Corrective Exercise

What is corrective exercise?

Corrective exercise identifies and addresses movement dysfunctions, the poor movement patterns that cause pain or put you at risk for injury.

Many of the aches and injuries people experience come from muscle imbalances (when some muscles are too tight or weak, or overactive compared to others), poor posture, or inefficient movement patterns.

The main goal of corrective exercise is to help your body move more efficiently (and pain-free) by improving strength, flexibility, and coordination in specific muscle groups. Through corrective exercise, you work to restore balance in your muscles and joints, to help your body move with less strain.

Corrective exercises can range from gentle stretches and mobility work to more targeted strengthening exercises, depending on your specific needs. Unlike general fitness routines, corrective exercise gets tailored to address the root cause of your pain or dysfunction.

Who can benefit from corrective exercise?

Corrective exercise is for anyone who experiences movement-related discomfort, particularly if you:

• Have chronic pain or postural issues
• Are recovering from an injury
• Are active or an athlete
• Have a sedentary lifestyle

Corrective exercise can be helpful for older adults, helping to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

What can I expect during a corrective exercise session?

The team first observes your posture, gait, and overall movement patterns and may ask you to perform specific exercises or movements (such as squats, lunges, or bending over) to identify areas of weakness, tightness, or dysfunction.

This process helps them pinpoint specific muscle imbalances, poor posture habits, or restricted movement patterns that are holding you back. Based on your assessment, the team creates your corrective exercise plan and gets to work. Your personalized plan might include:

• Stretching and mobility work
• Strengthening exercises
• Stability and activation
• Postural education

Your provider guides you through each corrective exercise to ensure proper form and technique. They also teach you how to feel the muscles working and become more aware of your body and movement patterns.

Corrective exercise takes time, and the team monitors your improvements and adjusts your program as needed to ensure you're progressing at a safe and effective pace. They may also offer you a home exercise program and lifestyle recommendations to reinforce your progress.

If you’re ready to address movement dysfunctions with corrective exercises, book a session by calling the office or scheduling online today.