{"id":58841,"date":"2024-02-09T13:59:33","date_gmt":"2024-02-09T13:59:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=58841"},"modified":"2024-02-09T13:59:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T13:59:33","slug":"therapeutic-exercise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/","title":{"rendered":"Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#What_Is_The_Meaning_of_Exercise_Therapy\" >What Is The Meaning of Exercise Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#What_Is_Active_Therapeutic_Exercise\" >What Is Active Therapeutic Exercise?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Range_of_Motion_ROM_Exercises\" >Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Strengthening_Exercises\" >Strengthening Exercises<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Endurance_or_Aerobic_Exercises\" >Endurance or Aerobic Exercises<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Balance_and_Coordination_Exercises\" >Balance and Coordination Exercises<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#What_Are_Some_Reasons_for_Therapeutic_Exercise\" >What Are Some Reasons for Therapeutic Exercise?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Recovery_from_Surgery\" >Recovery from Surgery<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Pain_Relief\" >Pain Relief<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Injury_Prevention\" >Injury Prevention<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Improved_Physical_Function\" >Improved Physical Function<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Mental_Health_Benefits\" >Mental Health Benefits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#What_Qualifies_As_Therapeutic_Activities\" >What Qualifies As Therapeutic Activities?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Is_Walking_a_Therapeutic_Exercise\" >Is Walking a Therapeutic Exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#Is_Stretching_a_Therapeutic_Exercise\" >Is Stretching a Therapeutic Exercise?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#What_Is_The_Difference_Between_Therapeutic_Activity_and_Exercise\" >What Is The Difference Between Therapeutic Activity and Exercise?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rehabilitation after surgery, injury, or a long-standing health condition is an essential part of the recovery process. Your physical therapist will come up with a customized program to suit your needs &#8211; usually including specific therapeutic exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic exercise is a broad term that encompasses many different physical activities designed to restore or improve one&#8217;s physical functionality. It&#8217;s a highly individualized plan that varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, fitness level, and overall health condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet, knowing the basics of these exercises and how they benefit your health can be an empowering tool in your healing journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we&#8217;ll define therapeutic exercise, detail its various types, and discuss how they can significantly enhance your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_The_Meaning_of_Exercise_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Is The Meaning of Exercise Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise therapy, also referred to as therapeutic exercise, is a component of physical therapy that focuses on restoring and maintaining physical function through specific exercises. It&#8217;s a science-backed method that utilizes targeted movements to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain, muscle strains, and overall mobility issues (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK555914\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike general exercises like walking or jogging, therapeutic exercises are highly specialized and require the guidance of a licensed medical professional. They are designed to target specific areas of the body, promoting healing and improving overall physical function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The principles of therapeutic exercise are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>\u00a0Individualized approach:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Each therapeutic exercise program is tailored to the individual&#8217;s unique needs, taking into account their medical history, physical abilities, and goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Progressive overload:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This principle involves gradually increasing the intensity or difficulty of exercises as the patient progresses in their recovery journey.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Specificity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic exercises target a specific area or function of the body that needs improvement, rather than being a general workout routine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Repetition:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consistency in performing the prescribed program is essential for achieving the desired results and improving muscle memory.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Feedback: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A trained professional provides feedback throughout the exercise session to ensure proper form and technique, preventing injury or further damage. This feedback comes in many forms and will be tailored to the needs of the individual. It may be tactile, verbal, visual, auditory, or any combination of these.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These principles aren&#8217;t exclusive to therapeutic exercises, but they are crucial in achieving the desired therapeutic effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Yanking yourself back in shape has never been so easy with our game-changing fitness app! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\">Start transforming your life with BetterMe<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Active_Therapeutic_Exercise\"><\/span><b>What Is Active Therapeutic Exercise?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active therapeutic exercise is a type of rehabilitative exercise that requires the patient to actively participate in the movement. It involves using one&#8217;s own strength and range of motion to perform specific exercises, rather than relying on external equipment or assistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s one of two primary classifications of therapeutic exercise, the other being passive therapeutic exercise, which involves external forces and assistance from a therapist or equipment. There is a third category called active-assisted exercise, but this is a more specific method that will not be outlined as part of this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Passive exercises are typically used in the initial stages of rehabilitation to help reduce pain and stiffness, while active exercises are introduced either later on or simultaneously depending on the person\u2019s activity tolerance and function to improve strength, balance, and overall physical function. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-anxiety\/\">somatic exercises<\/a> article discusses some of these exercises in detail.