With the weather getting warmer and
more favorable to outdoor activity, this is a great time to start practicing healthy
habits by being physically active. Physical Therapists prescribe exercises to
address dysfunctions in an individual’s body. We rehabilitate patients from ailment
or injury, as well as, give guidance on what patients should do to prevent a
recurrence or new injury altogether by finding muscle imbalances and faulty
movement patterns. Exercise can help eliminate or ease complaints of pain,
restore normal biomechanical movement, and increase functional ability. A
comprehensive exercise routine can help foster all the aforementioned with the
method of payment being consistency!
Although doctor referred patients
are given a prescription to seek Physical Therapy services, I believe for a majority
of cases the patients' truest prescription for health is exercise! This
theory also holds true for the general public including those with or without a
disease or physical aliment. As a Health Care Provider, Physical Therapist and
Health Fitness Specialist, it is my absolute duty to promote the medicinal
benefits that a consistent exercise regimen presents. These benefits include
decreasing the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood
pressure. Another important exercise-induced health benefit that directly
relates to Orthopedic Physical Therapy (a sector of physical therapy practice
at D&B) is the preservation of bone mass that comes along with consistent
exercise. When bone mass is kept healthy, it negates or delays the potential
for osteoarthritic conditions to flourish. Common osteoarthritic complaints in
orthopedic physical therapy tend to be back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and
shoulder pain. If your bones stay strong and healthy, your risk for joint pain decreases
markedly.
Everyone can benefit from being
physically active. For what it's worth, I practice what I preach and try to get
others to follow my lead. Personally, I have created a fitness challenge for
myself for the month of April, of which I perform some form of exercise for at
least 30 minutes a day for each day in the 30-day month of April. I named the
effort “#30four30.” 30 (30 minutes)---four ([for] The Month of April is 4, The
4th month of the Year)---30 (30 days). I have gotten friends, family, and patients
to join me on this journey. It's a great way to stay active, motivated, and to
become and remain healthy.
At Duffy & Bracken we offer our
patients programs that help them begin their fitness journey the right way and continue
it without injury. Our GRAVITY Small-Group Personal Training classes offer a safe
effective total body workout in just 30 minutes. It’s great for all ages and
fitness levels. Invest in your health by starting your fitness challenge now! Get
out there and exercise, now and forever! It's an inexpensive way to feel
expensive! You're guaranteed to do a world for your mind, body, and pockets.
 |
| Clifford Civil, PT, DPT, ACSM-HFS |
