Physical Therapy Provided in a Gym Setting By Advance Physical Therapy Network – David Orlando PT, DPT
The American Physical Therapy Association defines a physical therapist as a health care professional who diagnoses and treats individuals of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. This definition coincides with the mission statement of any modern, inclusive fitness center. This ideological parallel creates a perfect environment to rehabilitate injuries and return to a healthy lifestyle. Physical therapy done in a fitness center setting provides numerous physical and psychological benefits.
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December | January 2014
A large scale fitness center boasts new state of the art equipment for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. This equipment can be essential in the recovery process. Often times, rehabilitation protocols call for specialized exercises or intensive therapy on specific machinery. Some of this equipment can often be too expensive for smaller private clinics to afford. In this situation, a patient will need to modify their rehabilitation which can slow progress. This is not an issue in the fitness center setting. Fitness centers also boast a variety of health experts including personal trainers, yoga instructors, and massage therapists. All of these staff members can provide a well-rounded approach to the postrehabilitation return to a healthy lifestyle.
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