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/7-1.png\" alt=\"therapeutic exercise\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the active and passive classification of therapeutic exercise, various types of exercises fall under this umbrella term:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Range_of_Motion_ROM_Exercises\"><\/span><b>Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Range of motion exercises aim to improve the movement and mobility of specific joints (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17214754\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Exercises to improve flexibility are often good examples of range of motion exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are often prescribed for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with limited joint mobility due to injury or surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with chronic conditions like arthritis that cause stiffness and reduced range of motion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletes looking to improve their flexibility for optimal performance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Range of motion exercises can be active, passive, or a combination of both. They typically involve slow and controlled movements targeting the affected joint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have the following benefits (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/17214754\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing stiffness and joint pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving muscle strength, balance, and coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing flexibility and range of motion<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of ROM exercises include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoulder rotations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knee bends<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neck stretches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ankle rolls<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strengthening_Exercises\"><\/span><b>Strengthening Exercises<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the name suggests, strengthening exercises are designed to improve muscle strength and endurance. They involve targeting specific muscles or muscle groups through resistance training (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/resistance-training-health-benefits#:~:text=Improved%20muscle%20strength%20and%20tone,more%20kilojoules%20when%20at%20rest.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These exercises use various techniques such as weights, resistance bands, body weights, and machines to build muscle mass and increase strength.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthening exercises are often used in combination with other types of therapeutic exercises, such as cardio and ROM exercises, to improve overall physical function.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may be prescribed for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patients recovering from surgery or injury<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with chronic conditions that cause muscle weakness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletes looking to build strength and prevent future injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of strengthening exercises include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/resistance-training-health-benefits#:~:text=Improved%20muscle%20strength%20and%20tone,more%20kilojoules%20when%20at%20rest.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved muscle mass, strength, and endurance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better balance and coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhanced bone density<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of strengthening exercises include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bicep curls using weights or resistance bands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Squats and lunges using bodyweight or weights<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leg presses using a resistance machine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-healing-techniques\/ \"><i>Somatic Healing Techniques: A Holistic Approach to Physical and Emotional Recovery<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Endurance_or_Aerobic_Exercises\"><\/span><b>Endurance or Aerobic Exercises<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endurance exercises, also known as aerobic exercises, focus on improving cardiovascular function and overall endurance. These activities increase heart rate and breathing rate, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body&#8217;s tissues (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20086470\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These therapeutic exercises may be prescribed for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People recovering from a stroke or other cardiac event<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone looking to improve their overall physical fitness and endurance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Endurance exercises have several benefits, including (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20086470\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve cardiovascular health for better heart and lung function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boost energy levels and endurance for daily activities after an injury or surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control and prevent chronic health conditions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of endurance exercises include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brisk walking or jogging<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cycling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swimming<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dancing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/8-2-1.png\" alt=\"therapeutic exercise\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Balance_and_Coordination_Exercises\"><\/span><b>Balance and Coordination Exercises<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balance and <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/balance-exercises-for-seniors\/\">coordination exercises<\/a> are designed to improve an individual&#8217;s ability to control their body&#8217;s movements, maintain balance, and prevent falls (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6873344\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may be prescribed for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults at risk of falling due to age-related muscle weakness or medical conditions\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions which affect balance and coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Athletes looking to improve their balance and coordination for optimal performance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of balance and coordination exercises include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6873344\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing the risk of falls and injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving postural awareness and overall physical function<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhancing athletic performance in sports that require balance and coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of balance and coordination exercises include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Single-leg stands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toe touches while standing on one leg<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heel walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toe walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga or tai chi poses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>If you wish to cinch your waist, tone up your bat wings, blast away the muffin top \u2013 our fitness app was created to cater to all your needs! <a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\">BetterMe won\u2019t give excess weight a chance!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Some_Reasons_for_Therapeutic_Exercise\"><\/span><b>What Are Some Reasons for Therapeutic Exercise?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic exercise may be necessary for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, to manage chronic conditions, or to improve overall physical function. Some common reasons for therapeutic exercise include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recovery_from_Surgery\"><\/span><b>Recovery from Surgery<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major surgery like joint replacement or spinal surgery can leave the muscles and joints weakened, inflamed, and stiff. Therapeutic exercises help in regaining strength, mobility, and function after a surgical procedure (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK555914\/#:~:text=Therapeutic%20exercise%20has%20great%20potential,joints%20such%20as%20the%20knee.