Physiotherapy professionals recommend a therapeutic exercise program in Guelph to treat or improve the patient’s physical function and prevent it from losing it. It also seeks to improve functional abilities and avoid or reduce the disability you may have, besides correcting specific problems or injuries.
A qualified healthcare professional should always prescribe therapeutic exercise programs. In short, therapeutic exercise aims to improve general health and fitness and offer greater well-being.
Why is it done?
Therapeutic exercise is beneficial to achieve injury rehabilitation but also prevents injury, discomfort or dysfunction. This exercise offers the benefits described below:
- Improve patient mobility
- Increases balance to avoid falls
- Avoid loss of function
- Prevents sports-related physical injuries
- Prevent and reduce handicap and disability
- Reduces or eliminates pain
- Restores joint and muscle function
- Improve the general state of health, physical fitness and the feeling of well-being
- Get an acceleration in the recovery of a bodily injury
The patient has a fundamental role in the therapeutic exercise program since their active exercise will bring them significant benefits. These exercises should be reviewed regularly by a physiotherapy specialist.
In this way, you can monitor the evolution, indicating the modifications you consider most appropriate. Finally, highlight the importance of doing the exercises correctly since if it is not done correctly or without the proper dosage, it can lead to complications for the patient.
Preparation for therapeutic exercise
The physiotherapy specialist will examine the patient, allowing him to set a series of objectives to be achieved through an individualized exercise program. Said therapeutic exercises must be adapted to each phase, to the activities and habits of the patient, and to the current state of his injury or ailment.
Communication between the specialist and the patient is vital to understanding how to perform the exercise correctly and its benefits. Also, no special care is required after completing therapeutic training. Therapeutic exercise has multiple varieties and options, so the physiotherapy specialist can find the option that best suits the patient’s needs.
Goals of therapeutic exercise
The therapeutic exercise program in Guelph differs from what most people think about exercise. We refer to a practice designed to correct specific problems when discussing therapeutic exercise. Therapeutic exercise can range from highly selected activities restricted to specific muscles to general and vigorous activities. The most frequently included exercises are – Strengthening exercises, Resistance exercises, Flexibility exercises, and Balance and coordination exercises.
1. Resistance exercises
This therapeutic exercise program is classified into three intensity levels: low, moderate and vigorous. Training three times a week produces significant training effects. However, training five days a week with lower-intensity exercise may be more manageable for some people.With more than five training sessions a week, little additional benefit is seen, but the risk of injury is increased. Intensity refers to the pace at which an activity is performed or the effort required to complete an action or exercise.
How long?
A total of 20-60 minutes of continuous or intermittent aerobic activity should be done daily. The movement can be divided into at least 10-minute sessions throughout the day. The duration of the training depends on the intensity. Beginners must hold the exercise longer (30-60 minutes) to achieve training effects.
For men
Rhythmic and aerobic exercise of medium intensity that involves large muscle groups and requires little skill to perform is recommended for all adults to improve health and FRC. Other practices and sports that require skill to enact or higher levels of physical fitness are recommended for individuals with adequate skill and physical fitness to perform the activity.
2. Strengthening exercises
Strength therapeutic exercise program is for increasing muscle tissue. It consists of graded exercises that involve resistance training. Strength training can be high or moderate intensity. This modality increases overall strength and comes in three forms: isotonic, isometric, and isokinetic.
The isotonic consists of dynamic movements with a constant load. Isokinetic implies a continuous speed with a variable load. Isometric involves a static muscle contraction with no change in muscle length. Resistance training has been recognized as an effective method for improving muscular strength, power, and hypertrophy, which are fundamental components of physical fitness related to quality of life.
Ideally, a therapeutic exercise program in Guelph should be designed to achieve individual health and fitness goals regarding personal health status, function, and the respective physical and social environment.
3. Flexibility exercises
Slow, controlled exercises done gradually (usually in fifteen to thirty-second increments) that help range motion in joints or series of joints. There are three main types: static, dynamic, and PNF.
Static involves holding positions that are effective with little assistance and time. Dynamics involves repetitive bouncing movements that produce muscle stretch over time. PNF involves the alternating contraction and relaxation of agonist/antagonist muscles at specific joints that generally produce the most significant increase in flexibility.
4. Balance and coordination
Optimal balance control in an upright position is essential for sports, daily activities, and injury prevention. Because of this, balance and coordination therapeutic exercise programs in Guelph are standard components that athletic trainers and other healthcare providers use to treat patients with various musculoskeletal conditions.
Despite the efficacy of balance training in improving these outcomes, the exact parameters needed to maximize the benefits of balance training programs still need to be discovered. Participants or patients could progress after having demonstrated consistent mastery of movement. Some evidence suggests that balance is improved when using a progression style based on time or repetitions.
Other therapeutic exercise programs
Therapeutic exercise programs encompass a wide range of exercises. Here are some common types of therapeutic exercise programs:
Range of Motion Exercises – It aims to improve joint mobility and flexibility. They are vital for recovering from surgeries/injuries that may have caused stiffness.
Cardiovascular Conditioning – Cardiovascular exercises (walking, swimming, or stationary cycling) improve heart health, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
Postural Training – Postural exercises aim to correct or improve posture imbalances. They’re relevant for individuals with conditions such as scoliosis or poor posture due to prolonged sitting.
Pain Management Exercises – These exercises alleviate chronic pain and discomfort. They include gentle stretching, controlled movements, and relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension.
Core Strengthening – Core exercises target the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. A strong core is essential for overall stability and can help prevent back pain and improve posture.
Functional Movement Training – These exercises improve the ability to perform everyday tasks and movements. They’re essential for individuals recovering from injuries/surgeries.
Neuromuscular Reeducation – This training program involves exercises that help retrain the nervous system and muscles to work together effectively, which can be especially important after injuries.
Aquatic Therapy – Water-based exercises in a controlled pool environment can provide a low-impact way to improve mobility, strength, and overall fitness, especially for individuals with joint pain.
Functional Task Training – These exercises mimic specific movements that an individual needs to perform daily, helping to improve their ability to function independently
Remember, the specific exercises in a therapeutic program will be determined based on your needs, medical history, current condition, and goals.
Experience the transformative power of personalized care with our therapeutic exercise program in Guelph. Our expert team crafts tailored routines addressing your unique needs, promoting healing and vitality. Whether recovering from an injury, managing pain, or aiming for peak performance, let us guide you toward a healthier, more active life.
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