With the multitude of professions that address musculoskeletal problems, many have specific focuses and methods that define their treatment methods.
At Qinetic Wellness, we look at treatment as more of philosophy and way of life. That is why we developed the role of rehab exercise and therapy specialist. This role combines multiple approaches that address problems in a holistic way.
From manual therapy to exercise prescription, the use of these treatment modalities together will help to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues and bring about long-term improvements to a patient's mobility, joint health and overall physical performance.
However, these are just some of the tools they will use to solve issues. The key strength of a rehab exercise and therapy specialist lies in the use of a treatment framework and approach. In essence, rather than simply being a practitioner that uses tools to solve problems, the specialist is more of a detective who investigates an issue and through assessment and discovery, they can use the best tool at their disposal to address the problem.
An example of how a specialist might solve an issue would be a patient who comes in with a knee pain. Instead of simply looking at the surrounding muscles to the knee, the specialist may first do history taking of patient to discover any lifestyle/events that may have caused the problem followed by assessing the posture and movement of the patient, looking at dysfunctional movement patterns, performing tests such as a knee examination to determine if there is an injury or damage to the knee joint.
And assessment does not stop there, during treatment where manual therapy is performed, the specialist will continue to assess through palpitation of muscles and joints, looking at the mobility of the joints connected to the knee. From there the specialist may start to discover possible causes and apply the related manual therapy to correct the issue. Throughout the treatment, the specialist will also assess if there is improvement in terms of pain experienced and mobility of the related areas.
The continual assessment especially from the start to the end of treatment session culminates in exercise prescription that is well informed and formulated according to the findings of the specialist.
It is through this approach and philosophy of investigation and using the best tool the specialist has to solve the issue that allows the specialist to bring their abilities to solve musculoskeletal issues.
Skills that a rehab exercise and therapy specialist uses:
An investigative approach and framework when assessing and treating
Manual therapy such as soft tissue, joint mobilizations, traction, stretches, muscle energy techniques
Exercise prescription such as stretches for tight muscles and strengthening exercises for weak muscles
A holistic approach which takes into account lifestyle, nutrition, stress and emotional health of the patient when addressing their conditions and creating the appropriate treatment and exercise program that suits the patient.
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