Exercise rehabilitation may form part of physiotherapy when movement, strength or physical capacity is being developed as part of recovery. The type and level of exercise used should reflect the individual clinical presentation and stage of rehabilitation.
Assessment helps determine which physical qualities may be relevant, what level of activity is currently appropriate and how rehabilitation may be progressed according to the individual presentation.
What exercise rehabilitation may involve
Exercise selection depends on the assessment findings and rehabilitation goals. Where appropriate, this may include movement-based exercise, progressive strengthening and gradual increases in physical demands.
Exercise is progressed according to the clinical presentation, current ability, symptoms and function, as well as the activities the person is working towards, rather than following the same programme for every patient.
Progressing physical capacity
As rehabilitation progresses, exercise may become more demanding so that strength, movement and physical capacity increasingly reflect the requirements of everyday activity, work, gym training or sport.
For some people this may remain relatively simple. For others, rehabilitation may progress towards heavier strengthening, running or more demanding movement according to the clinical presentation and functional progress.
Exercise within physiotherapy
Exercise rehabilitation on this page refers to exercise used clinically as part of physiotherapy. It is separate from ongoing personal training or non-clinical coaching services provided through Coached by Riaan.