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Medical condition/treatment

Therapeutic exercise

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Hole body

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Active therapy, often referred to as therapeutic exercise or physical therapy, is a central component of physical therapy. It includes a wide range of exercises and techniques specifically designed to improve physical function and mobility, reduce pain, and promote overall health and well-being.

In active therapy, the patient performs targeted movements or exercises under the guidance and supervision of a physical therapist. These are individually tailored to the patient's needs, abilities, and goals. The exercises can address strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and balance and are designed to treat specific conditions or to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

Active therapy can be used in a variety of forms, including:

Strength training: To strengthen weak muscles and support the musculoskeletal system.

Stretching exercises: To improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

Aerobic exercise: To promote cardiovascular health and improve endurance.

Neuromuscular training: To improve coordination and control, especially after injury or in neurological conditions.
Posture exercises: To correct poor posture and reduce posture-related complaints.
Active therapy offers the advantage that the patient actively participates in the healing process and is thus strengthened not only physically but also mentally. By learning and performing the exercises, the patient also gains important knowledge and skills to promote and maintain their health and well-being in the long term.

Causes/Description:

There are several key factors to consider when implementing and planning active therapy:

Individual needs and goals: Therapy should be tailored to the patient's specific needs, complaints and goals.

Patient's initial condition: Consideration of current health status, physical fitness and any limitations.

Progression: The intensity and complexity of the exercises should be gradually increased to encourage adaptations in the body without risking overload.

Technique: Correct execution of the exercises is crucial to avoid injury and maximize the effectiveness of the therapy.

Regularity: Continuous and regular execution of the exercises is essential for the success of the therapy.

Feedback and adjustment: Regular feedback from the therapist and adjustments to the therapy plan are important in order to respond to changes in the patient's condition.

Integration into everyday life: Exercises and principles of active therapy should be integrated into the patient's everyday life wherever possible to ensure long-term improvements.

Patient education: Educating the patient about the importance of the exercises and the correct technique promotes personal responsibility and motivation.

Multidisciplinary approach: It is often beneficial to combine active therapy with other forms of treatment such as manual therapy or occupational therapy.

Prevention: In addition to treating existing complaints, active therapy should also include preventive aspects to prevent future problems.

Active therapy

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Aktive Therapie, Individuelle Bedürfnisse, Anfangszustand, Progression, Korrekte Technik, Regelmässigkeit, Feedback, Alltagsintegration, Patientenschulung, Multidisziplinärer Ansatz, Prävention

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People need active therapy for a variety of reasons:

Pain relief: To reduce acute or chronic pain.

Rehabilitation: To restore function after injury or surgery.

Mobility: To improve joint mobility and flexibility.

Strength building: To strengthen muscles and support the musculoskeletal system.

Prevention: To prevent injuries and promote general health.

Coordination: To improve body coordination and balance.

Quality of life: To increase general well-being and independence in everyday life.

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If physical therapy is needed:

Visit a doctor for diagnosis and referral.
Schedule an appointment with a licensed physical therapist.
Discuss and implement an individualized treatment plan.
Perform recommended exercises regularly.
Discuss progress and changes with the therapist.

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The history of physical therapy, which includes active therapy, goes back a long way and is closely linked to the development of medicine and the understanding of the human body.

Ancient times: Even in ancient times, civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used physical therapies, including exercise and massage, to treat various ailments. The Greeks, particularly Hippocrates (ca. 460-377 BC), and later the Romans, including Galen (129-216 AD), developed systematic approaches to treating injuries and illnesses that included physical exercise.

Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, much of the knowledge of ancient medicine was forgotten. However, in some cultures, such as the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic world, medical writings were preserved and developed, including the use of physical therapies.

Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance began a rediscovery and further development of ancient medical knowledge in Europe. Anatomical studies, including those by Leonardo da Vinci and Andreas Vesalius, laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of the human body and the importance of movement.

19th century: The foundations of modern physiotherapy were laid in the 19th century. Doctors and scientists such as Per Henrik Ling in Sweden developed systematic methods of exercise therapy. Ling, often referred to as the father of Swedish gymnastics, founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics (RCIG) for massage, gymnastics and manual therapy in 1813.

20th century: At the beginning of the 20th century, physiotherapy established itself as an important part of medical treatment for the rehabilitation of injured soldiers, especially in connection with the world wars. The development of specialist organizations and training programs contributed to the professionalization of the field.

Modern: Today, physiotherapy, including active therapy, is an integral part of the health care system. It is used in a variety of fields such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics and sports medicine. Continued research and the use of new technologies, such as virtual reality and specialized exercise equipment, continue to drive the development of the field.

The history of active therapy and physical therapy as a whole is a story of growing understanding of the importance of movement and physical activity for human health and well-being.

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