Research has shown significant functional improvement and shorter recovery time when therapeutic exercises are performed in addition to chiropractic treatment. Simple cardiovascular exercise alone will speed recovery, but exercise must be carefully introduced.
- In severe cases, where injury or surgical procedure results in a prolonged recovery, strengthening exercises are necessary for successful rehabilitation, but not before specific stretching exercises can be performed without pain. After painless stretching can be performed, proprioceptive exercises may then be introduced to rebuild the mind body connection and re-coordinate competing muscle groups. Only then is it advisable to begin strengthening exercises specifically tailored to restore strength and balance.
- Some injuries simply require balancing of specific muscle groups to speed recovery. For example, many patients ask what exercises they should perform in order to strengthen their back, when in fact, their back muscles are already overworked and muscle bound. Those cases require cardiovascular exercise, along with specific abdominal strengthening exercises to support and balance the spine.
- Excessive muscle tone is also directly related to abnormal posture and the generation of joint dysfunction and pain. Strain/sprain that occurs from prolonged static posture while seated at a computer or cutting hair with arms raised produces hypertonic upper trapezius muscles that affects posture of the shoulders and head position, as well. Frequent breaks and simple stretches allow the body to recover and repair.
- Shortened hamstrings muscles cause flattening of the curvature of the lumbar spine. Simple stretches may reduce stress on the spine and even prevent re-injury. For these reasons, we provide our patients with personalized exercises designed to help strengthen and correct their unique body kinematics. They can be performed in the comfort of your own home and will significantly improve the effectiveness of your treatments.
- To begin, we recommend you purchase one of the ViniYogaTherapy series for the upper back, neck and shoulders, or the lower back, sacrum & hips from Amazon.com. Simply click on the appropriate icon below and it will take you to the Amazon site to place an order. Each DVD sells for around $15.00. (While Dr. Gumaer endorses the ViniYogaTherapy series, he does not receive financial incentive to do so and does not profit financially from the sale of these DVD’s.)
