Why you should consider Active Rehabilitation at POGO

When someone walks into a private practice to seek the services of a physiotherapist, they receive an assessment, diagnosis, hands on treatment and are prescribed exercises to rehabilitate their injury/pain. These exercises will primarily be aimed at some sort of strengthening. We know now with very good quality scientific evidence that strength is the most effective way to get on top of any musculoskeletal injury ie. Back, hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, neck pain/injury etc.   I often tell my clients that when it comes to strengthening exercises, you have 3 options

1. Perform exercises (prescribed by a physio) at home – may need to buy dumbbells, bands etc.
2. Sign up to a gym and complete exercises independently
3. Commence Active Rehabilitation Classes (ARC – strength based group classes)

In my experience, the exercises prescribed either 1) won’t be performed correctly, 2) won’t get done as frequently as I have recommended, 3) won’t get done with the intensity that is required to rehabilitate their injury/pain, or 4) won’t get done at all. This often leaves both physiotherapist and client going around in circles and feeling frustrated that the client is not getting to where they want to be.   Active Rehabilitation addresses these shortcomings. The main benefits of active rehabilitation are

1. Physio prescribed exercises are completed

• • The exercises that were prescribed by a physiotherapist with the aim of rehabilitating your injury/pain 1) actually get done, 2) get done with the correct technique, 3) get done with the right intensity

      2. Client gets to where they want to get faster

• • In an ARC setting, you’ll work harder than you would have at home. A hard session of ARC should leave you feeling sore (good sore).

     3. Use ARC as a time to touch base with your physio regarding your rehab

• • There’s no denying that if you had 24/7 access to your physio, you’d have better outcomes with your rehab compared to if you saw your physio once every 2 weeks. Logistically, this just isn’t possible. That’s why using a couple sessions of ARC can be really helpful to bridge the gap between physiotherapy appointments to discuss

At POGO, Active Rehabilitation Classes (ARC) run for 45 minutes, and are led by Physiotherapists. The goal of ARC is to strengthen all the areas that need to be strengthened in order to resolve the source of your symptoms, not mask them. There are a maximum of 4 clients per class. We’ve found that this is the perfect number so that physiotherapists can spend enough time with each client and demonstrate/correct exercises as required.  

We’ve recently changed our class name from clinical pilates to active rehabilitation classes as we make use of not only the pilates reformers, but also dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, sliders, bosu/swiss balls, squeeze circles, a trap table and a wunda chair. Individualised programs are prescribed by physiotherapists based on a client’s injury/pain, goals, level of ability and overall interest in use of equipment.  

Below I have listed a few examples of the wide range of people we get coming through our doors to participate in active rehabilitation.  

Case Study #1

A 17 year old high level dancer with a hip joint irritation

• High ability level
• Program aimed at hip, glute, quad, hamstring, inner thigh and core strength
• Exercises are dance specific
• Exercises are moderate to high-intensity (sweating by end of class)
• Primarily uses the pilates reformer and bosu ball

Case Study #2

A 38 year old female working in administration with long-term neck and shoulder pain. Also has goals of losing weight and building core strength

• Low to moderate ability level
• Program aimed at upper back, neck, shoulder, arm, core strength as well as thoracic mobility
• Exercises are kept at low to moderate intensity
• Primarily uses the pilates reformer, trap table and dumbbells

Case Study #3

A 71 year old female retired and recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. Has goals of remaining mobile and strong enough to live life independently

• Low ability level
• Program aimed at general lower and upper body strengthening
• Exercises are kept at low intensity
• Primarily uses the pilates reformer, bands and dumbbells

Case Study #4

A 21 year old elite 400m track athlete with a knee joint irritation

• High ability level
• Program aimed at hip, glute, inner thigh, quad, hamstring and calf strengthening
• Exercises are high intensity, very challenging, short rest periods, heavy weight
• Primarily uses the pilates reformer, bands, bosu ball, kettlebells and dumbbells

Case Study #5

A 29 year old mother of 2 looking to get back into some light strength training after recently giving birth to two boys over 2 years. No pain or injury.

• Moderate ability level
• Program aimed at upper and lower body strengthening with emphasis on core strength
• Exercises are low to moderate intensity, occasionally high intensity
• Primarily uses the pilates reformer, bands, squeeze circle, sliders, dumbbells

  If you’re interested in Active Rehabilitation Classes then give us a call or email.  

George Dooley
(APAM) Master Physiotherapist

Click Here to book an appointment with George today.

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