Corrective Exercises vs. Physical Therapy

Posted on September 7, 2021

Corrective exercises and physical therapy are two different fields. However, these appear to have more in common than differences. Many don't know the difference between the two, and hardly know the scope of either of the treatments. So, what can one professional do that the other cannot? 

About Corrective Exercises

Corrective exercise specialists have an understanding of biochemicals, kinesiology, and anatomy. They correct imbalances and address movement complications affecting their patients. Patients here suffer from improper posture, lack of body coordination, and imbalance. 

These exercises are part of the treatment and are not the only treatment made available to a patient. As a chiropractor deals with pain in the spine and muscle, these exercises encourage the muscles to become stronger. The weak and non-performing muscles get stronger and begin to perform as expected. 

Underdeveloped muscles force other muscles around them to compensate for their weakness. The resultant joint misalignment leads to an increase in strains and sprains. The solution for this is muscle strength, which corrective exercises offer. This also leads to a reduction in the chances of getting an injury. 

During the appointment, a patient learns proper movements as part of the treatment. The specialist also sends further educational material to the patients. The material is for them to continue the treatment at home. The demonstrations and continuing exercises improve the treatment’s chances of success. 

About Physical Therapy

On the other hand, physical therapists help their patients through hands-on care and exercises. These take care of everyone. Some of the things they do include: 

• Developing treatment plans for their patients.
• Caring for people with disabilities, the elderly, newborns, and injured people.
• Helping individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles and avert problems in the future.
• Helping to restore function and prevent disability.
• Helping to manage pain and improve movement in their patients.

The Difference Between Physical Therapy and Corrective Exercises

Both therapies help improve movement and reduce joint and muscle pain. One of the most differentiating aspects of these two treatments is the time it takes. While corrective exercises have a set duration, physical therapy can go on as long as you wish. In a nutshell, corrective exercise is a diagnosed and doctor-recommended therapy. This means it has a set duration.

Most of the physical therapy treatment occurs during office visits. Often, physical therapists need to monitor the exercise to make sure they are effective. Although the need for the trainer in most sessions is not a problem for many, others prefer independence. Furthermore, the more sessions one has with the trainer, the more the cost for the treatment goes up. 

Getting the Right Treatment

While corrective exercises might not be the only major part of your recovery journey. Chiropractic treatment is among your best options for getting your musculoskeletal issues fixed. In addition to the corrective exercise you will undergo, you will also know about proper bodily movements. This is an advantage because it ensures your body operates optimally.

For more on corrective exercises and physical therapy, welcome to Accident and Injury Chiropractic. Our office is in Tacoma, Washington. For more information, you can also call us on (253) 215-8350 to book an appointment or for a free consultation.