While it’s outside of the scope of my practice as a sports physio to prescribe medication, as rehabilitation and pain specialists, physiotherapists regularly prescribe exercise to maximise recovery for our patients.
But why do physiotherapists do that? Aren’t they supposed to take care of everything during the consultation at the clinic?
Compliance with home exercises throughout a patient’s rehab is one of the most important indicators of rehab success. Many patients find it hard to stay consistent with a home exercise program because of their work, family, and school commitments.
But now that we’re all at home, there’s plenty of time to make sure we’re all doing what we need to in order to recover from those injuries.
Why are home exercises so important?
Creating a bespoke home exercise program (HEP) to patients is one of the fundamental aspects of great physiotherapy. Research has shown that patients who follow their prescribed exercises are significantly better at achieving their goals and demonstrate a greater increase in physical function.1
Exercise at home is designed by your physio to continue the progress made at the clinic. By working on things like increasing your flexibility and stamina at home, home exercise programs allow you to increase function and improve muscle memory so that progress is actually gained instead of lost between visits.
To recover from an injury, developing an exercise routine is one of the most important things you can do.
Here are just a few reasons why sticking to your physio created HEP is important:
- Home exercises are specifically designed to improve muscle memory
- Research shows that patients who comply with their HEP are more likely to reach their rehab goals like pain reduction and physical movement
- Home exercises can be the beginning of a new active lifestyle
- Home exercise compliance helps prevent recurring injury and flare-ups
How often do you do your homework?
If you answered rarely, you’re like most Australians. Research shows that up to 65% of people don’t complete their home exercise programs! Instead of detention though, it could be long term pain or lack of movement you’re risking.
While our in-clinic treatment is designed to decrease pain and improve mobility, without strengthening or improving flexibility consistently, your condition won’t improve.
Your Fixio home exercise program is personalised for your needs
When our Fixio physiotherapists implement a home exercise program for you, the exercises are tailored to each individual. Even when two people have the same injury, the requirements of each person’s body is different and is influenced by their individual history.
For example, two people with the same rotator cuff injury may not have the same HEP due to a previous injury or muscular impairment. Individual history like this dictates the type of exercises– whether they are stretches, strength training or endurance training.
With a personalised approach, patients enjoy quicker recovery times and reduced chances of recurrence. As you gradually recover, your Fixio physio will assess your HEP and increase or change your program with your tolerance, so that your pain does not increase.
At Fixio Physiotherapy, your sports physio or musculoskeletal physio will work closely with you to provide a repeatable, realistic and trackable home exercise program. Whether you want to spend 10 minutes a day through to hours on end, your physiotherapist will develop a home exercise program that is not only beneficial but realistic to complete.
If you have any questions about your home exercise program and what it contributes to your recovery talk to your physio. Education and understanding are crucial to making sure your experience throughout recovery is positive and effective. Call us today or book online for a consultation to ensure you are doing the best exercises as part of your rehabilitation.
