Why do I have to do exercise at home? Why can’t I just get hands on treatment? Won’t it be just as effective? If you’ve ever thought these questions to yourself then keep reading…
Exercise (active treatment) in combination with passive treatment (think stretching, cupping, acupuncture) has been shown to drastically improve patient outcomes.
A study of 169 female office employees with neck pain and headaches investigated dynamic muscle training if the neck and shoulder muscles vs heat, massage and stretching of the neck and shoulder muscles. It showed that not only were there more immediate affects right after the treatment, but a year down the road the incidence of headaches was significantly less in the group that had received active physiotherapy.
Another study of 1190 patients ages 18-60 years old with low back pain determined that a higher adherence to an exercise program, was associated with better outcomes and reduced cost.
These are just TWO examples of how much more effective exercise can make your treatment sessions! Interested in learning more, click the link in the bio to book your session! 🏽
References:
Fritz, J., Cleland, J., & Brennan, G. (2007). Does Adherence to the Guideline Recommendation for Active Treatments Improve the Quality of Care for Patients with Acute Low Back Pain Delivered by Physical Therapists? Medical Care, 45(10), 973-980. Retrieved February 13, 2021, from
Levoska S, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S. Active or passive physiotherapy for occupational cervicobrachial disorders? A comparison of two treatment methods with a 1-year follow-up. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1993 Apr;74(4):425-430.
By: Eden Graham, Resident Physiotherapist