Our Words Define Our Scope. Our Outcomes Define Our Value.
Why Medical Exercise Professionals Must Stop Borrowing Healthcare Titles and Start Building Professional Recognition
Folks, we need to have a serious conversation about something that has been bothering me for quite some time.
It involves the words we use to describe ourselves, the services we provide, and the people we serve.
I recently came across another discussion about whether fitness and medical exercise professionals should refer to themselves as therapists, describe their services as therapy, or use terminology traditionally associated with licensed healthcare providers.
This is not a new discussion. In fact, it is one we were having more than three decades ago when we developed the original Medical Exercise Specialist workshop and certification.
I understand why medical exercise professionals want greater recognition. I understand the desire to demonstrate that our knowledge, skills, and services extend far beyond those associated with traditional personal training.
But ...