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Writer's pictureMark Macdonald

EXERCISE IS MEDICINE

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO EXERCISE


Regular exercise, in combination with a healthy lifestyle, is the best way to keep all parts of the musculoskeletal system strong and healthy.


Exercise, which is a subcategory of physical activity, increases energy expenditure and improves the functions of the body. It is planned, structured, repetitive and aims to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness.


Regular physical activity can significantly reduce your risk of many diseases and conditions, including:

  • cardiovascular disease by 35 per cent

  • type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent

  • breast cancer by 20 per cent

  • colon cancer by 30 per cent

  • depression by 30 per cent

  • hip fracture by 68 per cent

  • dementia by 30 per cent.

A structured and specific exercise program may also help reduce the chance of having to undergo knee joint replacement by up to 70%

TYPES OF EXERCISE RECOMMENDED

Our physiotherapists at Winston Hills Physiotherapy Centre recommend a combination of flexibility exercises, specific strengthening, postural correction through corrective movements, functional activities and exercise. There are two phases to understanding musculoskeletal pain: firstly understanding the mechanism of the injury (what movement’s cause pain), and secondly how to correct poor movement patterns. Our physiotherapists are skilled at diagnosing the cause of pain and providing a treatment program to help your condition.


YOUR EXERCISE BASED TREATMENT PROGRAM MAY INCLUDE:


Graduated training – the best medicine is to stay active and gradually start exercising at a low-moderate pace. This will assist in maintaining not only aerobic capacity, but assist with being able to complete activities of daily living.


Postural correction – Our Physiotherapists will be able to provide simple cues and exercises to improve and maintain correct posture throughout day to day activities.

Strengthening – people with musculoskeletal injuries need to re-educate their body on how to move without pain. Muscle strength does not return automatically after an injury and particularly during persistent pain which is why it is important to perform strength exercises.








Flexibility – along with strengthening exercises, stretching or flexibility training needs to be incorporated in the program to restore full range of movement and improve their ability to complete functional activities. Stretching of the tight muscles/structures should be completed daily.


Walking, swimming and cycling also allow people with pain to become active and stay active.

OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

  • are skilled in designing exercise programs to target deficiencies in the muscles and joints. These clinical exercises help the body move better and function at a level that makes physical activity easier.

  • will help motivate you to stay active by preventing symptoms of discomfort and by teaching you good techniques and great ways to enjoy your exercise safely.

  • can show you how to warm up and cool down, offer advice on good equipment to use and help you develop an exercise plan to meet your goals and most importantly, fit around your normal everyday activities.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Book an appointment to see one of our physiotherapists. We will complete a full history, physical examination and design an exercise program that fits in with your lifestyle.

Call us on 9838 8449 to book an appointment.

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