Physical Therapy
October 20th, 2008Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Exercises
By Milos Pesic
The procedures of physical therapy are diverse. Physical therapy combines a variety of methods and techniques. Yet all in all, the process would include lifestyle change, external stimulation, use of assisting devices, and of course – the therapeutic exercise.
Appointing yourself with physical therapy exercises gets you in the hub of physical wellness. Whether to decrease pain or increase movement and function, various physical therapy exercises tender different types of body training that will improve any patient’s physical condition.
As the heart of any physical therapy program, whether clinical or home care, physical therapy exercises shall keep you moving. Plus points with the physical therapy exercises has been earning scores since studies realized that keeping an overworked or injured muscle immobilized to ‘rest’ is a bad idea. In contrast, continuous physical therapy exercises shall assure a patient’s vital recovery. In most cases, failure to use the muscles surrounding an injury or illness can lead to permanent weakness – a big no-no for physical therapy.
Physical therapy exercises are intended to restore strength and endurance, increase range of movement, and also improve balance and coordination. And to increase these effectiveness, physical therapists also use the physical therapy exercises treatment along with external stimulations such as heat, coldness, ultrasound, electricity, infrared or UV light, traction, water, and massage. All are applied externally to a specific area, or internally, in order to relieve pain or reducing swelling.
Another factor to assure the success of the exercise methods is to do it right. As long as properly prescribed, physical therapy exercises are the most effective method for healing sports or accident injuries or restoring basic functions. Another key is to do enough exercises. Physical therapy exercises performed during office visits alone is inadequate. For quick recovery, physical therapists also teach patients how to exercise at home. Here are some examples of home physical therapy exercises:
Sitting Stretch:
Sit on the floor with a towel around one of your outstretched foot (or around the one bent knee). Pull the foot towards your body (or the knee upwards) to feel the stretch. Hold for some seconds. Do alternately, and repetitively and at particular number of times per day.
Standing Wall Push:
Position your body against/ facing a wall with one foot behind slightly lunging. Hold the heel down while gently pushing your hands towards the wall to feel the stretch. Hold for some seconds. Do alternately, and repetitively and at particular number of times per day.
Tightening Legs Over a Ball:
With one knee bent over a ball, straighten the knee by trying to tighten the muscle on your upper thigh. Be sure to keep the bottom of your knee on the ball. Hold for some seconds. Do alternately, and repetitively and at particular number of times per day.
You should note that the repetitions and frequency of the exercises are increased progressively according to the exercise plan or as directed by your PT. Good luck!
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