Did you know exercise therapy is a proven way to ease physical pain?
If you’re in physical pain, you’re probably reluctant to stay active. But perhaps exercise therapy can be the solution of your pains.
Best defined as a treatment plan of physical activities with the guidance of a professional, our licensed physiotherapist will share with you their knowledge of proper gait training, strengthening and lengthening the muscles to find more stability. An exercise regime is individually tailored to your needs to assist in functional daily movements and maintaining a state of well-being.
Exercise therapy is a type of rehabilitation that can be used independently or with other modalities in physiotherapy. Although there is some effort needed from the patient to stay consistent, the benefits are far worth it.
The 5 main benefits of exercise therapy
A series of planned physical movements, activities or postures designed to help patients:
(1) lower the risk of injury,
(2) improve function,
(3) repair or rehabilitate an injury,
(4) improve overall health, and
(5) enhance fitness and well-being
Exercise therapy can range from activities that target specific muscles or parts of the body to more general and strenuous activities that can help a recovering patient return to daily physical function.
What is the main purpose of exercise therapy?
Avoid effects of inactivity with guided exercises.
Increase flexibility and range of motion.
Strengthen weak supportive muscles.
Enhance your ability in daily activities.
Blood flow to the tense muscles, tendons, and fascia.
Promote lymphatic circulation.
Cardiovascular health.
Enhance your balance and coordination.
Improvements in motor or sensory function.
Prevent further damaging movements.
Reduce other needs of therapeutic interventions.
Improve mental well being
Examples of exercise therapy
Exercising range of motion (passive and active stretches)
Resistance and weight bearing exercises
Balancing movements
Isometric holds
Aerobic exercises
Depending on your physical limitations, the type of exercise in your treatment will vary. Your therapist may begin with range-of-motion activities and progress to restorative exercises until improvements are seen in your functional abilities.
Exercise therapy can be used in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, or intramuscular stimulation. Throughout your sessions, your treatment plan will evolve to achieve the final goal of restoring movement, function, and flexibility.
Have more questions about physiotherapy? Visit our office in Richmond BC or give us an email at hello.rcw@gmail.com