Physiotherapy
Therapeutic Exercises
Exercise is one of the important components of physiotherapy. Aerobic exercises (swimming, running, dancing, etc.) not only enhance cardiopulmonary function but also augment our muscular endurance and immune system. However, we are prone to overuse with joint and muscle pain when we overdo the aerobic exercises. Clinically the following therapeutic exercises become important.
1. Strengthening Exercises
The muscles are vulnerable to atrophy or imbalance because of pain or operation. Our joints cannot get enough support from muscles in order to maintain our normal activities of living. Hence, strengthening exercises can increase the muscle power and normalize the muscle imbalance. This results in reduction of pain and normalization of daily life.
2. Stretching Exercises
The muscles and joints, especially chronic conditions, are prone to tightness and stiffness when there is pain. This will trigger a vicious cycle. The more is stiffness, the more is pain. Stretching exercises can prevent or reduce the severity of pain through the reduction of tightness and stiffness.
3. Balance Exercises
Our body balance is well maintained by the sensory system (visual, vestibular and proprioception), the central nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Balance exercises can challenge this big system so as to enhance its recovery, resulting in reduction of falls in elderly and prevention of recurrent injury.