CONSULTATION
Our targeted exercise programs are designed by our physical therapist after a screening evaluation to address specific client goals. We develop personalized exercise programs for the treatment of a variety of conditions and often to prevent many problems from occurring.
Type 2 Diabetes
Research has shown many positive changes in people with type 2 diabetes as a result of exercise. These results include: increased insulin sensitivity, decreased body weight, decreased body fat, improved blood sugar levels, improved cholesterol levels, and improved blood pressure values. The medical literature has also described the profound benefits of exercise in the prevention of these disorders! So it’s never too late, or early, to begin a balanced endurance and strength training program designed specifically for you to reduce or prevent the complications of diabetes in your life.
Arthritis
It was thought for many years that if you had arthritis you should not exercise because it would damage your joints. Now, however, research has shown that exercise is an essential tool in managing your arthritis. Regular, moderate exercise offers a whole host of benefits to people with arthritis. Mainly, exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, and increases flexibility and endurance. As we do for many of our patients, we can help guide you on the proper exercises, and the correct dosage of exercise to help treat your arthritis. Read more about arthritis, exercise, and other information at www.arthritis.org.
Osteoporosis
Just as a muscle gets stronger and bigger the more you use it, a bone becomes stronger and denser when you place demands on it. If your bones are not called upon to work, such as during physical activity, they do not receive the appropriate stimulus they need to be strong. Thus, a lack of exercise, particularly as you get older, may contribute to lower bone mass or density. As we do for many of our patients, we can help guide you on the proper exercises, and the correct dosage of exercise to help treat your osteoporosis. Read more about osteoporosis information at the National Osteoporosis Foundation website: www.nof.org/prevention/exercise.htm.
Back and Core Strengthening
Low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability in America. While there are many different causes of low back pain, one common underlying factor is weakness in the back and stomach muscles, sometimes called the “core” muscles. There are a lot of “core exercises” that you may have seen on TV, in the gym, or from a friend; but not all core exercises are appropriate for everyone. In fact, performing an exercise that is too advanced for you can lead to increased back pain. To perform these exercises safely, you must be able to tighten and activate certain muscles to keep your back in a safe position. As we do for many of our patients, we can teach you about your muscles, how they work, how to use them, and how to safely progress through a core strengthening program personalized for you.
Balance and fall prevention
One in four persons over the age of 65 will fall in their home. Many of these falls can lead to more serious life threatening issues, including hip fractures. Older adults are especially at risk because of balance impairments; however, several other factors may increase the risk of falling, including poor strength, medications and dizziness. Environmental factors, such as slippery surfaces or obstacles in the home, can also be a problem. As we do for many of our patients, we will discuss ways to reduce environmental risks at home, and teach you balance and strengthening exercises to help reduce your risk of falling.
Sports Specific Training
Would you like to avoid tennis elbow? How about not having back pain after a round of golf? Shouldn’t you be able to jog three miles without knee pain? Many sports injuries are related to overuse and muscle imbalances, and are entirely preventable. The physical therapist at APTA can evaluate your flexibility and strength to develop personalized exercise programs for the prevention of a variety of conditions and injuries related to your specific sport. Furthermore, we can work with you to help enhance joint ROM and specific muscle strength to help maximize your performance on the playing field.
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Albemarle Physical Therapy Associates
285 Hydraulic Ridge Road, Suite 4
Charlottesville, Va 22901
(434)817-0980
aptatherapy@gmail.com
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