Physical Therapy -> Strength

Strength

Physical therapists use strength training exercises to improve mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, recovery from injury, and/or prevent future injury or chronic disease. A PT will work with the patient to develop a personalized plan to strengthen muscles, improve the cardiovascular system, control body weight, benefit mental health, encourage socialization, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Skilled interventions

  • Core Stability Exercises

    These exercises enhance the ability to stabilize the trunk during movement, which is essential for overall coordination and balance. Activities may include:
    • Planks and Bridges: Holding positions that engage the core muscles.
    • Balance Ball Exercises: Using stability balls to challenge core strength and balance.
    • Dynamic Movements: Incorporating core stability into functional tasks like reaching or twisting.

  • Strengthening Exercises

    Strengthening Exercises focus on building muscle mass and enhancing the ability to perform daily tasks with ease. These exercises are often progressive, starting with low resistance and gradually increasing as strength improves.
    Therapeutic activities typically include:
    • Resistance Training: Using weights, resistance bands, or body weight to target specific muscle groups.
    • Isometric Exercises: Holding a position to engage muscles without movement, beneficial for joint stability.
    • Functional Strengthening: Incorporating strength exercises into everyday tasks, such as lifting or carrying objects.

Reference links

  • Physical Therapy and Exercise 1
    www.choosept.com
    Author: ChoosePT - Physical therapists are movement experts who can develop a safe individualized exercise plan for you, whether your goal is to manage your weight or combat the effects of conditions such as obesity and
  • Your Child’s Early Development is a Journey 1
    www.cdc.gov
    Author: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention - Skills such as taking the first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move. Click on the age of your child to see the milestones:

Activity List(s)

Visual Schedule Cards

Assessments

Goal Bank

  • Jane will demonstrate normalized head shape without facial asymmetries by 8 months of age while tolerating 30-60 minutes of mobility, soft tissue mobilization, and developmental positioning at 5 consecutive PT visits in order to improve torticollis and plagiocephaly. 1
  • Tynisha will demonstrate independent standing within 8-10 minutes for 4/5 trials while holding toys in hands with no loss of balance over 8 therapy sessions to demonstrate strength and balance. 2