The following is Chapter 13 from RC’s best-selling book:
“Applied Physiotherapy in Chiropractic”

The following materials are provided as a service to our profession. There is no charge for individuals to copy and file these materials. However, they cannot be sold or used in any group or commercial venture without written permission from ACAPress.

Chapter 13:   Rehabilitation Methodology

The topics of this chapter have been adapted from Volume 1, Chiropractic Rehabilitation, by K. D. Christensen, DC, © 1990, and used here with permission.

INTRODUCTION

Strengthening exercises for the muscular system play an essential role in the chiropractic management of various neuromusculoskeletal disorders. Knowledge of various training methods and exercise techniques are thus among the most important requirements for effective treatment. [1] Properly conducted individual exercise programs help prevent many injuries and serve to shorten the recovery period necessary to restore the patient back to health. [2] Exercise programs can be designed to increase strength, aid weight loss, increase cardiorespiratory efficiency, or simply improve overall musculoskeletal performance.

All exercise programs should have specific goals in mind. The cornerstone of exercise is Davis’ Law, or the (SAID) principle that states that the body makes specific adaptation to imposed demands. [3] The more specific the exercise, the more specific the adaptation. Exercise, therefore, should be as specific as possible to the individual’s goals and needs.

The patient who participates in a well-devised, scientifically based, properly instructed exercise program should benefit in at least four areas: [4]

1. Enhanced musculoskeletal performance
2. Decreased risk of injury
3. Decreased severity should an injury occur
4. Accelerated rehabilitation and return to activity after injury.

Reid and Schiffbauer indicated that hypertrophy of muscle through exercise protects against bodily injury. [5] To avoid injury, Gallagher states patients should supplement recovery activities with exercises to increase the size and the strength of the muscles, which will then protect joints from injury. [6] Thorndike reports that exercise to strengthen joints can reduce the incidence of injuries. [7] Adams reports that habitual exercise can cause a significant increase in the strength of ligaments surrounding a joint and therefore prevent injuries. [8] Kraus reveals that while exercise is an important factor in the prevention of injury, it is also important in the prevention of reinjury. [9]

TYPES OF EXERCISE