Habilitative exercise is a type of therapeutic exercise that is designed to improve or restore physical function in individuals who have experienced a loss of physical ability due to overtraining, or an under-recovered prior injury. The goal of habilitative exercise is to help individuals develop new physical skills or regain abilities that have been lost, with the ultimate aim of improving their overall function and performance.
Oftentimes, repetitive activities (like spending hours on a bike) create muscle imbalances that contribute to altered movement patterns. This loss of function can lead to recurring chronic injury if left unattended.
Habilitative exercise may include a wide range of activities, including strength training, endurance training, balance and coordination exercises, and flexibility training. These exercises are typically tailored to each individual’s specific needs and abilities and may be performed in various settings.
Unlike “rehabilitative exercise,” which aims to restore lost physical function, habilitative exercise focuses on helping individuals develop new physical abilities that they may not have had before or that were lost, due to overtraining. This may involve learning new motor skills, developing new or underactive muscle groups, or improving overall physical fitness. This can be seen as a “Strength-based insurance plan” that uses supplemental conditioning to balance the body for optimal performance.
If you feel like you could benefit from habilitative exercise, call to schedule your appointment today at 844-358-4343. Our team of experience and certified specialists are ready to help you get your health back on track.