The Top 6 Reasons Why You NEED To Do Your Physio Exercises!
So we’ve all been there. We’ve developed a new injury, an ache, a pain, a strain, a sprain… you name it, but we’ve all been in pain at some point.
To combat the pain you decide to go see a physio (great choice by the way!) and they provide some hands-on-treatment and give you a list of exercises to be completed.
Then at every follow-up session they again give you hands-on-treatment, but they also ask how your exercises are going. How often you’re doing them, are they hard, any questions, etc. Well, what do you say? I hope that after reading this blog you will feel empowered to say “YES! I’ve done my exercises, and I’m starting to feel so much better already!”.
This blog post is all about the importance of doing your physio exercises, and why they prescribed to you anyway!
Before we go any further, let me introduce myself. My name is Stephen Uhrbach and I am the owner, and lead physical therapist, at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab in Okotoks. Today I wanted to talk to YOU about exercise. At my physio clinic here in Okotoks, I employ not only physiotherapists, but also massage therapists, kinesiologists, and even a personal trainer. Curious why kinesiologists and personal trainers are on our team? Let me fill you in!
what is a kinesiologist?
A kinesiologist is someone who helps people move and exercise in a way that is safe and healthy for them. At MOMENTUM Physical Therapy, located in Okotoks, our kinesiologists all have, at minimum, a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology. This means they have gone to university to better understand how the body moves and works, and how to safely and correctly complete sport and exercises. Our kinesiologists use their knowledge of how the body works to execute the personalized exercise programs, that are created by your physiotherapist, to help people improve their physical abilities, recover from injuries, and prevent future injuries. Kinesiologists work with people of all ages and fitness levels, including athletes, children, seniors, and people with disabilities or chronic conditions.
Why should I do my exercises at the clinic?
Here at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy we believe that it is important to make sure that every one of our clients knows exactly how to perform their exercises when they are doing them at home alone. This is why at every appointment you will be working 1-1 with one of our kinesiologists to go over all of your prescribed exercises.
Even if you are well verses in the world of exercises, it’s important that our kinesiologists provide you with specific knowledge and guidance to help you optimize your exercise routine and achieve your goals more effectively and safely.
Okay, so now that we’ve covered WHY we believe our kinesiologists are so important are you ready for MOMENTUM Physical Therapy’s ‘Top 6 Reasons Why You Need To Do Your Physio Exercises’? Let’s dive into that below!
6 Reasons Why You Need To Do Your Physio Exercises
1. Speed Up Recovery:
Physio exercises are designed to help you recover from injury or surgery more quickly. They can help increase blood flow to the affected area, reduce swelling, and improve your range of motion. When done consistently, they can help speed up the healing process, allowing you to get back to your normal activities sooner.
2. Prevent future injuries:
By doing your physio exercises, you can help prevent future injuries. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve your overall balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of falls or other accidents.
By strengthening the muscles around your joints and improving your overall balance and coordination, physio exercises can help reduce your risk of future injuries. For example, if you have weak ankles, doing exercises to strengthen the muscles around your ankle joint can help prevent sprains or other injuries.
3. Improve Flexibility:
Physio exercises can also help improve your flexibility, which is essential for maintaining good posture, preventing muscle strains, and reducing the risk of developing chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Flexibility is important for maintaining good posture and preventing muscle strains. Physio exercises can help improve your flexibility by stretching and lengthening your muscles. This can help reduce stiffness and improve your overall mobility.
4. Enhance Sports Performance:
If you are an athlete or someone who enjoys sports and physical activities, doing your physio exercises can help enhance your performance. These exercises can help improve your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level, allowing you to perform at your best.
5. Manage Chronic Conditions:
For individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis or back pain, doing physio exercises can help manage symptoms and improve overall function. These exercises can help reduce pain and stiffness, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
These exercises can help reduce pain and stiffness, improve your range of motion, and increase your overall strength and flexibility. By doing these exercises regularly, you can improve your overall function and quality of life.
6. Improve Mental Health:
Exercise is known to have a positive impact on mental health. When you do physio exercises, your body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This can help improve your overall mood and well-being.
In summary, doing physio exercises can help speed up recovery, prevent future injuries, improve flexibility, enhance sports performance, manage chronic conditions, and improve mental health. By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
As a bonus - did you know that most people have extended health benefits that cover the cost of physiotherapy, massage, and kinesiology that they never actually use? That is right - many people have extended health care benefits that will cover their massage therapy. You might be able to access all the benefits that we just covered at no additional cost to you.
