Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists Physical Therapy

Exercise Therapy - Movement Matters

Physical therapy exercises are often an essential part of a rehabilitation program. At Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists, our team considers the patient's specific condition and physical capabilities when recommending exercise regimens. The exercise schedule is regularly modified to optimize outcomes while respecting the patient's abilities. Our therapists provide gentle encouragement and allow patients to work at their own pace and tolerance levels.

Types of Physical Therapy Exercises:

1. Balance Exercises

Balance problems can result from age or injury, but physical therapy can help improve or correct them. These exercises focus on strengthening leg muscles, conditioning knee joints, and ankles. Due to the risk of falling, it's recommended to perform balancing exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist or with appropriate assistance or support.

2. Stretching Exercises

Patients with limited range of motion or flexibility benefit from stretching exercises. These exercises help recondition muscles that may have contracted due to injury or trauma. Regular stretching keeps muscles loose, maintains flexibility, and reduces the chances of re-injury or loss of motion.

3. Endurance Exercises

Prolonged physical inactivity can lead to reduced endurance. Whether it's due to a sedentary lifestyle, surgery recovery, or being bedridden, endurance exercises can improve cardiovascular performance and condition muscles to minimize rapid fatigue. Activities like walking, stationary cycling, or calisthenics can help improve physical stamina.

4. Strengthening Exercises

Muscle strength can diminish with age, injury, or surgery, but proper exercise can improve it. Strengthening exercises enhance balance, mobility, and overall quality of life. These exercises can involve simple movements like toe raises, leg lifts, and arm rotations. Physical therapists may recommend the use of resistance bands, light weights, or other implements for advanced strengthening.

5. Post-Surgery Exercises

After surgery, patients often experience pain, muscle contractions, and stiffness. Physical therapy helps alleviate these issues by gradually adjusting physical conditioning. Post-surgery exercises typically include cardiovascular conditioning, stretching, and balance exercises. While some reactions to surgery are normal, pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving are not expected to be permanent complications.

Exercise to Prevent Reinjury

Our team at ORS PT will provide guidance on maintaining good health after treatment and preventing reinjury. Consistent and modest ongoing exercise can help maintain range of motion in previously affected areas, promoting a reasonable level of functionality.