Therapeutic exercise can assist you in regaining mobility and function.
Have you noticed that you aren’t as mobile as you once were and you’re not fully experiencing life like before? Are you looking for a dependable, effective solution? Therapeutic exercise is the answer.
Therapeutic exercises are used to correct physical impairments, restore muscular and skeletal function, and maintain or improve your health and well-being.
How will I benefit from therapeutic exercise?
Many believe resting for a few days or weeks is the overall cure for an injury, and the best path to pain relief. Unfortunately, this approach frequently results in a longer recovery time and may worsen your condition or cause you to sustain another injury.
The good news is that therapeutic exercise can help you recover faster and improve your overall function and fitness. Our physical therapists in Warminster and New Britain, PA are experts in movement and developing therapeutic exercise programs to improve your strength, range of motion, and overall body function.
Common therapeutic exercise programs
Your recovery plan will include a variety of therapeutic exercises that are specifically tailored to your condition and needs. The goal of each activity is to address any impairment you may have (i.e., pain, range of motion deficit, weakness, loss of balance, or cardiovascular deficits).
Range of motion exercises (passive, active assisted, and active)
These exercises are intended to increase joint range of motion as well as soft tissue mobility and flexibility.
Active, passive, or assisted stretching can be used to accomplish this.
Active: An active stretch does not involve the use of any outside force or assistance. For example, a standing forward bend to stretch your hamstrings.
Active assisted: A stretch in which you assist yourself (or are assisted) in moving a limb into a stretched position. For example, while lying on your back, use a strap to help lift your leg and feel a hamstring stretch.
Passive: A stretch that is applied to you with no assistance from you. Usually performed by your physical therapist or a loved one.
These are designed to help your joints and muscles move more freely and without pain.
Progressive resistive exercises (aka strengthening exercises)
These exercises are commonly used in physical therapy and are intended to help muscles recover after an injury or surgery. These exercises are used to safely and effectively strengthen our muscles.
Strength development begins with the ability to move against gravity and progresses to lifting weights or resistance bands. Changes in gravity’s influence (i.e., lying vs. standing), speed, repetitions, or sets are all examples of progressions. The bottom line is to keep progressing by introducing new challenges to the exercise.
Balance training
Balance refers to your ability to evenly distribute your weight and remain upright and steady in a static position (i.e., sitting, standing, kneeling, etc.) or while moving (i.e., transferring positions, walking, running, etc.).
Every activity puts your nervous and musculoskeletal systems to the test. Maintaining your balance is essential when getting up, walking, standing still, brushing your teeth, or preparing a meal.
Balance exercises are an essential component of your overall ability to function and are particularly important for maintaining health after an injury or illness.
Aerobic conditioning
Aerobic exercise is any type of cardiovascular conditioning or “cardio” workout. Aerobic conditioning exercises are designed to increase your heart rate and increase the oxygen in your blood to allow us to keep exercising.
Therapeutic exercises that help improve your aerobic condition can be any exercise that gets your heart rate up. The most common aerobic exercises include activities like:
• Brisk walking
• Hiking
• Running
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Fitness classes (i.e., step aerobics, Zumba, circuit training)
• HIIT (i.e., high-intensity interval training)
• Rock climbing
• Cross country skiing
Say goodbye to your limitations with therapeutic exercise.
Are you ready to live a pain-free and more functional life? Our physical therapists at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy in Warminster or New Britain, PA will design highly effective programs using therapeutic exercise to help you achieve your physical goals.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Enjoy Life Pain-Free!