Introduction to

Therapeutic Exercises
Introduction
 Physical therapy “ is the art and science of
treatment by means of heat, cold, light, water,
manual manipulation, electricity, therapeutic
exercise and other physical agents”.
 Physical therapy or physiotherapy is the provision
of services to people and population to develop,
maintain and restore maximum movement and
functional ability throughout the lifespan. It
includes the provision of services in circumstances
where movement and function are threatened by
the process of ageing or that of injury or disease.
 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.
 Therapeutic exercise as the prescription of bodily movement to correct an
impairment, improve musculoskeletal function, or maintain a state of well-
being. It may vary from highly selected activities restricted to specific muscles
or parts of the body, to general and vigorous activities that can return a
convalescing patient to the peak of physical condition.
 Therapeutic exercise seeks to accomplish the following goals:
 Enable ambulation
 Release contracted muscles, tendons, and fascia
 Mobilize joints
 Improve circulation
 Improve respiratory capacity
 Improve coordination
 Reduce rigidity
 Improve balance
 Promote relaxation
 Improve muscle strength
 Improve exercise performance and functional capacity (endurance)
Definition of Therapeutic
exercise

 Therapeutic exercise is the systematic and

planned performance of body
movements or exercises which aims to
improve and restore physical function.
 Exercise is defined as “activity that is
performed or practiced to develop or
improve a specific function or skill to
develop and maintain physical fitness”
 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
Prerequisites For Designing
Exercise Program
 For designing a successful and effective exercise
program the followings should be fulfilled:
 The physical therapist must have knowledge of
anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and pathology
and can integrate and apply this knowledge to
each condition.
 The physical therapist must understand the
different forms of exercises and how these
exercises affect body system.
 The exercise program should be individualized to
the special needs of each patient.
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.
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.
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.
Examination of patient
Assessment
 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.
Examination of patient
Assessment
 3- Goals of treatment: according to
assessment results.
 - Long term goals.
 - Short term goals.
 4- Plan of treatment.