If you’re looking for some motivation to do more exercises, need someone to look at an injury, or are wanting a great massage, be sure to come check us out here at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy! You can reach us at 403-982-5600 or by clicking HERE and booking online.
We look forward to seeing you here at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy soon!
So, about that massage…
Here at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy- in Okotoks, our team would be more than thrilled to lend you a hand or two! Give us a call today at 403-982-5600 to get booked in with one of our awesome physiotherapists, massage therapists, or trainers. Or feel free to book your massage online HERE!
We’re here for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does exercise help pain?
Exercise can help alleviate pain by releasing endorphins, improving blood flow, strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and reducing stress. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as one of the physiotherapists at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy, located in Okotoks, before starting an exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your specific condition.
How do I know if I’m exercising correctly?
Ensuring proper form and technique while doing exercises is crucial to achieving optimal results and avoiding injury. Here are some ways to know if you are doing an exercise correctly:
Consult with a professional: Before starting an exercise program, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or certified personal trainer, to ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly. They can demonstrate the proper technique and form, and provide feedback on your performance.
Follow instructions: If you are doing an exercise from a book or video, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Read the description of the exercise and watch any accompanying videos to ensure that you understand the proper form and technique.
Start with light weights or resistance: When starting a new exercise, begin with light weights or resistance to ensure that you can perform the exercise with proper form and technique. As you become more comfortable with the exercise, gradually increase the weight or resistance.
Use a mirror: When doing exercises that involve proper posture, such as squats or deadlifts, use a mirror to check your form. This can help you ensure that your posture is correct and that you are performing the exercise safely.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels during the exercise. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop the exercise and consult with a healthcare professional. Also, be mindful of your breathing, as proper breathing technique can help improve your performance and prevent injury.
Always consult with a health professional, such as one of our MOMENTUM Physios, and follow instructions carefully, start with light weights or resistance, use a mirror, and listen to your body to ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly.
Should exercise be painful?
Exercise can be challenging and uncomfortable, especially when you are just starting out or pushing yourself to your limits. However, exercise should not be painful in the sense that it causes injury or exacerbates existing pain. Here are some things to consider:
Discomfort vs Pain: Discomfort during exercise is normal, such as feeling tired, sweaty, and out of breath. However, pain is not normal and should not be ignored. Pain during exercise can be a sign of injury or overuse, and can lead to further damage if not addressed.
Know Your Limits: It's important to listen to your body and know your limits. If an exercise causes sharp pain or discomfort, stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional. You don't want to push yourself so hard that you risk injuring yourself.
Gradual Progression: It's important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time. This allows your body to adapt to the new demands being placed on it, reducing the risk of injury. If you are just starting out, it's best to begin with lighter weights and lower intensity exercises, and gradually increase as you become more comfortable and confident.
Rest and Recovery: Rest and recovery are just as important as exercise itself. Your body needs time to recover and repair after exercise, so be sure to take rest days and avoid overtraining. Overtraining can lead to fatigue, injury, and other health issues.
Exercise can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it should not be painful in the sense that it causes injury or exacerbates existing pain. It's important to listen to your body, know your limits, gradually progress, and allow for proper rest and recovery. If you experience pain during exercise, stop immediately and consult with a MOMENTUM Physical Therapist.
What are some common injuries That physio can help?
Sprains and strains
Back & neck pain
Arthritis
Tendinitis
Fractures
Sports injuries
Concussions
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist?
No, there is no requirement in Alberta to have a doctor’s referral in order to seek treatment from a Registered Physiotherapist. This means that you can call us here at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy at any time and book in to see one of our experienced physios. It is recommended that you confirm with your extended health benefits providers that no referral is required for reimbursement though as every benefit plan is different.
Meet our Registered physiotherapists:
Meet our Kinesiologists:
Momentum Physical Therapy, located in Okotoks, Alberta, is ‘Here for YOU’.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, have a back injury, or you just want to learn more about how massage therapy and physiotherapy can help heal your pain, don’t delay and call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy today. You can reach registered physiotherapists and massage therapists at MOMENTUM by calling 403-982-5600. We look forward to helping you feel you best again.