What Are Therapeutic Exercises?
Therapeutic exercise is a specific program consisting of certain exercises to achieve a few sets of goals. These exercises are done to relieve chronic pain conditions due to underlying musculoskeletal, neurologic, or cardiopulmonary conditions. General health maintenance and overall physical condition are also brought about through these exercises. At least two to three minutes of activity followed by two to three minutes rest minutes of rest for about 15 minutes is a good start for severely disabled individuals. One important thing to remember is the strict routine that has to be followed because endurance and muscle strength will start to decline rapidly after a few weeks of inactivity.
Why Are They Done?
They are done to restore the physiological movements of the affected body parts by improving flexibility and range of motion and reducing pain and swelling. They can help in quicker recovery after an illness or following surgery. The following are considered therapeutic exercises:
-
Strength Training: This training is done to improve muscle mass and improve stamina. It is done two to three times a week to improve muscle strength. It can be high or moderate in intensity.
-
Balance Training: Old people usually pose problems with walking and tend to fall often. It can be seen in certain musculoskeletal and neurological problems like stroke. Hence these problems can be addressed through balance training. It should be done at least 30 minutes every day for four weeks to improve postural control.
-
Range of Motion Exercises: Range of motion exercises are unique to each part. They consist of many exercises that are done in repetitions every day. They help to improve the range of motion and flexibility of the joints.
-
Aerobic Conditioning: Aerobic exercises are done to improve circulation and breathing. They can be done every day for 30 to 40 minutes to improve endurance in training.
What Are the Exercises?
- Upper Limb Exercises:
-
Shoulder Girdle Exercise: Shoulder girdle exercises can be done in four different types they are shoulder joint depression, retraction, protraction, and combined. The patient is asked to lie on the stomach with the arms extended above the head. The patient is asked to pull the shoulder girdle towards the pelvis while keeping the arm extended near the ear. A resistance band can be given to be held in the hands, and stretching it will also help.
-
Shoulder Joint Exercise: The patient is asked to sit on a table or chair, and both hands are placed parallel in the air near the stomach. The patient is asked to slowly raise the arm above the head and behind the back.
-
Elbow Joint Exercises: The patient is asked to sit or stand with the arm near the body and elbow extended. The patient is asked to touch the shoulder with the hand facing forward by bending the elbow.
-
Wrist Joint Exercises: The patient is asked to sit near a bed with the forearm resting on the bed. The palm is faced upwards, the wrist is tilted towards the body, and a weight such as a ball is given in hand. The patient is asked to extend the wrist toward the floor and control the speed while doing it.
2. Lower Limb Exercises:
-
Hip Joint Exercises: Lie flat on the bed at the edge with one leg hanging outside, and the other leg bent on the knee. Now try to lift the hanging leg while lying flat on the floor.
-
Knee Joint Exercises: Lie flat on the bed at the edge with one leg hanging outside and the other leg bent on the knee. Now slowly extend the hanging leg straight so that it aligns in a straight line with the body. Hold for a few seconds and repeat the same in the other leg.
-
Ankle Joint Exercises: Lie on one side, and bend the knee that is facing the ceiling while the other leg is below the bent knee. Try flexing the ankle of the bent leg towards the body like plantar flexion, and then return to the starting position.
3. Trunk Exercises:
-
Muscle Strengthening Exercises: Ask the patient to lie sideways with the hip, knee, and ankle flexed. Both hands are placed above the shoulder level. One arm that is facing downwards is tucked on the nape of the neck, while the other hand is extended out to reach towards the ceiling. Then return back to the original position by bending the spine alone.
-
Mobilizing Exercises: Lie on the floor on the back, and bend the knees with the ankle towards the hip. Keep both hands fixed near the body and the palm facing the floor. Now slowly slide the left hand towards the left ankle allowing the trunk to arch. Repeat the same in the opposite hand and leg.
-
Combined Exercises: Lie on the floor with both hands and legs, or sit like a cow. Curve the back and lower head while doing it, then return to the original position. Make sure that the trunk does not rotate while doing this.
-
Breathing Exercises: Sit straight on a chair and rest the hand on the thigh with the elbows bent. Slowly tilt the head towards the right side while lifting the left hand and extending it above the head towards the right side. While stretching the left arm, remember to inhale deeply, and while bringing the arm back to the resting position, exhale slowly.
-
Facial Exercise: There are many kinds of facial exercises, and some of them are raising eyebrows, wrinkling the forehead, and drawing eyebrows close to each other.
-
Aerobic Exercises: Aerobic exercises involve cycling, jogging, stationary cycling, swimming, and running.
What Are the Benefits of Therapeutic Exercises?
-
They help improve posture.
-
Mobility and locomotion are restored in chronically disabled patients.
-
Coordination and postural control is brought about through these exercises.
-
The respiratory capacity of the individual is also improved.
-
Contracted muscles, fascia, and tendons are relieved through regular exercise.
-
Blood circulation can be improved at the affected site by regular exercise.
-
The rigidity of the muscles and soft tissue can be removed through these exercises.
-
Relaxation is achieved at the end of this therapy.
-
Exercise capacity and stamina are promoted through regular training.
-
Muscle strength and performance are improved.
-
Quicker recovery from injuries.
Conclusion
Therapeutic exercise therapy is an individualized program and one of the easy methods that can be followed by disabled and affected individuals to maintain overall health and for a quicker recovery following surgery or illness. At the end of this therapy, the individual tends to develop a sense of independence. Affected individuals can improve their fitness through regular low-intensity exercise.
