Assessment: Before prescribing exercise, a physiotherapist assesses the patient’s condition, including their medical history, current physical status, limitations, and goals. The assessment helps in developing a personalized exercise program.

Goal-Oriented: Exercise therapy is designed to achieve specific goals. These goals can range from pain reduction and increased range of motion to muscle strengthening, balance improvement, and overall functional enhancement.

Types of Exercises: Exercise therapy encompasses a variety of exercises, including:

Stretching exercises: To improve flexibility and range of motion.

Strengthening exercises: To build muscle strength and endurance.

Cardiovascular exercises: To improve cardiovascular fitness.

Balance and coordination exercises: To enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Functional exercises: To replicate and improve everyday activities and movements.

Progressive Loading: The exercises are often designed with a progressive loading principle, where the intensity and difficulty gradually increase as the patient’s abilities and strength improve.

Home Exercise Programs: In addition to in-clinic exercises, patients are often given home exercise programs to continue their rehabilitation and make progress between physiotherapy sessions.

Conditions Treated: Exercise therapy can benefit a wide range of conditions, including orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, cardiac rehabilitation, respiratory conditions, chronic pain management, and sports injuries.

Pain Management: Exercise therapy can be effective in managing pain, especially for conditions like chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis.

Preventive Care: It is also used in preventive care to reduce the risk of injuries and promote overall physical fitness.

Patient Education: A significant part of exercise therapy is educating patients about their condition, the importance of exercises, and proper techniques to prevent injury during exercises.

Monitoring and Progress: A physiotherapist monitors the patient’s progress and adjusts the exercise program as needed to ensure it remains effective.

Motivation and Compliance: Physiotherapists play a crucial role in motivating patients to adhere to their exercise programs, which is vital for achieving desired outcomes.

Exercise therapy is a versatile and essential part of rehabilitation and can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other physiotherapy modalities, such as manual therapy and electrotherapy. It is a well-established and evidence-based approach that has shown positive results in improving function, reducing pain, and enhancing the quality of life for many individuals