Strength Training Specialist

What is strength training?

Strength training is exercise that improves your muscle strength. There are a variety of strength training exercises, ranging from weights and exercise machines to those that use your own body for resistance. 

The American Heart Association recommends strength training exercises twice a week to stay healthy. Strength training is an essential part of rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, as well. 

When might I need strength training?

Most doctors recommend physical therapy, including strength training, if you're injured, recovering from surgery, or have muscle atrophy for any reason. Some of the conditions and situations that may need strength training are:

• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Frozen shoulder
• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain
• Arthritis
• Rotator cuff injury
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
• Tennis elbow
• Spine injuries
• Parkinson's disease
• Fractures

From injury recovery to neurological disease management and beyond, strength training can help you move comfortably and confidently. 

What are the benefits of strength training?

Strength training gives you more than just strength. Other significant benefits include:

• Improved balance and reduced risk of falling
• Better joint flexibility
• Increased bone density and reduced fracture risk
• Increased muscle mass
• Easier weight management
• Better heart health
• Reduced pain

Another advantage of strength training is that it's customizable. For example, if you're an athlete seeking peak form, the Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy team can personalize your strength training based on the physical requirements of your sport. 

Why is strength training so important after an injury or surgery? 

When you're injured or undergo surgery, you have a lot of downtime. Even if you're able to continue normal activities, it's usually at a reduced rate. In the worst cases of injury or with complex surgical procedures, you're typically not very active in the early days. 

When you stop exercising regularly, muscle strength and mass decline very fast, leaving you with very little muscle support for your healing tissue. 

Your bones, tendons, and ligaments need muscle support during recovery, which is why physical therapy is a central part of recovery after an injury or surgery. 

For strength training and other physical therapy tailored for you, call Precision Rehab Occupational Physical & Hand Therapy or schedule an appointment online today.