Reasons Why We Choose Each Exercise

One treatment technique that physical therapists are most known for is exercise. There are many, many different exercises out there, and we are limited only by our own creativity. Unfortunately, is is far too easy for us to fall into the habit of prescribing an exercise based on diagnosis or what we think are patterns of presentation. In reality, our exercise prescription should only be based on impairment and potential co-morbidities and biopsychosocial factors.

The most obvious component to consider is the impairment. We typically give an exercise to address deficits in strength, mobility, motor control or the cardiovascular system. If a muscle is weak, we try to strengthen it. If a straight leg raise is limited by neural tension, muscle flexibility, etc., we address it. If there is a potential abnormal movement pattern, we may try to fix it. As far as the CV system goes, this often has to be challenged in patients with chronic pain in particular, but applies to many different types of injuries. Included in these, of course, is proper dosage. Far too much do I see patients performing the majority of their exercises on the table. While plenty can be done to progress a patient there, we must be certain we are appropriately challenging them. Almost no one functions completely supine, so getting to the upright and dynamic position is critical. Also, we shouldn't just blindly give an exercises 3 reps of 10. An exercise targeting strength-building should be about 6 repetitions where the weight is so heavy that another repetition is not possible. Rest between sets plays a role as well for which metabolic system is being challenged. Make certain your dosage addresses what you want (strength, tissue loading, whatever). I often say to my patients if they aren't sweating, I'm not doing my job.

Addressing the impairment is actually the easy part. Making sure you consider the impact of any co-morbidities or any biopsychosocial factors is probably more important, but definitely more difficult, in my opinion. A patient s/p TKA may be ready to move off the table, but their history of a neurological issue impairing their balance may make you concerned. This is where you have to get creative in progressing your patient, while ensuring the appropriate precautions. Regarding the biopsychosocial factors, fear-avoidant behavior is one of many things we will encounter. There are plenty of patients that have a mental component that needs to be addressed in order to help them improve their function. While a big focus should definitely be on pain science, that isn't wear it stops. Sometimes we have to introduce motion in a less threatening manner in build from there. Sometimes we have to work out the cardiovascular system as discussed previously. These are essential for consideration as simply addressing the impairment doesn't always work.

Exercise selection is fundamental for physical therapists and should have quite a bit of thought go into the process. I challenge you to assess what each exercise is supposed to be doing and is it actually doing it with each patient you see tomorrow. Odds are you will start to makes some change and then notice your patients making changes as well.

-Dr. Chris Fox, PT, DPT, OCS

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