Base: A strong reputation and client referrals can lead to a more consistent and lucrative practice.​

Given the variability in practice settings and individual circumstances, prospective kinesiologists should research local markets by reaching out to local Kinesiology Associations^[6] and consider their personal goals when evaluating potential earnings in the TCIH field.

Final Thoughts

Pursuing a career in kinesiology is rewarding for those passionate about human movement, rehabilitation, and overall well-being. With the growing awareness of the importance of physical activity in preventing and managing health conditions, kinesiologists play a vital role in the healthcare, fitness, and wellness industries. Whether working in clinical rehabilitation, sports performance, or corporate wellness, kinesiologists can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

As the field continues to expand, new research and innovative approaches are shaping the way kinesiologists support clients in achieving their health goals. Continuous learning, specialisation, and hands-on experience can enhance career prospects and ensure that professionals remain at the forefront of evidence-based practices. For those considering this career, the journey into kinesiology offers a fulfilling blend of science, movement, and human connection, paving the way for a meaningful and dynamic profession.

Step Into Practice with SoulAdvisor

Becoming a practitioner is just the beginning—how you choose to share your gifts with the world makes all the difference. At SoulAdvisor, we’re here to walk alongside you as you build a trusted, thriving practice in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH).

By listing your practice with us, you join a respected global community of highly qualified practitioners across more than 150 holistic health fields. You’ll gain access to a dedicated team committed to raising the profile and integrity of TCIH around the world, while benefiting from seamless booking tools, professional visibility, and peer-to-peer support.

As a verified SoulAdvisor practitioner, you’ll be able to create a professional, trusted presence that reassures potential clients of your credentials, supported by our rigorous qualification process and community standards. This not only strengthens your personal brand, but it also strengthens public confidence in the value of holistic healing.

SoulAdvisor works alongside our Industry Partner, Australian Kinesiology Association( AKA), to ensure you are supported as an energetic healing practitioner with the utmost respect, care and possibilities for growth.

As we say at SoulAdvisor: Nourish Yourself, Heal Our World.