Corrective exercises have become something of a trend in the fitness community, much like Tae Bo and step aerobics were a couple of decades ago. Some people might be tempted to dismiss correctives as a fad, but these exercises do have merit for the right people in the right circumstances.
What Are Corrective Exercises?
As their name implies, corrective exercises are movements or exercises intended to correct a dysfunction. For example, some exercises might be designed to relieve back pain, while others might strengthen leg muscles after an injury.
Corrective exercises are very helpful for those who need help in recovering from specific issues, but they aren’t always used as they were intended. While there are plenty of exercises that have a universal utility, corrective exercises are intended to address a specific issue. Many people experience things like back pain, but there really aren’t any “one size fits all” exercises that address everyone’s personal back problems. There are certainly some exercises that can bring some relief, but they don’t always address the underlying cause of the problem.
Treating the Ailment Instead of the Compensation
In order for corrective exercises to be truly effective, they must address the underlying cause of the ailment as well as the pain it causes. Pain is a tertiary issue, one that will not go away until its cause is treated.
When they are implemented correctly, corrective exercises should feel like they have an immediate effect. They take into account your own anatomy as well as its strengths and weaknesses, and they should work as long as you are performing the exercises as instructed. Not every corrective exercise will work for everyone, but they aren’t intended to; they should be used specifically to address particular dysfunctions.
If you would like to learn more about corrective exercises or to find out if any will work for you, contact Dr. Shane Silver at Silver Chiropractic & Wellness. Our full-service chiropractic and wellness center offers a wide range of treatment options, and we will be happy to provide a consultation to determine which options might be best for you.
