Therapeutic exercise is among the techniques physical therapists typically employ during rehabilitation of patients. This kind of exercise can help to restore skeletal and muscular function and helps correct impairments to lessen your pain and improve flexibility. Your physical therapist could have other goals in therapeutic exercise to treat your musculoskeletal problems.
The therapeutic exercise can be prescribed for a variety of issues such as postoperative care as well as common orthopedic injuries and the conditions that affect a specific body part or joint or for the purpose of recovering from a sporting injury.
Exercises for therapeutic purposes
There are numerous types of exercise for rehabilitation that physical therapists suggest for patients. We’ll review four in this article. The programs are designed to suit your particular condition and could be altered depending on your general physical fitness. Physical therapists can develop an altered plan during the initial stages of rehabilitation, and then introduce additional aspects as your condition improves.
Let’s have a look at different kinds of therapeutic exercises so you be aware of what to expect when your physical therapist suggests the exercise as part or your therapy program.
Strengthening
Muscles may weaken quickly following an injury or after an operation, and exercise for strength helps rebuild the muscle tissue in specific regions. The pain can make muscles less responsive or get inhibited, which can result in weakness developing.
Exercises for strengthening can be moderate to intense dependent on your fitness level as well as what stage of healing that the patient is at. The exercises for strengthening are referred to as resistance training. This means that you employ bands, weights or even your own body weight to build and increase muscle strength.
Endurance
Endurance training is a term used to describe exercises that are carried out for longer periods and require larger muscle movements in general. It might not be element of the initial therapeutic exercise regimen due to the patient’s physical limitations but it may be added in the future as the patient gains strength and able to handle more exercise.
Exercises for endurance can be performed at home, if your physical therapist suggests them as a part of your overall exercise program. Examples of endurance exercises include walking, swimming or using the stairs instead of an elevator, or aerobics with low impact. Exercises that are endurance-based have an added benefit of enhancing the cardiovascular system.
Balance and coordination
Physical coordination can be difficult during rehabilitation as the muscles of the area affected will likely to be weak. The exercises for rehabilitation do not just help muscles to strengthen, but they also help them learn how to work efficiently. The better the muscles function as a team and are coordinated, the better that body part will function that can allow you to improve your mobility and decrease the likelihood of getting injured again. Balance and coordination exercises work hand-in-hand to improve posture as well as increase joint stability.
Balance exercises could be as easy by standing with one leg for short periods of time, or using equipment such as balls for exercise. Your physical therapist might suggest yoga for beginners to increase the balance and coordination. In some instances, this kind of exercise is described as neuromuscular rehabilitation since it directly impacts the interplay between the muscular and neural systems.
Flexibility
Stretching can be a challenge if you are suffering from stiff joints or muscles. Exercises for flexibility will help you loosen muscles and increase the mobility. These types of exercises are considered low-intensity because they’re controlled, slow movements that are performed in small increments. Exercises for flexibility are typically the last form of exercise in the physical therapy session as it’s better to stretch your muscles when they are at a comfortable temperature.
Therapeutic exercise benefits
The main purpose of therapeutic exercise is to decrease inflammation and pain, and to improve mobility and range of motion when you’ve suffered an injury, are recovering from surgery or suffer from a chronic illness. Each exercise type in the program will improve joint and muscle functioning and encourage overall healing. Involving in exercises during recovery could reduce the risk of suffering a re-injury.
Additionally, therapeutic exercise provides benefits that go beyond a specific orthopedic condition. Many individuals notice improvement in other aspects of their health.
What should you expect in your visit
Once you’ve been prescribed an exercise regimen for therapeutic purposes You will then meet the physical therapist for a review of the program. It is likely that you will start by learning all one of these exercises. Your physical therapist can assist you in the exercises to make sure you are in the correct posture.
When you feel at ease with the exercises and you are comfortable with the movements, you can be asked to complete the exercises by yourself. Don’t hesitate to seek help in case you are uncertain about a workout or if you experience pain or discomfort when you perform a move. Your physical therapist can be in a position to modify the exercise to assist. The ability to perform the exercises on your own is essential because the plan you choose to follow will contain a schedule that you can do at home.
Consistency is the key to building muscles and increasing strength and balance. In most cases, injuries are gradual, and they can take longer to recover. Be sure to follow the instructions of your physical therapist even if you’re at home and not working.