Career Connections^[1]

There are several careers related to the muscular system.

Kinesiologist

Kinesiology is an academic discipline that studies physical activity and its impact on health and quality of life. It includes areas of study such as exercise science, sports management, athletic training, sports medicine, exercise psychology, fitness leadership, physical education, and pre-professional training for physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, and other health-related fields. Kinesiologists are healthcare professionals with a degree in kinesiology or a related discipline. Kinesiologists work in a variety of settings that assist people with pain management, injury prevention, and health promotion through biomechanics.^[2]

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To read more information about kinesiologists, visit the American Kinesiology Association’s website. To learn more about careers in kinesiology, visit the Zippia Kinesiologist Overview web page.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists treat clients by applying pressure to manipulate the body’s soft tissues and joints. Licensed and/or certified massage therapists typically complete a postsecondary education that combines study and experience, although standards and requirements vary by state regulations.^[3]

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Read more information about massage therapy jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s web page on Massage Therapists.

Neurologists

Neurologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. They perform diagnostic testing related to the muscular system, such as electromyograms and muscle biopsies.^[4]

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For additional information about neurologists, visit the American Academy of Neurology’s web page.

Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) use everyday life activities (i.e., occupations) to promote health and well-being for people who have experienced an injury, disease, or condition that makes it difficult to participate in daily activities. This includes any meaningful activity that a person wants to accomplish, such as taking care of themselves and their family members, working, volunteering, or going to school. Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, community centers, health care facilities, and patient’s homes.^[5]

Occupational therapy can help people participate in life activities and provide recommendations for the following^[6]:

• Activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, and eating)
• Adaptive equipment (such as shower chairs or equipment to make daily tasks easier)
• Caregiver and family training
• Planning and making the most of daily routines
• Returning to work, school, and leisure activities
• Techniques to aid in memory, concentration, and executive functioning
• Fall prevention, home safety, and accessibility

To become an occupational therapist (OT), a master’s degree in occupational therapy is required. To become an OTA, an associate’s degree from an accredited OTA program is required and a state-administered national exam must be passed to obtain licensure or certification. OTs evaluate a patient, create an intervention plan to improve their ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals, and determine if outcomes are being met. Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) implement the intervention plan and help patients recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

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Read additional information about occupational therapy on the American Occupational Therapy Association web page. Read more information about occupational therapy jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s web pages on Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides.

Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical Therapists (PTs) are movement experts who improve a person’s quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. PTs examine a person and develop a treatment plan to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They work with people of all ages and abilities and in a variety of settings. They help people rehabilitate from injuries, manage chronic conditions, avoid surgery and prescription drugs, and create healthy habits. To become a licensed PT in the United States, a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree must be earned from an accredited physical therapy education program and a state licensure exam must be passed.7

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs implement components of patient care, obtain data related to the treatments provided, and collaborate with the PT to modify care as necessary. To become a PTA, an associate degree from an accredited PTA program is required and a state-administered national exam must be passed to obtain licensure or certification.^[7]

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To learn more about careers in physical therapy, visit the American Physical Therapy Association. Read more information about physical therapy jobs on the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s web pages on Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides.