therapeutic exercise

1. Introduction to
Therapeutic
Exercises

2. Therapeutic exercise
‫د‬
.
‫صالح‬ ‫طاهر‬
Electrotherapy
‫د‬
.
‫شلبية‬ ‫حامد‬

4. Objectives
1- Define Therapeutic Exercises
2- Identify the principles of Therapeutic Exercises
3- Report the aims of Therapeutic Exercises.
4- Justify, and proper importance of Therapeutic Exercises.
5- Formulate the Prerequisites For Designing Exercise Program
6- Enumerate the classification of Therapeutic Exercises

5. INTRODUCTION
Physical therapy “ is the art and science of
treatment by means of heat, cold, water,
manual manipulation, electricity, therapeutic
exercise and other physical agents.
Physical therapy or physiotherapy is the
provision of services to population to develop,
maintain and restore maximum movement and
functional ability throughout the lifespan.

6. Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a part of practice medicine
involves treating disease and injury with
different modalities. The use of Therapeutic
exercise in treatment is an important part of
physical therapy.

7. Therapeutic exercise is an essential and
important part of the practice of physical therapy.
One of the most difficult tasks for any physical
therapists is to design and apply an exercise
program. Exercise presents both benefits and risks.
This balance can be easily achieved towards the
benefit side of the equation with the optimal
exercise prescription.

8. Definition:
Therapeutic Exercise
The systematic performance of planned physical
movements, postures, or activities intended to enable the
patient/client to:
 correct or prevent impairments
 Enhance function
 Reduce risk
 Optimize overall health
 Enhance fitness and well-being
The ultimate goal of any therapeutic exercise
program is achievement of optimal level of symptoms
free movement and improvement of function.

9. Importance of Therapeutic Exercises
To improve and restore physical function.
To enhance a patient’s functional capabilities
and prevent loss of function.
To prevent and decrease impairment
and disability
To optimize overall health status, fitness and sense of
well-being

10. Aims of Therapeutic Exercise:
1. The ultimate goal of a therapeutic exercise program
is the achievement of an optimal level of symptoms
free movement during basic to complex physical
activities.
2. To improve and restore physical function.
3. To prevent loss of function.
4. To enhance a patient’s functional capabilities.
5. To prevent and decrease impairment and disability
6. To improve overall health status, fitness and sense of
well-being

11. The positive effect of therapeutic exercise
include the development, improvement,
restoration, or maintenance of normal range
of motion, strength, endurance, mobility,
stability and flexibility.
One of the most difficult tasks for a physical
therapists is to design and apply an exercise
program

12. Prerequisites For Designing Exercise Program
For designing a successful and effective exercise
program the followings should be fulfilled:
• 1. The physical therapist must have knowledge of
anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and
pathology and can integrate and apply this knowledge to
each condition.
• 2. The physical therapist must understand the different
forms of exercises and how these exercises affect body
system.
• 3. The exercise program should be individualized to the
special needs of each patient.

13. Steps For Designing Exercise Program
1. Start with comprehensive examination of the patient.
2. Determine the patient’s problems and functional disabilities.
3. Set the aims and objectives of the treatment program.
4. Select the proper exercise program that can solve the
patient’s problems and improve functional capabilities.
5. Periodic re-evaluation and examination of the patients should
be carried out weekly or monthly depending on the program.
6. Modifications of the program should be made to achieve the
optimal degree of improvement according to the results of
the re-evaluation,
7. The purpose and goal of the exercise program should be
clearly identified to the patient.

14. Classification of Therapeutic Exercises
• Therapeutic exercises are classified according to the aim and
purpose of the exercises into many types:
1. Range of motion exercises which aim to maintain and increase
range of motion as traditional ROM exercises (passive, active and
active assisted ROM exercises) and techniques of joint mobilization
and soft tissue stretching.
2. Muscle performance exercises to increase muscle strength, power
and endurance as resisted exercises and endurance exercises.
3. Postural exercises to improve posture and correct faulty posture.
4. Balance and coordination exercises to improve balance and
coordination.
5. Relaxation exercises to induce relaxation.
6. Area specific exercises as breathing exercises and circulatory
exercises.

15. Examination of patient Assessment
Assessment includes:
1- subjective information:
- name, age, sex, address, occupation,
diagnosis.
- How the patient perceive his symptoms.
- Describe the behavior of the symptoms.
- Related History of any previous medical or
surgical history.

16. 2- Objective data:
- By Inspection (observation).
- By palpation.
- By measurement:
Muscle palpation, muscle testing,
functional ability, ROM, round and
long measurement, muscle tone,
special tests.

17. • Goals of treatment:
according to assessment results.
- Long term goals.
- Short term goals.
• Plan of treatment.

18. Common Physical Impairments managed with
Therapeutic Exercise

19. • Musculoskeletal
■ Pain
■ Muscle weakness
■ Decreased muscular endurance
■ Limited range of motion due to:
- Restriction of the joint capsule
- Restriction of periarticular connective tissue
- Decreased muscle length
■ Joint hypermobility
■ Faulty posture
■ Muscle length/strength imbalances

20. • Neuromuscular
■ Pain
■ Impaired balance, postural stability
■ Incoordination
■ Delayed motor development
■ Abnormal tone (hypotonia, hypertonia,
dystonia)
■ Ineffective functional movement strategies

21. • Cardiovascular/Pulmonary
■ Decreased aerobic capacity (cardiopulmonary
endurance)
■ Impaired circulation (lymphatic, venous, arterial)
■ Pain with sustained physical activity (intermittent
claudication)
• Integumentary
■ Skin hypomobility (e.g., immobile or adherent
scarring)