Exercise Therapy
Therapeutic exercise taught by Physiotherapist involves movement prescribed to correct impairments, restore muscular and skeletal function and/or maintain a state of well-being. Therapeutic exercise by physiotherapist is used to treat or prevent injuries and improve functional outcomes.
Types of exercises
Physio-Therapeutic exercise may include:
- Aerobic and Endurance conditioning and reconditioning
- Agility training
- Body mechanics training
- Breathing exercise
- Co-ordination exercises
- Developmental activities training;
- Movement pattern training;
- Neuromotor development activities training;
- Neuromuscular education or reeducation;
- Perceptual Training
- Range of Motion exercises and Soft tissue releases
- Relaxation exercises
- Strength, power and Endurance exercises.
The most commonly exercises taught by physiotherapist fall into 4 groups
- Strengthening Exercises, usually performed with heavy resistance and fewer repetitions.
- Endurance exercises that engage large muscle groups over a longer period of time, in the area of 50 to 60% VO2Max to achieve greater cardiovascular endurance
- Flexibility exercises achieved through Stretching and movement.
- Balance and Coordination exercises that focus on maintaining an individual’s center of Gravity.
All of these are combinable into exercise programs that work for many different types of patients. Different subtypes of exercises can help to increase effectiveness or allow participation of individuals with special needs based on comorbidities. eg. Aquatic Exercises for Stroke patients with balance difficulties
Physiotherapist basic exercise prescriptions should follow the FITT mnemonic.
F- frequency: number of days per week
I- Intensity: low, moderate or vigorous
T- Time: minutes per session for endurance exercise
T- Type: endurance, strength, flexibility or some combination
Physiotherapy plays an essential role in exercise therapy. Exercise therapy aims to improve or maintain physical function and prevent or manage musculoskeletal injuries or conditions. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function and can provide valuable guidance and support to individuals who require exercise therapy.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS ROLE IN EXERCISE THERAPY?
The physiotherapist’s role in exercise therapy can include:
- Assessment: The physiotherapist can assess the individual’s physical condition, strength, range of motion, and any pain or discomfort they may be experiencing. Based on this assessment, the physiotherapist can develop an exercise program tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Prescription: The physiotherapist can prescribe appropriate exercises to improve the individual’s strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness. These exercises can be tailored to the individual’s specific goals and abilities.
- Instruction: The physiotherapist can instruct the individual on the proper technique and form for each exercise. This can help prevent injury and maximize the benefits of the exercise program.
- Monitoring: The physiotherapist can monitor the individual’s progress and adjust the exercise program as necessary. This can help ensure that the individual is making progress and that the exercise program remains safe and effective.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists can use exercise therapy as part of a rehabilitation program for individuals recovering from an injury or surgery. Exercise therapy can help improve strength, range of motion, and function and can be tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals.
The 5 main benefits of exercise therapy
The systematic implementation of planned physical movements, activities or postures designed to help patients:
(1) lower the risk of injury,
(2) improve function,
(3) repair or prevent and deterioration
(4) improve overall health, and
(5) enhance fitness and well-being