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Exercise Programs for Physical Therapy

Whether used as a method to regain mobility, or as a tool to assist with pain management and healing, physical therapy can provide many benefits to those who use this type of exercise regimen. There are several types of physical therapy programs, often designed to target specific areas of the body, or assist in repairing specific injuries. However, a whole body program can also be used for those wishing to regain body strength.

  1. Start With Core Strength and Breathing

    • Just as with any exercise regimen, physical therapy begins by strengthening the core muscles (those muscles in the abdomen or center of the body) and working on proper breathing technique. This is true regardless of the target zone for your individual physical therapy program.

    Focus On Your Target Area

    • The purpose of physical therapy is often to regain mobility after a stroke or other debilitating illness, or to help repair your body and manage pain after an injury. Therefore physical therapy programs often focus on a specific body part or area of the body. For example, if someone tears the muscle in their shoulder, the ideal exercise program to help recover from this injury should include exercises that focus on the arm, shoulder and upper body to strengthen muscles and increase range of motion.

    Include Additional Equipment

    • While it is important to pace yourself when beginning a physical therapy program to ensure you do not do more harm than good, eventually it may be beneficial to add the use of equipment to your exercise program. Some common equipment can include parallel bars, exercise resistance bands, yoga balls, or low level free weights.

    Know The Difference

    • Physical therapy exercises can also be used in typical exercise programs. However, it is important to note there is a difference between regular exercise and physical therapy. Physical therapy is often used because range of motion or muscle strength has been limited. Therefore many typical exercises are not appropriate for physical therapy. Physical therapy should focus primarily on slow and controlled movements, as opposed to more rigorous activity.

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