Exercise Therapy
Exercise Therapy is the prescription of specific, individual exercises towards achieving an optimal level of symptom-free movement during basic to complex activities. As body specialists, Physical Therapists have advanced knowledge in assessing and treating proper movement. We integrate and apply our knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, and behavioural sciences through the course of a patient’s treatment, from intake to discharge. Exercises are specific to the nature and stage of injury, as well as the needs and goals of the patient.
Exercise Therapy is appropriate for most patients and clients. Often patients will present with a specific impairment or dysfunction. However clients also seek physical therapy services for injury prevention and sport/leisure performance.
The cornerstone of an effective exercise therapy program is core stabilization. The function of local stabilizing muscles is disrupted with the onset of inflammation. A patient must learn how to initiate the contraction of these muscles, and then must learn to recruit these muscles as part of a functional movement pattern. Through the course of the treatment program, strength, endurance, flexibility and motor control are progressed towards required function in sport, work, and every day activities.
Improvements in movement patterns are only possible with frequent performance of an Exercise Therapy program. As such, exercises are guided and reinforced for home use. Patient handouts using PhysioTools exercise software also facilitate proper exercise technique.
Exercises prescribed by the Physical Therapists at Royal Centre Physiotherapy incorporate a variety of techniques to motivate their clients. Yoga, Pilates, Swiss Balls, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), Wall Pulleys, Dumbbells, Thera-band, and Stabilization Equipment (Foam Rollers, Wobble Boards, Bosu Ball, Rebounder, and many others) are often used. Variety in movement is a fundamental component in recovery and avoiding future injury.