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pain_Relief\"><\/span><b>Pain Relief<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injuries, chronic conditions, or post-surgical pain can be managed with therapeutic exercises that target specific areas of the body. These exercises help to reduce inflammation and pain while promoting healing and improving mobility (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3406202\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Injury_Prevention\"><\/span><b>Injury Prevention<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic exercises can be used as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of injuries, especially in athletes (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK555914\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). By improving muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, these exercises help prevent future injuries from occurring.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improved_Physical_Function\"><\/span><b>Improved Physical Function<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic exercise can significantly improve overall physical function for individuals with chronic conditions, disabilities, or those recovering from an injury or surgery. By targeting specific areas of weakness and focusing on improving range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance, individuals can experience a better quality of life and increased independence in daily activities (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3406202\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mental_Health_Benefits\"><\/span><b>Mental Health Benefits<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being, and therapeutic exercise can have positive effects on both. Regular physical activity through therapeutic exercises has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall mental wellness (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK555914\/#:~:text=Therapeutic%20exercise%20has%20great%20potential,joints%20such%20as%20the%20knee.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Some studies have also shown the benefits of therapeutic exercises for individuals with depression and other mental health conditions (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK555914\/#:~:text=Therapeutic%20exercise%20has%20great%20potential,joints%20such%20as%20the%20knee.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><strong>Read more: <\/strong><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-dance\/\"><i>Somatic Dance: Liberation through Expression and Movement<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Qualifies_As_Therapeutic_Activities\"><\/span><b>What Qualifies As Therapeutic Activities?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic activity is a term that&#8217;s often used interchangeably with therapeutic exercise, but it encompasses a broader range of activities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While therapeutic exercises focus primarily on physical rehabilitation, therapeutic activities encompass both physical and mental aspects of rehabilitation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of therapeutic activities include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/art-therapy-zen-gardens-succulent-gardens-terrariums\/\">Art therapy<\/a> for individuals with mental health disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Music therapy to improve cognitive function in patients with dementia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Horticultural therapy to promote relaxation and improve motor skills in individuals with disabilities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These activities use artistic, musical, or recreational forms to help individuals express themselves, cope with stress, and improve their overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to these types of therapeutic activities, there are many others that fall under the umbrella of rehabilitative therapy. This includes aquatic therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and neuromuscular re-education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these therapies has its own unique benefits and may be prescribed based on an individual&#8217;s specific needs and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, the goal of therapeutic exercise and activity is to improve physical function, reduce pain, and enhance overall quality of life for individuals recovering from injury (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK555914\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In our write-up on <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-grounding-exercises\/\">Somatic Grounding Exercises<\/a>, we highlight the connection between body and mind, emphasizing the importance of incorporating both physical and mental aspects into rehabilitation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-30039 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/10-1.png\" alt=\"therapeutic exercise\" \/>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><b>FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Walking_a_Therapeutic_Exercise\"><\/span><strong>Is Walking a Therapeutic Exercise?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, walking counts as therapeutic exercise, especially when done with a specific purpose or goal, such as improving cardiovascular health or recovering from an injury. Walking can also offer mental health benefits and is often recommended for individuals with mental health conditions (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au\/health\/healthyliving\/walking-for-good-health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In our discussion of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/28-day-somatic-exercise-for-trauma-relief\/\">Somatic Exercise<\/a>, we point out how movement and physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Stretching_a_Therapeutic_Exercise\"><\/span><strong>Is Stretching a Therapeutic Exercise?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching can be considered a therapeutic exercise when used as part of a targeted rehabilitation program. Stretching helps to improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscular pliability, making it an essential component of many therapeutic exercises (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www1.maine.gov\/mdot\/challengeme\/topics\/docs\/2019\/sept\/9benefits-stretching.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For effective and safe therapeutic stretching, you should consult with a healthcare professional such as a physical therapist who can advise on the appropriate stretches for your specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-bodywork\/\">Somatic Bodywork<\/a> article explores various types of stretches that can be incorporated into a therapeutic exercise routine.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_The_Difference_Between_Therapeutic_Activity_and_Exercise\"><\/span><strong>What Is The Difference Between Therapeutic Activity and Exercise?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The difference between therapeutic activity and exercise lies in their scope. Therapeutic activity has a larger, more holistic approach and includes a wide range of activities beyond physical exercises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, therapeutic exercise involves specific, individualized exercises and movements to improve strength, mobility, and function based on a person\u2019s impairments and goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both therapeutic activity and exercise can play important roles in rehabilitation, and in combination, one can obtain optimal results.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;&lt;a href=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise&quot;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;video autoplay=&quot;autoplay&quot; loop=&quot;loop&quot; muted=&quot;muted&quot; playsinline=&quot;playsinline&quot; width=&quot;777&quot;&gt;&lt;source src=&quot;&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4&quot;&quot; type=&quot;video\/mp4&quot; \/&gt;&lt;\/video&gt;&lt;\/a&gt;&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Active therapeutic exercise is a vital component of physical rehabilitation and injury prevention. By incorporating different types of exercises, therapists can help patients achieve their desired therapeutic outcomes and improve their overall physical function. Remember to always consult a trained professional before starting any new exercise program for proper guidance and feedback.