Exercise Therapy
Exercise Therapy is an important component of the physiotherapy treatment management plan. It is used in all the stages of injury to improve:
- Mobility
- Stability of the injured area.
- Improve the rate of recovery and prevent compensatory stress on other areas of the body.
The exercises are graded and progressed safely and gradually depending on the diagnosis and the stage of the injury. Exercise Therapy is used in the treatment of:
- Back/Neck and Joint Pain
- Sports Injuries
- Motor Vehicle Injuries
- Work Related Injuries
- Orthopaedics
- Pre & Post Surgical Conditions
Exercise Therapy incorporates the following:
Core stability exercises are used to provide stability to the spine. This will assist you to perform exercises of the upper and lower limbs without compensatory stress to the neck, back and pelvis. We need to stabilize before we move.
Progressive exercise program to improve flexibility, stability of the joints, strength and functional activity. The focus is on starting position, type, intensity, frequency and duration.
Proprioception/Balance exercises to increase body awareness with respect to gait, stairs and activities of daily life. Progress from unstable to stable positions with specific reference to activities related to functional demands of work, recreation and sport.
Our goal is to assist you in regaining functional independence with activities of daily life and lifestyle. A home program is incorporated during all your stages of recovery.
Exercise and fitness are crucial elements of a healthy and active lifestyle. You don’t need to be a gym junkie or a marathon runner – all you need is some motivation, creativity and common sense.
Articles in this section cover general exercise and fitness topics, as well as some specific areas. Check back frequently as new articles are added regularly.
In This Section
How Effective Are Exercise Dvds?
The multi-billion dollar exercise video industry is stronger than ever, thanks to millions of citizens around the world who want to get into better physical shape from the comfort of their homes.
When Exercise Results Are Slow
Despite your best efforts, workout results seem negligible or non-existent. How can that be? After all the time, money and energy devoted to the cause, is that all there is?
Stretching To Improve Flexibility
Stretching is a proven way to improve flexibility or range-of-motion; the amount of movement available in a joint.
Rules Of Gym Etiquette
You have made the big decision, paid your fees and joined a gym, and as such, there are some unspoken rules that you should follow in order that you may fully enjoy working out.
Proper Form In Weight Training
Improper form in weight training can lead to sprains, strains, fractures and other types of injury that can side-line you for some time to come.
Return To Sports After Knee Replacement
The decision to return to sports after a knee replacement is one that should be made in consultation with your surgeon and physiotherapist.
Prepare For a Hiking Weekend
If you lead an inactive life, what better way to break the monotony and spend some time outdoors than on a hiking trip?
Over-Training Injuries
Over-training injuries are those sustained as a result of training too hard and too long, so that muscles are not given sufficient time to recover.
Indoor Climbing
In recent years, indoor climbing has become increasingly popular among sports enthusiasts as a way of simulating outdoor rock-climbing without some of the obvious hazards.
The Importance Of Stretching
Stretching is a part of exercise that is often ignored, by seasoned athletes as well as ordinary people. Eager to begin their workout, they jump right into it without properly stretching.
Exercise Through Injury, The Right Way
Instead of lying on the couch, speak to your physiotherapist about other forms of exercise you can do that will not aggravate your injury and at the same time help you stay fit.
Sports And Physiotherapy – Like Horse And Carriage
Where there are sports there will always be physiotherapy. The reason being that athletes are always being injured, and when this happens they need physiotherapy.
Join A Boot Camp
Does the thought of boot camp conjure up images of a scowling, barking taskmaster dragging you out of bed at 5.00 a.m., regardless of weather, and into the gym?
Exercise With Arthritis
Exercises for arthritis centre around gentle stretching movements, such as are done in Yoga, tai chi and Pilates.
Strength Training Mistakes
Many people join a gym or buy expensive exercise equipment and begin strength training without knowing how to properly lift weights.
Prepare For Your First Half-Marathon
Careful preparation is crucial to accomplishing a half marathon, especially if you are new to exercise.
Cheating In Exercise
When a you cheat in order to make the movements easier, you are only hurting yourself and will regret it later on. Having a physiotherapist can help you avoid cheating and achieve better and faster outcomes.
Preventing Sport Related Injuries
Sports injuries can sideline an athlete for a long time, or even permanently – something no athlete likes to think of.
The Aging Athlete
Some athletes are able to remain competitive well into their 50s, however for them, the risk of injury is always imminent.
Exercising With A Knee Replacement
Having a knee replacement does not mean that you have to stop exercising. All it means is that you are going to take certain precautions until your knee is pain free and full range of motion is restored.
Active Isolated Stretching
Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is a revolutionary form of stretching which gives you strong and flexible muscles without the soreness.
Football Injuries
Many football injuries involve the knees, ankles, shins and the groin. While not life-threatening, these may lead to serious fatal conditions.
Fitness For Children
Childhood obesity carries with it the risk of diabetes, asthma, sleep problems, lack of energy and frequent injuries, all of which can result in poor school performance.
Fitness For Seniors
Being senior does not mean you have to put up with an inferior quality of life. With professional help and discipline you can reverse some of the symptoms you are experiencing.
Core Strength Development For Perfomance
Strong core muscles can certainly improve one’s appearance in addition to enhancing your performance on the sports field and in the workplace.
Improving Fitness While Injured
Exercising correctly while injured could not only speed recovery, but can also improve your fitness level.