Therapeutic Exercise
What is therapeutic exercise?
Therapeutic exercise is prescribed physical activity used to treat and/or prevent injuries and improve functional outcomes. For most patients, an exercise program includes aerobic activity, resistance training, flexibility, and neuromuscular training. Therapeutic exercises are used to correct impairments, imbalances, restore muscular and skeletal function, and maintain optimal well-being. Taking things a step further, specific occupations or sports require functional training, such as agility or repetitive movements. Traditionally, therapeutic exercise is practiced by physical therapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and chiropractors.
Who needs Therapeutic Exercise?
Exercise is indicated for all non-acutely ill adults and children up to their level of ability. It is a well-established fact that exercise has many benefits and can target certain musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis, patellofemoral disorder, and risk of falls, and can help with recovery from illness.
How is therapeutic exercise different from working with a personal trainer?
Many patients hear the word exercise and think about going to the gym. A personal trainer is a certified fitness professional responsible for helping individuals achieve their fitness goals: weight loss, muscle strength, or enhancing athletic performance. Personal trainers primarily work with healthy individuals or those who aspire to get in better shape.
At National Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation our fitness professionals provide therapeutic exercises and strive to transition you from rehabilitation to get back to daily activities. The basics that a patient is taught will translate into every aspect of their lives. From posture exercises to core strengthening and stabilization of the joints, the patient is taught to apply these skills to their daily lives. Once they have “graduated” to maintenance care (completed their care plan), patients can expect to be able to get back to their regular workouts, with appropriate ramp up. The road to health is a continuum, with many health professionals working together for the best results!
Why would my Chiropractor prescribe exercises?
Dr. Felicia is of the strong opinion that muscles, bones, and nerves work together! Her background in athletic training helped her to develop a functional whole-body approach to treatment. In order to change or affect one system of the body, other systems must be considered. For example: a “tight” or hypertonic piriformis muscle, which connects into the pelvis, can cause low back pain, and sciatic symptoms. To address the imbalance of the pelvis caused by this tight muscle, the piriformis needs to be relaxed before the subluxation (imbalance) can be addressed. The therapeutic exercises that Dr. Felicia prescribes are lifelong tools for helping to manage pain and chronic conditions. Whether you are in pain, or just looking to live a better life, come see a chiropractor today!
