Exercise Prescription Therapy
Exercise Prescription is commonly used to rehabilitate physical injuries and manage chronic health conditions.
What is exercise prescription therapy?
Exercise Prescription Therapy is a process of assessing, prescribing, directing, and evolving therapeutic exercises. Keep reading for an overview of the Exercise Prescription cycle.
Assessment
You will begin by seeing your physical therapist for a thorough assessment. Together you will discuss your current condition and health goals to determine the best course of action.
Prescription
After your assessment, you will be prescribed specific therapeutic exercises designed to help improve your condition. You will perform these exercises at specific intervals at home.
Direction
You will be directed on how to safely and properly perform your prescribed exercises. Your physiotherapist will also provide education on why these exercises are being chosen for you.
Evolution
Through subsequent in-person or telehealth appointments your physiotherapist will review your progress. Your routine will be adjusted as your mobility and function evolves.
What exercises will I be prescribed?
The amount, type, and volume of exercise you are prescribed will depend on your specific situation.
For example, if you are recovering from surgery you may be prescribed very light exercises. On the other hand, if you are undergoing a work-hardening program your routine may include repeated heavy lifting.
Your first visit will consist of a thorough, hands-on assessment as well as education and exercise guidance.
Will my exercises be difficult?
You may initially experience mild discomfort or fatigue when performing your exercises.
However, your physiotherapist will ensure that your exercises are safe, appropriate, and effective to manage your injury or condition. They will continually monitor and adjust your exercise levels as your recovery progresses.
On subsequent visits, your exercise program will be reviewed and modified as is appropriate.
What is exercise prescription therapy used for?
Exercise Prescription is often used in combination with Manual Therapy to restore function, reduce pain, and generally improve your quality of life.
Our aim is to increase your tolerance to activity through a progressive application of exercise. As such, Exercise Prescription is appropriate for almost anyone who is receiving physiotherapy treatment.
How does exercise prescription therapy help?
Your physiotherapist uses Exercise Prescription to build a recovery routine that combines areas of prevention, immediate care, management, and rehabilitation. Your routine may include:
- Improving flexibility and mobility – e.g. thoracic mobility routine for a swimmer
- Increasing nerve mobility – e.g. nerve glides for a pinched nerve
- Building or restoring strength – e.g. strengthening of upper back and core muscles for an office worker
- Relieving pain – e.g. self-traction for lumbar disc herniation
- Improving balance and proprioception/kinaesthesia – e.g. balancing on one leg after an ankle sprain
- Building cardiovascular capacity – e.g. starting a walking or cycling program after being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease
Your physiotherapist may also augment a pure, exercise-based approach with other hands-on treatments.
Get Started with Exercise Prescription Therapy
Have questions about Exercise Prescription Therapy or any other treatments? Visit the FAQs page or get in touch for help.
