If you’re like most people, you probably think of exercise as a way to get in shape or lose weight. But what if we told you that exercise could also help relieve pain? It’s true! Exercise therapy is a proven way to ease physical pain.

If you’re in physical pain, you’re probably eager to do anything to make it go away. You may have heard of exercise therapy as a possible solution, but what is it exactly?

Exercise therapy is best defined as a treatment plan of physical activities through gait training, neuro reeducation, and therapeutic activities. This exercise regime is designed and prescribed to assist patients in recovering from diseases and conditions that interfere with their movement, daily activities or maintaining a state of well-being.

Exercise therapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses physical activity to help treat injuries or conditions. It can be used independently or with other treatments like medication or surgery.

Although exercise therapy can be challenging, the benefits are worth it! Keep reading to learn more about this vital treatment option.

The 5 main benefits of exercise therapy

The systematic implementation of planned physical movements, activities or postures designed to help patients:

(1) lower the risk of injury,

(2) improve function,

(3) repair or prevent deterioration,

(4) improve overall health, and

(5) enhance fitness and well-being

Exercise therapy can range from activities that target specific muscles or parts of the body to more general and strenuous activities that can help a recovering patient return to peak physical condition. It is highly repetitive and intensive, and encouraging neuroplasticity takes time and commitment on the part of the patients.

What is the main purpose of exercise therapy?

• Encourage activity while reducing the effects of inactivity, resulting in increased independence.
• Extend your normal range of motion.
• Strengthen the weak muscles.
• Enhance your performance in daily activities.
• Allow for ambulation.
• Relax the tense muscles, tendons, and fascia.
• Increase your circulation.
• Increase your respiratory capacity.
• Enhance your coordination.
• Reduce your rigidity.
• Improve your balance.
• Relaxation should be encouraged.
• Improvements in motor or sensory function.
• Medication reduction, fewer hospital visits, and improved overall health

The main purpose of exercise therapy is to achieve an optimal level of physical fitness after the intervention. Physical fitness is a state characterised by solid muscle strength and endurance.

What type of therapy is exercise?

Exercise therapy consists of movements and physical activities that are used to increase strength, function, and reduce discomfort. Your physiotherapist may include exercise therapy in your treatment plan if you are having physiotherapy for an accident or a persistent condition.

The goal of your exercise therapy treatment plan is to strengthen the muscles and muscle groups that are not affected by your condition while protecting the damaged muscles.

In addition, regular physical activity and exercise can help you live longer and healthier lives by reducing your risks for certain types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, anxiety disorders, arthritis, back pain, and even dementia.

Examples of exercise therapy

• Exercising range of motion (passive, assisted-active and active)
• Exercising with increasing resistance
• Balance exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Conditioning through aerobic exercise