Medical Exercise is a specialty of fitness programming for the medically based client. A Medical Exercise Specialist has undergone special training to develop functional conditioning programs for clients with special needs such as limited range of motion, decreased strength, balance and coordination dysfunction and diminished functional capacity for daily activities. The protocols used by a Medical Exercise Specialist were developed by physical therapists to provide structured conditioning guidelines for each client after discharge from physical therapy or chiropractic. These protocols serve as a baseline from which the client's progression, daily exercise and intensity can be determined.
A Medical Exercise Specialist does not diagnose or provide any aspect of medical treatment of a client's condition. The functional conditioning program is designed for clients who are referred and given medical clearance by a licensed physical therapist, chiropractor or physician for conditioning services. It focuses on activities to enhance the client's function, and is customized to the specific needs of the client. A Medical Exercise Specialist or a Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist always performs the conditioning program. A screening for admission into the program is required, and it is designed for client's who have been given medical clearance after moving beyond the acute phase of their condition. This program is not to be used in lieu of the services of a licensed medical professional for a client in need of professional rehabilitation services.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION INTO A POST-REHAB OR FUNCTIONAL CONDITIONING PROGRAM?
The criteria for admission into the functional conditioning program for are as follows:
No open wounds
the client is beyond the acute phase of his/her condition
The client's pain level is '5' or below
The client must have a medical referral from a physician, physical therapist or chiropractor to begin the program
The client must complete an initial screen and fitness assessment.
If, at any point throughout the post-rehab program, the client demonstrates any of the following symptoms he or she will be sent back to their referring practitioner:
Radiating Pain
Numbness/Tingling
Chest Pain/Shortness of Breath
Swelling
Loss of Range of Motion
Night Pain
Open Wounds
WHAT KINDS OF CONDITIONS ARE ADDRESSED BY THE MEDICAL EXERCISE PROGRAM AT ALTERED STATES OF SCIENCE?
A screening and functional movement assessment are completed on each client before initiating exercise to ensure that the client is appropriate for the program. The functional conditioning program then offers strengthening and flexibility for clients with various disorders. Established protocols are followed for low back pain, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tear, hip and knee replacements, cervical strain, ACL rupture/reconstruction, meniscal tear, achilles tendon rupture, patello-femoral syndrome, fibromyalgia, and thoracic outlet syndrome.
BodyGoals will work with each medically based client to maintain and improve the level of function gained by their post-rehabilitation program. Function includes:
Proprioception
Joint Stability
Strength
Muscle Recruitment
Coordination
Each client will receive a print out of independent exercises they can do at home, at work or at a gym. A wide range of exercises are available to accommodate a client based completely at home with no equipment, to client's who have full gym access including Theraballs and weight machines.
