While a person ’ s symptoms of pain may have subsided as a result of their physiotherapy sessions , their bodies often break down once they begin more dynamic forms of exercise
promoting excessive thoracic kyphosis , etc .). This specialised knowledge regarding the musculoskeletal system helps corrective exercise specialists design and implement corrective exercise programs to assist clients in beginning , resuming and / or continuing a fitness program without experiencing muscle and joint pain or movement limitations ( Price , 2018 ). When a client ’ s musculoskeletal issues are not able to be addressed solely with appropriate exercises , or fall beyond a corrective exercise specialist trainer ’ s scope of practice , the client is referred out to medical experts for treatment .
Bridging the gap between physiotherapy and personal training
People successfully released from physiotherapy are normally excited by their reduction in painful symptoms and often look to increase their activity levels and / or take up a program of regular exercise . This commonly involves seeking out the help of a personal trainer to assist with their endeavours .
However , while a person ’ s symptoms of pain may have subsided as a result of their physiotherapy sessions , their bodies often break down once they begin more dynamic forms of exercise ( typical of most personal training / gym environments ) as underlying musculoskeletal issues are compounded . In fact , research indicates that almost 90 % of personal training clients report recurring aches , pains and movement dysfunction that affect their ability to exercise without limitations ( IDEA , 2013 ).
This is where the role of a corrective exercise specialist is extremely important . These professionals bridge this gap in care between physiotherapy and classic personal training / fitness programs by identifying and correcting underlying musculoskeletal imbalances before they become problematic and / or are exacerbated by robust forms of exercise . This is precisely why many personal trainers are also becoming qualified corrective exercise specialists — to ensure their programs are safe and effective for all client abilities , and to prevent clients dropping out due to musculoskeletal pain and / or injury .
Corrective exercise specialists are not physiotherapists
As you and your business adapt to meet peoples ’ musculoskeletal and movement reintegration needs , clients may begin to ask if your services are the same as a physiotherapist ’ s . It is important that you clarify your role with clients from the outset with regard to assisting them with their musculoskeletal health and not step beyond your professional bounds as a corrective exercise fitness professional .
THE QUICK READ
• To meet client demand for therapeutic exercises that treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction , trainers need to learn corrective exercise techniques
• Both physiotherapists and corrective exercise specialists help clients alleviate muscle / joint pain and improve their movement capabilities
• Physiotherapists typically treat a medical diagnosis , physical trauma or specific injury
• Corrective exercise specialists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions : rather , they assess and evaluate for movement restrictions , imbalances and dysfunctions
• PTs that add corrective exercise specialist training to their skills can enhance their reputation and business success by strengthening referral relationships with allied health professionals .
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