Frequently Asked Questions
Ergonomic Assessments
Who is an Ergonomic Assessment for? Is this a good fit for me? Anyone can benefit from an ergonomic assessment. Having a proper ergonomic set-up at your workstation can improve safety, comfort, and productivity.
What does an Ergonomic Assessment Involve? The assessment includes a review of your workstation or job tasks, observation of posture and movement, and discussion of any symptoms or concerns. Based on this, practical recommendations are provided to improve setup, reduce strain, and support long-term comfort.
Do you assess both office and more physical work environments? Yes — ergonomic assessments can be completed for office, home, and more physically demanding work environments. Recommendations are tailored to the specific job and individual.
Will I receive recommendations after the assessment? Yes — you will receive clear, practical recommendations that may include adjustments to your workstation, equipment suggestions, and strategies to improve posture and movement throughout the workday.
Do employers need to be involved? Not always. Individuals can book assessments independently, but in workplace-related cases, employers or case managers are often involved to support implementation of recommendations.
How long does an Ergonomic Assessment take? Most ergonomic assessments take approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the setup and work tasks.
Functional Abilities Evaluations and Physical Demands Analysis
What is a Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE)? A Functional Capacity Evaluation (sometimes referred to as a Functional Capacity Evaluation) is a detailed assessment of an individual’s physical abilities in relation to work demands. It uses standardized testing to measure strength, mobility, and tolerance for activity to help determine functional capacity and limitations for physical tasks.
What is a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA)? A Physical Demands Analysis outlines the physical requirements of a job, including strength, movement, and task demands. It provides an objective description of what a role requires from a physical standpoint.
What are the benefits of these assessments for employers and insurers? These assessments provide objective, detailed information to support return-to-work planning, job matching, and accommodation decisions. They help reduce the risk of re-injury, improve communication with insurers, and support clear, defensible decision-making.
What are the benefits for individuals? For individuals, these assessments help clarify physical abilities and limitations, provide direction for safe work participation, and support confidence when returning to work after injury.
How long does an FCE take? FCEs typically take several hours and may be completed over one or more sessions depending on the complexity of the case and referral requirements.
How can employers or case managers request an assessment? Employers, insurers, or case managers can get in touch directly to discuss referral details, timelines, and the most appropriate assessment approach.
Training and Rehab
Who are these services for? These services are for anyone looking to move better, build strength, or manage pain. This includes individuals recovering from injury, dealing with ongoing discomfort, returning to exercise, or simply looking for a structured, personalized approach to training.
Do I need an injury to work with you? No — services are designed for both rehabilitation and general training. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just want to get stronger and move better, programs are tailored to your goals.
What happens during the initial session? The first session includes a detailed discussion all about You. Your history, goals, and current concerns. The more we know about you, the better care we can provide. From there, a personalized plan is developed together, and we map out our next steps.
Do I need prior experience with exercise? No — programs can be designed for all experience levels. Whether you’re new to exercise or have trained before, are plans are tailored to meet you where you’re at, and our collaborative approach makes that much easier.
Are Kinesiology services covered by insurance? Some extended health benefit plans may cover kinesiology services. Coverage varies by provider, so it’s best to check with your insurance company.
Do I need a referral to book? No, you do not need a referral to book. However, if you're planning on submitting through extended health benefits, double-check whether or not you need a referral for it to be covered.
Is working with a Kinesiologist the same as Personal Training? While Personal Training can be beneficial for individuals in terms of providing them with exercise programming and planning, Kinesiologists are able to take a broader approach. We are trained in human movement - not just exercise prescription, but also how to look at each individual as a whole and determine how to maximize results while considering all facets of human health.
What can I expect in terms of planning and progression? After we get a good understanding of your current status and your goals, we provide you with a plan to carry out while we continually provide guidance. In rehab, this may look like activity modification, targeted exercise, or pain management strategies. As you progress, any rehabilitative exercises should start to look and feel like what you're trying to get back to. In training, your exercise program should match your fitness levels and goals, with clear milestones that continue to progress as you do.
How do I get started? To get started, reach out with details of what service you're looking for and we'll get the process going from there. If you're still not sure, we offer free 20 minute consultations to help you decide if we're a good fit.
HomeStretch Active Living:
In-Home and Community Fitness for Seniors
What is HomeStretch? Homestretch Active Living is a program focused on helping older adults stay active, maintain independence, and improve strength, balance, and overall function. Programs are designed to be safe, accessible, and tailored to individual abilities, with a focus on building confidence in movement and supporting long-term health. We offer in-home personal training, as well as community based workshops for seniors in Thunder Bay. If you’re looking for more information about programs, schedules, or how to get started with us, please visit the Homestretch Active Living website.