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rehabilitation after surgery, injury, or a long-standing health condition is an essential part of the recovery process. Your physical therapist will come up with a customized program to suit your needs &#8211; usually including specific therapeutic exercises. Therapeutic exercise is a broad term that encompasses many different physical activities designed to restore or improve one&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":58855,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,138],"tags":[],"coauthors":[122,221],"class_list":["post-58841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-betterme-fitness","category-therapy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2605 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE \u27a4 plays are necessary for rehabilitation, pain relief, injury prevention, and improving physical function. Learn more about its benefits and what qualifies as therapeutic activities.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2605 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE \u27a4 plays are necessary for rehabilitation, pain relief, injury prevention, and improving physical function. Learn more about its benefits and what qualifies as therapeutic activities.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_1859639572-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jeremy Mukhwana, Troy Hurst, PT, DPT\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jeremy Mukhwana, Troy Hurst, PT, DPT\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jeremy Mukhwana\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/36a7dd74d934812b75af5921cc28b8a4\"},\"headline\":\"Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/\"},\"wordCount\":1735,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_1859639572-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Fitness\",\"Therapy\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Rehabilitation after surgery, injury, or a long-standing health condition is an essential part of the recovery process. Your physical therapist will come up with a customized program to suit your needs - usually including specific therapeutic exercises.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\" data-sheets-value=\\\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\\\\&quot; mp4=\\\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\\\\&quot;]&quot;}\\\" data-sheets-userformat=\\\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\\\" data-sheets-formula=\\\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Therapeutic exercise is a broad term that encompasses many different physical activities designed to restore or improve one's physical functionality. It's a highly individualized plan that varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, fitness level, and overall health condition.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Yet, knowing the basics of these exercises and how they benefit your health can be an empowering tool in your healing journey.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">In this guide, we'll define therapeutic exercise, detail its various types, and discuss how they can significantly enhance your health.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>What Is The Meaning of Exercise Therapy?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Exercise therapy, also referred to as therapeutic exercise, is a component of physical therapy that focuses on restoring and maintaining physical function through specific exercises. 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Learn more about its benefits and what qualifies as therapeutic activities.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"nofollow"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health","og_description":"\u2605 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE \u27a4 plays are necessary for rehabilitation, pain relief, injury prevention, and improving physical function. Learn more about its benefits and what qualifies as therapeutic activities.","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_1859639572-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Jeremy Mukhwana, Troy Hurst, PT, DPT","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Jeremy Mukhwana, Troy Hurst, PT, DPT","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/"},"author":{"name":"Jeremy Mukhwana","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/36a7dd74d934812b75af5921cc28b8a4"},"headline":"Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/"},"wordCount":1735,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_1859639572-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["Fitness","Therapy"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rehabilitation after surgery, injury, or a long-standing health condition is an essential part of the recovery process. Your physical therapist will come up with a customized program to suit your needs - usually including specific therapeutic exercises.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;[video-shortcode link=\\&quot;https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/first-page-generated?flow=2228&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=therapeutic_exercise\\&quot; mp4=\\&quot;https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2.mp4\\&quot;]&quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:256,&quot;11&quot;:3}\" data-sheets-formula=\"=replace(R[-12]C[0],SEARCH(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;,R[-12]C[0]),LEN(&quot;LINK TO QUIZ&quot;),R8C[0])\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therapeutic exercise is a broad term that encompasses many different physical activities designed to restore or improve one's physical functionality. It's a highly individualized plan that varies from person to person, depending on factors like age, fitness level, and overall health condition.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet, knowing the basics of these exercises and how they benefit your health can be an empowering tool in your healing journey.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we'll define therapeutic exercise, detail its various types, and discuss how they can significantly enhance your health.<\/span>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>What Is The Meaning of Exercise Therapy?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercise therapy, also referred to as therapeutic exercise, is a component of physical therapy that focuses on restoring and maintaining physical function through specific exercises. It's a science-backed method that utilizes targeted movements to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain, muscle strains, and overall mobil ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/","name":"Therapeutic Exercise: Definition, Types, and How They Benefit Your Health - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/therapeutic-exercise\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_1859639572-scaled.jpg","description":"\u2605 THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE \u27a4 plays are necessary for rehabilitation, pain relief, injury prevention, and improving physical function. 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His articles are focused on providing factual information and helping readers enjoy their fitness journeys. He understands that wellness is an often misunderstood yet deeply rewarding avenue of improving one\u2019s life, which is why he is so committed to encouraging people to live their healthiest lives through his work. When he\u2019s not typing away at his keyboard, he\u2019s indulging his passion for soccer. The motto that guides Jeremy through his life is\u00a0 \u2018Be the change that you wish to see in the world.\u2019","url":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/author\/jeremymukhwana\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58841"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58841\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58841"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58841"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=58841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}