Therapeutic Exercise Prescription
Therapeutic exercise prescription begins with the evaluation of the neuromuscular system to identify the presence of postural balance vs. imbalance. Imbalance is dictated by maladaptive movement patterns that are neurologically driven to cause certain muscle groups to become tightened and short, while other muscle groups become loose and weak. This phenomenon occurs between agonist /antagonist muscle groups throughout the body. These patterns of muscle imbalance occur within local and distant muscle groups and are maintained by altered biomechanics of the axial spine as well as restrictions of movement in the muscles and joints of the extremities. These altered spinal and soft tissue biomechanics result in restrictions of movement that can contribute to chronic adverse neural tension. The sequence for the development of the exercise prescription begins with the restoration of normal intrasegmental spinal mechanics as well as joint mobilization in the extremities restoring normal joint play utilizing established manual medicine techniques. The long term restoration and maintenance of proper muscle balance involves manual stretching, self stretching and neuromotor retraining exercises along with proper aerobic conditioning.
1. Greenman, P.E., and M. Bookout, Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine Continuing Medical Education Courses: Exercise Prescription.
2. Greenman, P.E., Principles of Manual Medicine,Second Edition. Williams and Wilkins 1996.
3. Polestar Pilates Rehabilitation Continuing Medical Education Series. 2003.