Clinical Exercise Programs & Classes

Physiotherapists prescribe exercises for many different reasons, including in the prevention and recovery from injury, post-operative care, general strengthening and fitness, and to treat neurological or chronic pain conditions.

At PhysioFit Berwick, we also offer Group Exercise Programs which are conducted in small groups of up to 4 clients per 45 minute session. Prior to beginning classes, your physiotherapist will perform an individual assessment in order to prescribe a tailored exercise program to suit your individual needs and goals.

Your program may consist of exercises for strength, flexibility and balance as well as Pilates-based exercises for strengthening the core postural muscles used for balance and to support the spine (important in managing and preventing back pain). Some exercises may involve the use of specific equipment such as the Pilates Reformer (for spring-loaded resistance), weights, resistance bands, yoga or stability ball, and other equipment.

The classes are ideal for the rehabilitation and management of injuries, particularly for back injuries and treatment of chronic back pain, as well as improving general fitness.

Some of the most common types of exercise programs prescribed by your physio may include:

Exercise program type	Reason(s) prescribed	Examples
Cardiovascular exercises	To improve general fitness To lose weight General health benefits To improve strength with low impact activity or using your own body weight	Brisk walking, running, jogging, swimming, aerobics, gym classes (e.g. spinning)
Flexibility exercises (joint / muscle)	To improve the range of movements of your joints and muscles To reduce stress on your joints or muscles during sport and every day function	McKenzie exercises, Upper/lower limb stretching regimes
Balance exercises	To improve coordination, control of movement and balance To facilitate rehabilitation from injury To increase proprioception	Wobble board exercises Dynamic balance training Plyometrics
Postural exercises	To improve spinal alignment and posture To prevent injury and improve athletic performance	Chin tucks, postural re-education, core strengthening, fit ball / gym ball exercises
Strengthening exercises	To improve your control over and the strength of particular muscles and joints To maximise function and reduce likelihood of injury for sport or every day function	Resistance band exercises, upper / lower limb strengthening regimes, core strengthening
Pilates exercises	To improve your posture, core stability, flexibility and strength To maximise function and reduce likelihood of injury for sport or every day function	Mat work, reformer-based regimes, functional core activation
Massage ball / foam roller exercises	To release muscle tension and improve flexibility of specific regions of the body To simulate the effects of a massage (self-massage) To prevent and facilitate recovery from ITB and lateral knee pain injuries, common for runners / athletes	As prescribed by your therapist
Post-operative exercises	To prevent chest complications To prevent thrombosis To prevent muscle wasting and joint immobility To improve or facilitate recovery from surgery	Knee / shoulder / hip strengthening regimes, Gait re-education, chest exercises
Neurological rehabilitation exercises	For treating neurological conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease), or assisting with recovery from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, etc.	Balance exercises, reaching / targeting, functional mobility exercises, coordination exercises, strengthening exercises, etc.
Postnatal exercises	To help return to pre-pregnancy shape and increase energy levels whilst protecting ligaments and joints that are still loose due to pregnancy	Pelvic floor exercises, abdominal exercises, light weight training, low impact aerobic exercises
Chest physiotherapy	To treat bronchiectasis and other lung or breathing conditions (as recommended by your specialist)	Percussion, vibration, breathing exercise secretion regimes