Role of exercise therapy in Physiotherapy management

Exercise therapy or increased Physical activity has so many benefits in general population and some of them are it controls weight, reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, some type of cancers, it helps to strengthen the muscles and bones, reduces the risk of falls and improves mental health and well being.

 Exercise is one of the most important part of treatment in Physiotherapy. Exercise therapy is used in patients with various musculoskeletal conditions, neurological conditions and cardio respiratory conditions. There are different types of exercise and some of them are specific to the phase of healing or the intensity of problem or symptoms. Some times the exercise is carried out in the water, utilizing the properties of water and it is called as hydrotherapy.  It is also proven that exercise is good for improved pain control. Some of the other benefits of exercise in therapy are increased flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance (Aerobic exercises), joint sensation (proprioception exercises), balance and postural re education or correction. Exercise also improves your general health and mobility.

Your Physiotherapist will be able to prescribe you the right kind of exercises depending on your problem and goals. Certain kind of exercises are initially done with your Physiotherapist’s supervision especially in the acute phase. Your physiotherapist will prescribe home exercise programme after the assessment based on your problems. Always make sure that you follow the instructions correctly while performing the exercise. Too little exercise is not beneficial where as too much can some times aggravate the problem. It is quite normal to feel mild pain while performing the exercise, but if the pain gets worse or stays for longer periods of time stop the exercise and make an appointment with your Physiotherapist the next day. Your Physio can review the exercise with you to see if you need any correction in how you perform the exercise or to modify the exercise if needed.

Exercise Therapy is very important in all the 3 Phases of your treatment, they are the reduction of the problem, recovery of function and maintenance of the reduction.