What Is It?
Exercise/rehabilitation is increasingly being shown by research to be one of the most effective methods of both removing pain and preventing re-occurrence following an injury or medical condition. The key skill is understanding which exercise to do and how frequently or intensely it should be done. Unfortunately, it can be relatively easy to do the wrong exercise or avoid certain exercises due to lack of clarity about how to help yourself in the best way possible.
One of the biggest problems we see as physiotherapists is individuals avoiding certain exercises due to a misplaced fear that it will do more harm than good. Understanding how to exercise and having support around what would work best for your condition is one of the most fundamental things you can do to sustainably improve your musculoskeletal health.
Providing patients with individualised and progressive exercise plans is one of the most crucial skills that physiotherapists possess. It empowers people to help facilitate recovery, manage symptoms and prevent future problems. It is important that you try and complete the exercises you are provided as regularly as possible to help with your recovery. Rehabilitation exercises are not always a quick fix, but if done consistently over weeks and months then they will, in most cases, make a significant difference.
More generally, range of motion and strengthening exercises are important in maintaining function and having longevity throughout life. Increasing research shows resistance training to be one of the keys to maintaining function and independence as we age.
Creating Tailored Programmes
When looking to create a programme, your physio will consider a range of factors including any current and previous injuries/conditions, what equipment or facilities you have available, your goals and how much time you can commit to your programme. From here, they will recommend a course of exercises that they feel will best suit your needs. It is important however that this is a 2-way process and that you discuss any concerns or challenges.
It is vital that whatever is agreed is then completed consistently for you to achieve results and in our experience, this is only possible when we agree together a programme that works for you.
Recent Research
Exercise prescription has been shown to be beneficial by research for a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. For example, a well-devised resistance training programme has a multitude of benefits including increased muscle strength and power, improved mobility and function, preserved independence and performance with daily activities, enhanced resistance to injury, reduced likelihood of falls and can also benefit psychosocial wellbeing.
Some of the old dogma we are used to hearing may make people who suffer with back pain fearful of lifting weights or doing resistance exercise. However current research clearly supports and proves the use of strength and resistance training for this common condition. The skill of a physiotherapist is to ensure you start the rehabilitation, including resistance training, in a controlled and appropriate way for you as an individual. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to exercises, particularly when it comes to specific musculoskeletal pathology. Every individual has different abilities, fears and restrictions. As physiotherapists we need to understand this in collaboration with our patients and create a plan which works for them to give those sustained improvements.
