Deconditioning occurs when you lose function in a certain area of your body due to inactivity caused by illness or injury. Reconditioning is a form of physical therapy that is designed to restore your strength, endurance, mobility and flexibility. This individualized treatment plan is typically provided as a one-on-one treatment program which includes exercises that can also be performed at home so patients can resume normal activities as quickly as possible.
Reconditioning typically happens after traditional physical therapy to ensure the patient is ready to re-engage in day-to-day activities. The five primary methods of reconditioning include:
- Strength: Exercises with a focus in weight training
- Plyometric: Activities that involve jumping and landing correctly
- Agility: Improving motion and the ability to easily change direction
- Speed: Exercises to improve speed, with a focus on technique
- Metabolic Capacity: Improve endurance
Reconditioning is not only for athletes. Rather, it’s for any individual who wishes to benefit from strength and conditioning training that would allow for a faster and safer return to a job or a hobby. Here are a few things you can expect from a reconditioning program:
- Can be performed as a group program which includes a variety of patients from elite athletes to the elderly.
- A licensed physical therapist and strength coach will supervise the program.
- An average program can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on the needs of the individuals in the group.
At Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania, our licensed physical therapists specialize in reconditioning programs for patients in order to improve human movement and motion potential. Our solutions are tailored to meet each individual’s needs and provide the appropriate treatment.
For comprehensive diagnostics and tailor-made physical therapy treatments in and around Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Area, contact MRCP. Visit us at one of our convenient locations or contact us online.