Introduction to Therapeutic Exercise
Top Contributors - Jess Bell, Wanda van Niekerk and Kim Jackson
Introduction[edit | edit source]
When considering exercise prescription in physiotherapy practice, it is important to understand the difference between therapeutic exercise and general exercise. General exercise is essentially a “work out”. It is exercise for wellness, overall health, appearance, fun, leisure etc.[1]
Therapeutic exercise is specifically for individuals who have a physical problem / impairment, which is often painful.[1]
“Therapeutic exercise is distinguishable from other forms of recreation because it is a purposeful, body-building activity, often prescribed by experts [...], drawing on their knowledge of bodily function to engage in a powerful form of anatomo-politics”.[2]
Rehabilitation professionals must be able to assess, analyse, and determine what is going on to cause a client’s pain or impairment. Exercises are then prescribed in order to address deficits in:[1]
- Mobility / flexibility
- Strength and power
- Neuromuscular control
- Muscular endurance
