Exercise prescription is an integral part of physiotherapy rehabilitation programs. Exercise is essential to recovery from sports injuries, following surgery, after an acute trauma such as a fall or fracture, in the management of acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain and headaches and in the treatment of long term conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
Exercise helps to increase energy, improve flexibility and range of motion, increase muscular strength and endurance and restore correct muscle balance and movement thereby reducing pain.
Physiotherapists are passionate about encouraging our patients to lead healthy and active lifestyles incorporating exercise into their daily routine. As health professionals with years of training in movement, biomechanics, kinesiology, anatomy and with a detailed knowledge of musculoskeletal conditions and their appropriate management, physiotherapists are world leaders in the area of prescribing and supervising exercise programs for our patients.
Before prescribing exercises, physiotherapists perform a comprehensive subjective and physical examination. The result of an in-depth clinical assessment helps the physiotherapist to choose the most appropriate form of exercise.
Physiotherapists use therapeutic exercise as a treatment to help in the healing process of musculoskeletal conditions in a multitude of ways including stretching, strengthening and balance restoration. Most exercise is given in the form of a home exercise program intended to improve the rate of healing and as a way to prevent re-injury. Physiotherapists will demonstrate and then watch our patients perform all the prescribed exercises so correct technique is ensured and the exercise program is reviewed and updated at regular intervals as the patient’s physical condition improves.
