Today, the average person often has their fitness or wellness hindered by a medical condition. Safe and efficient exercise training is key to long-term management of medical disorders, be it musculoskeletal such as post-joint replacement surgery or chronic back pain, metabolic such as hypertension and diabetes, neurologic such as post-stroke and multiple sclerosis, or cardiovascular. Exercise does not only manage or prevent medical conditions but also boosts energy levels and your mood and improves your general well-being.
Exercise is medicine. It helps you avoid illness, be healthier and feel happier.
What is Medical Exercise Training (MET)?
Medical Exercise training is the development of safe and effective exercise programs utilizing a protocol-based approach and functional outcome measures for clients with musculoskeletal, metabolic and neurological disorders.
Medical exercise programs are suitable for;
- Joint Replacement surgeries
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic Lower Back Pain
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Bicipital Tendinitis
- Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Disc Herniation
- Lumbar Disorders
- Piriformis Syndrome
- ACL rupture
- Meniscal tear
- Ankle fracture or sprain
- Diabetes and Hypertension
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cerebrovascular accident/ Post Stroke
- Mental Health
- And many more
When designing a medical exercise program, apart from considering the primary factors such as;
- frequency,
- intensity,
- duration,
- number of sets
- total reps,
Other factors such as restorative rest, healing constraints, tissue tolerance, functional outcomes measures, pain, medication, inflammation and motor function are considered.
The combination of exercise and education produces positive outcomes. Incorporating lifestyle management provides the client with education regarding their specific condition, defined wellness strategies and independent exercise guidelines to hasten functional improvement and alleviate pain.
The goal of a Medical Exercise Specialist is to :
- Restore function and address functional deficits so that an individual has enhanced quality of life and enjoys a more active lifestyle
- Reduce pain and limitations resulting from it
- Improve the quality and efficiency of movement
Where medical exercise fits in?
Exercise becomes a primary tool to address functional deficits following the acute and sub-acute phases of injury. A medical exercise program bridges the gap between healthcare and physical fitness by implementing exercises in the correct dosage and ensuring the technique is correct.
Roles of each Healthcare provider in your long-term fitness
Do you need to see a Medical Exercise Specialist?
There are many reasons to see an exercise specialist, but here are some of the common ones:
1. You suffer from chronic pain
Pain lasting longer than three months is considered chronic. Exercises can be prescribed to help manage the pain and improve your quality of life. Through training and education (for example, the Dynamic Back School), you will have the tools to move, lift, push, pull, carry objects, and perform activities safely and efficiently.
2. You are recovering from an injury
A physiotherapist or chiropractor is involved in the initial/ acute phase of injury treatment. They diagnose and treat you during this stage. Following this, you may be referred to a medical exercise specialist who will assist you with your recovery and minimize the risk of you re-injuring yourself.
3. You have a chronic condition
For people living with chronic conditions, for example, osteoarthritis or diabetes1, factors such as medication, the risk of comorbidities and limitations in range of motion need to be considered.
4. You are about to undergo surgery or are recovering from a surgery
Clinical research indicates that preparing the body through a structured exercise program before surgery reduces recovery time. Similarly, following a medical exercise program tailored to you post-surgery ensures optimal recovery, allowing you to return to daily activities in a pain-free state. Joint replacement surgery is a good example; strengthening and activating muscles surrounding the joint pre-surgery provides excellent stability and reduces recovery time. Reducing muscle tightness post-surgery allows more joint mobility and less pain, allowing you to return to your everyday lifestyle quickly. You can have a more active role in your recovery journey through education and exercise.
The Dynamic Back School
One of the most common injuries is lower back pain. A substantial public health concern plagues the world and is estimated to affect 30-80% of the general population worldwide. It is known to limit a person’s activity level and decrease one’s productivity and overall quality of life.
Low back pain (LBP) is the leading reason for lost work hours and worker’s compensation costs. LBP is also one of the most common conditions managed in MET practices.
Lusaka Chiropractic & Wellness has a dedicated programme to assist our clients and give them the best care we can. The Dynamic Back School is an education and exercise program to help you manage a wide range of spinal conditions. The program will educate you on anatomy and spinal biomechanics, fitness and lifestyle changes to help you strengthen your back, alleviate pain and reduce the risk of future lumbar injuries.
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