The Common Thread: How Physical Therapy Utilizes Gym Workouts to Reach Goals
To start with, one of our clinic’s basic foundational blocks is “our client’s goals are our goals” as demonstrated on our website’s home page, www.ptadvantagepc.com.
As Physical Therapists (PTs), we often have clients asking us “should I workout at a gym or health club OR can I return to the gym or health club OR is there anything extra I could be doing to help me reach my goals faster?” Based on their injury, their current level of functioning and their overall goals, we believe utilizing a gym can be a fantastic complimentary adjunct to physical therapy. Typically, we as PTs, don’t recommend going back to the gym or starting up a new membership right away after starting PT, except in certain situations. When the time is right for the client, the physical therapist will outline the exercises that would be beneficial for the client to perform at the gym/health club. The PT will also instruct them in the proper technique to be used, advise in how many repetitions, how much resistance, and the number of sets to be completed. It is also recommended that the client seek help from the gym staff to be properly oriented to the machines and equipment available.
For clients utilizing a gym like PraxisFit, www.wearepraxisfit.com, the transition is quite smooth and non-stressful. Clients meet directly with one of the personal trainers right away where goals are reviewed, limitations and precautions based on the client’s injury are gone over and expectations are set. This way everybody is on the same page. At PraxisFit, technique and quality of movement is of primary importance. One of PraxisFit’s foundational principles is, “our goal is to help you reach your goals and create a supportive network around you to help you succeed”. And there is the common thread for Physical Therapy Advantage and PraxisFit.