It is well documented how beneficial and important exercise is for our bodies and minds. This is true regardless of age, sex, cognition, and levels of disability. As therapists we need to be ambassadors for any and all people we come into contact with.
What are some initial benefits of exercise?
Exercise stimulates the body to make changes. Initial changes include stimulation of the nervous system to improve the synaptic response at the junction of the nerves and the muscles. This is usually seen as a rather quick strength increase response as the body is able to recruit increased muscle fibers to do the “work”.
The next step, if we continue to stress the body with exercise, is the true building of muscle. We need to be cognizant to continue to increase the stress to allow the cycle of muscle breakdown and regeneration to occur to allow true increases of strength.
Therapist skilled intervention
This is where, when looking to recover from illnesses or injuries, the skills of a therapist come into play. The progression of strength is dependent on the timely increase of the stressor. This stressor could be progression of resistance with exercise, increasing distance of walking, giving less assistance with functional movement, all in a means of making positive change.
Without the knowledge and education of a therapist, the chances of significant recovery are severely compromised. This is true not only in skilled nursing but in all aspects of therapy care.
The power of peer pressure and support
Often times most people are more successful with weight loss and creating exercise routines at all ages of life when they do it together. When there is some support of another individual to hold you accountable, there is significantly increased progress and follow through.
This phenomenon is also apparent when working with residents of a skilled nursing home. It is very easy to witness the almost immediate change when someone is first involved in an exercise “class”. The realization that they are not alone and have peers struggling through the same problems helps to change the dynamic. It is self motivational and improves not only the subsequent group and concurrent sessions, but also the individual sessions.
It is imperative to use all tools for success
As therapists we must continually remind ourselves of the remarkable difference our skills make for people. We also must be willing to use every tool in our toolbox to achieve the highest outcomes and satisfaction for both the resident and ourselves. Both our residents, as well as ourselves deserve it.
