As osteopaths, it is common practice for us to prescribe a specific exercise program to assist our patients with their rehabilitation. There are benefits of exercise assist with pain and injury and this article will detail those benefits.
Why does my osteopath prescribe exercises?
These may include stretching and strength based exercises as well as general mobility and cardiovascular exercises such as walking, cycling or swimming.
Each patient will require a program specifically designed for them. Their prescribed exercises will take into account their current pain or injury but is also dependent on other factors including past and current medical history, their age and general health and mobility.
The benefits of Stretch and Strength Exercises
Stretching has been shown to improve flexibility and balance and therefore can reduce the risk of injury related to falls. Stretching following muscular strains plays a role in the how the muscle heals and its ability to regain strength and function. Stretches are therefore prescribed to assist with stiffness, restoring range of motion and as a part of muscle injury recovery.
Strength based exercise can not only be an essential part of recovery from injury but also in injury prevention. Weak muscles can lead to instability, pain and dysfunction. Strength based exercises can be used to improve long term function and stability of joints and to restore muscular strength after injury or surgery. Strength based exercises can also be used for pain relief, in particular for tendon injuries such as with Achilles and Patellar tendon pain.
Exercises and Osteopathy
When providing hands on treatment for your musculoskeletal complaint, whether it be neck and back pain, pain relating to arthritis, hip or knee pain, shoulder, elbow or wrist injuries, as osteopaths we aim to restore full range of motion not only to the area of pain or discomfort but also to those areas that may be having an impact on your area of pain. We also assess for areas of muscular weakness that may be contributing to your pain. For example, weak muscles of the thigh can be a factor in why you have knee or hip pain. Weakness of muscles around the upper back and scapula (shoulder blade) can be related to shoulder pain.
Therefore, exercises to assist with improving and maintaining the range of motion of joints and strength of muscles, in conjunction with evidence based treatment will play an important role in the recovery and prevention of injury.
Where, when and how to do your exercises?
Your osteopath will prescribe your exercise program to include specific instructions on the correct technique, frequency and duration of each exercise. Should you find your exercises difficult or uncomfortable, we encourage you to chat to your osteopath so that modifications can be made to ensure you get the best outcomes. We will review your exercise program regularly as you progress with your recovery.
We understand that life is busy and exercises programs are often forgotten however we encourage you to perform your exercise program. Not doing so can lead to delayed healing and prolonged pain or discomfort.
Many exercises can be performed at home, often with no equipment needed however we do have a range of therabands available for purchase should these be required.
Have a chat to one of our osteopaths today to see how you may benefit from Osteopathic treatment and a tailored exercise program to assist with your pain or injury.
