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02 July 2014

How Therapeutic Exercise Can Restore Strength, Balance And Mobility To Those Recovering From Injury Or Disease

By Rosella Campbell


Physical therapy involves specialized movements designed to remedy impairments in the body's mobility. It is used to help people recovering from health conditions, illnesses and injuries that limit their ability to function in their daily lives. The aim of this type of therapy is to help patients build strength, mobility, balance and coordination. Therapeutic exercise is a very well established modality and residents of Boston, MA have an excellent choice of practitioners to choose from.

Physical therapists help patients with a variety of impairments and work in a number of health-related environments. They can be found in hospitals, fitness centers, schools, care homes, hospices, and other establishments where rehabilitation care is undertaken. Many choose to specialize in particular areas such as sports injury, senior care, child care and orthopedics.

When beginning a program of care, the therapist will assess the patient's present condition. He or she will also look at the patient's medical details and any additional information provided by scans and lab tests if need be. He or she will then create a care program to address the patient's specific requirements.

The exercises contained within the program will aim to work particular muscle groups, joints or limbs. The patient will be instructed on how to perform the exercises in order to get the most from them. This process may require some adjustment since patients may find some exercises easier than others. The patient will be monitored and exercises changed or modified as needed.

In essence, the program that is prescribed will incorporate exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, or a combination of these. Strength training in particular can be of critical importance when patients have suffered muscle loss through inactivity. It can also play an important role in restoring confidence when patients have lost physical capacity.

Balance and coordination drills are essential for restoring lost balance that can result from certain illnesses. They are also of great help for mobility-impaired elderly patients who are at risk of falling. The aim here, is to develop lower-body strength and also the vestibular system (the area of the inner ear that controls spatial perception and balance).

Flexibility exercises can help patients restore the suppleness of their joints and their range of motion. They are also an important safeguard against potential future injuries. Most of these exercises involve stretching, and many are very easy to perform without equipment. In addition, many stretching exercises are emotionally satisfying to perform and engender a sense of well-being.

This is a critical component of exercise and bodily movement in the broadest sense. Those who have suffered with injury or disease often suffer a dent to their confidence and sense of personal efficacy. By beginning to move again and use their bodies constructively, many experience a boost in their mood and self-confidence. This psychological and emotional improvement can help tremendously in aiding patients make a speedy and full recovery.




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