Therapeutic Exercise in Chiropractic Treatment: Types, Goals, Benefits

Therapeutic exercise is defined by DeLateur as bodily movement, which is designed to improve musculoskeletal function, correct impairment and to maintain a sense of well-being. It varies from specific activities which are restricted to certain muscles or parts of the body, to general and energetic activities that restores a recuperating patient to top physical condition. Therapeutic exercise is done to enhance flexibility, increase functional and aerobic capacity along with strengthening.

• Endurance Training- Exercises that help you improve your endurance. Example: Walking, Cycling, Swimming, Running etc. Endurance training can also be performed by non-athletes for general fitness, improved stamina, weight loss etc.
• Resistance Training- This type of exercise is performed using equipments like dumbbells, barbells, your own body weight while performing push-ups, pull-ups, dips etc to increase the tone and size of muscles and strength.
• Flexibility Training- This includes Stretching exercises which in turns helps with range of motion of the body. Regular stretching exercise can go a long way in avoiding getting back pain and other joint related problems.

• Stretching exercises help release of stiff and contracted muscles, fascia, and tendon.
• Improves Body Posture. Poor body posture is cause of back pain among many individuals around the world.
• Improving Blood Circulation- Regular endurance, resistance and stretching exercises improves blood circulation.
• Mobilizing the Joints- This helps in reducing joint pain, improving joint motion and can stimulate synovial fluid.
• Improving Coordination: It is important to have all your body systems work together for a healthy life. Regular exercise helps in achieving this.
• Enhancing Respiratory Capacity- Regular exercise improves lung function and provides body with more oxygen.
• Reducing stiffness/rigidity. Improving muscle stiffness and rigidity will go a long way in eliminating pain complaints.
• Reduces Stress- Regular exercise goes a long way in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Improving body balance- This helps in preventing accidental falls and causing body injuries
• Improving the exercise performance and endurance.
• Enhancing muscle strength. Also try to achieve and maintain maximal voluntary contractile force (MVC).
• Permitting and improving ambulation.
• Keeps Blood Pressure in Check- Regular exercise reduces the build-up of plaque in arteries and improves good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol.
• Promotes Stronger And Healthier Bones and Muscles.
• Helps You Lose Weight- Being overweight is a leading cause for joint pain. Regular therapeutic exercise can go a long way in burning those extra calories and reducing pressure on joints.
• Improves Sleep- Getting a good sleep can be the best stress buster. Regular therapeutic exercise promotes good sleep.

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• Exercises for Psoriatic Arthritis|Therapeutic Exercises|Strength Training & Range of Motion Exercises