Therapeutic exercise involves movement prescribed to correct impairments, restore muscular and skeletal function and/or maintain a state of well-being. It is used to restore neuromusculoskeletal tasks including mobility, flexibility and endurance. The goals of therapeutic exercises include the restoration of movement, improvement of function and strength, improvement in gait and balance, and the prevention and the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness.
Loss of proper muscle and joint function are common effects that can lead to injury and/or be a result of injury. Therefore, it is extremely important that therapeutic exercise be considered as a part of your overall treatment plan. This form of therapy has been shown to be most effective in helping to improve function in more long-term, chronic (symptoms present for at least 3 months) conditions. It also has a role in helping to prevent future recurrences of injury. The ultimate gain of therapeutic exercise is to return an injured patient to a fully functioning, pain-free state.