Thursday, July 3, 2014

Therapeutic Exercise Restores Mobility, Strength And Coordination To Those Suffering With Injury Or Disease

By Rosella Campbell


Physical therapy is a way to rehabilitate patients who have developed impairments in their mobility. It is used to restore a normal range of movement for patients recovering from certain medical conditions, illness or injury. The goal of this kind of therapy is to aid patients recovery by helping them develop flexibility, balance and coordination, and muscular strength. Therapeutic exercise is a mature form of therapy and those living in Boston, MA will find there are a good number of therapists in their locality.

Physical therapists can help patients recover from a range of impairments and can be found in many different environments. These include hospitals, out-patient clinics, fitness centers, research centers, schools, hospices and care homes. Many therapists specialize in a particular branch of physical therapy and practice exclusively in areas such as sports, pediatrics, geriatrics and orthopedics.

When designing a care program, a therapist will begin by examining their patient's medical history and making an assessment of their current capabilities. He or she may also draw upon information provided by lab studies and scans where needed. A care plan will then be designed that is tailored to the specific needs of the patient. As much as possible, the goal is always to restore the patient's physical capacity to normal.

Individual exercises are designed to target a particular part of the body, or particular joints or muscles. The therapist will show the patient how to execute each exercise, and how to do so for maximum benefit. This process involves trial and error, and the therapist will carefully monitor how the patient responds. Each exercise in the program can be altered as necessary or substituted for another depending on the patient's response.

Overall, each program will include exercises to improve flexibility, balance, coordination and strength. Improvements in muscular strength in particular can play a crucial part in a patient's recovery. Those who have lost muscle mass and movement capacity can regain their strength and also their self-confidence.

Balance and coordination exercises are important for restoring balance that can be lost through certain medical conditions. They can also be critical for the elderly who may have difficulty walking and be vulnerable to falls. The aim of these exercises is to improve lower-body strength and also to develop the vestibular system (the part of the inner ear associated with balance and spatial perception).

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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