Introduction to
Therapeutic Exercises
Mazyad Alotaibi
Introduction
• Physical therapy “ is the art and science of treatment
by means of heat, cold, light, water, manual
manipulation, electricity, therapeutic exercise and
other physical agents”.
• Physical therapy or physiotherapy is the provision of
services to people and population to develop,
maintain and restore maximum movement and
functional ability throughout the lifespan. It includes
the provision of services in circumstances where
movement and function are threatened by the process
of ageing or that of injury or disease.
• Therapeutic exercise is an essential and important
part of the practice of physical therapy. One of the
most difficult tasks for any physical therapists is
to design and apply an exercise program. Exercise
presents both benefits and risks. This balance can
be easily achieved towards the benefit side of the
equation with the optimal exercise prescription.
Therapeutic exercise as the prescription of bodily movement to correct an
impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of wellbeing. It may vary from highly selected activities restricted to specific
muscles or parts of the body, to general and vigorous activities that can
return a convalescing patient to the peak of physical condition.
Therapeutic exercise seeks to accomplish the following goals:
• Enable ambulation
• Release contracted muscles, tendons, and fascia
• Mobilize joints
• Improve circulation
• Improve respiratory capacity
• Improve coordination
• Reduce rigidity
• Improve balance
• Promote relaxation
• Improve muscle strength
• Improve exercise performance and functional capacity (endurance)
Definition of Therapeutic exercise
Therapeutic exercise is the systematic and planned
performance of body movements or exercises
which aims to improve and restore physical
function.
Exercise is defined as “activity that is performed or
practiced to develop or improve a specific function
or skill to develop and maintain physical fitness”
Aims of Therapeutic Exercise
1. The ultimate goal of a therapeutic exercise program is
the achievement of an optimal level of symptoms free
movement during basic to complex physical activities.
2. To improve and restore physical function.
3. To prevent loss of function.
4. To enhance a patient’s functional capabilities.
5. To prevent and decrease impairment and disability
6. To improve overall health status, fitness and sense of
well-being
Prerequisites For Designing Exercise
Program
For designing a successful and effective exercise program
the followings should be fulfilled:
1. The physical therapist must have knowledge of
anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology and
can integrate and apply this knowledge to each
condition.
2. The physical therapist must understand the different
forms of exercises and how these exercises affect body
system.
3. The exercise program should be individualized to the
special needs of each patient.
Steps For Designing Exercise
Program
1. Start with comprehensive examination of the patient.
2. Determine the patient’s problems and functional disabilities.
3. Set the aims and objectives of the treatment program.
4. Select the proper exercise program that can solve the patient’s
problems and improve functional capabilities.
5. Periodic re-evaluation and examination of the patients should
be carried out weekly or monthly depending on the program.
6. Modifications of the program should be made to achieve the
optimal degree of improvement according to the results of the
re-evaluation,
7. The purpose and goal of the exercise program should be
clearly identified to the patient.
Classification of Therapeutic
Exercises
Therapeutic exercises are classified according to the aim and purpose
of the exercises into many types:
1. Range of motion exercises which aim to maintain and increase range
of motion as traditional ROM exercises (passive, active and active
assisted ROM exercises) and techniques of joint mobilization and
soft tissue stretching.
2. Muscle performance exercises to increase muscle strength, power
and endurance as resisted exercises and endurance exercises.
3. Postural exercises to improve posture and correct faulty posture.
4. Balance and coordination exercises to improve balance and
coordination.
5. Relaxation exercises to induce relaxation.
6. Area specific exercises as breathing exercises and circulatory
exercises.
Examination of patient
Assessment
Assessment includes:
1- subjective information:
- Name, age, sex, address, occupation, diagnosis.
- How the patient perceive his symptoms.
- Describe the behavior of the symptoms.
- Related History of any previous medical or surgical
history.
Examination of patient
Assessment
2- Objective data:
- By Inspection (observation).
- By palpation.
- By measurement:
Muscle palpation, muscle testing,
functional ability, ROM, round and long
measurement, muscle tone, special tests.
Examination of patient
Assessment
3- Goals of treatment: according to assessment
results.
- Long term goals.
- Short term goals.
4- Plan of treatment.