Personal exercise programme

Personal exercise programmes are the therapeutic use of exercises within podiatry as a method of managing pain and promoting rehabilitation following injury or disorder at the foot and ankle.

What are personal exercise programmes?

Personal exercise programmes are individually designed exercises which are used to reduce the levels of pain experienced as a result of some podiatry related conditions and/or injury to the foot and lower limb. These exercises are based on the patient's individual complaint and their desired outcomes.

What podiatry-related conditions can personal exercise programmes help with?

Personal exercise programmes can be incorporated into the treatment programmes of patients suffering from many podiatry-related conditions, these may include;

Arthritis
Neuropathic pain
Achilles tendinopathy
Ankle sprain
Injuries to the knee
Plantar fasciitis
Post fracture treatment to the foot and ankle

How do personal exercise programmes work?

Exercise can help to manage pain levels in the following ways;

Reduce scar tissue - when a muscle is damaged due to injury or as the result of disease, scar tissue forms within the muscle fibres. This tissue is known to cause pain and discomfort by compacting against nerves. Exercise improves blood flow to the area helping to break down this painful, fibrous tissue therefore providing pain relief.

Psychological effects - studies have shown that exercise can provide distraction from stressful stimuli such as pain and also encourages the release of natural pain-relieving hormones such as endorphins.

Strengthen muscles - when mobility becomes compromised following injury or disease, the joints can become stiff if the correct exercises are not performed making a return to normal activity more difficult. Carrying out gentle exercises can help to strengthen weakened muscles allowing for a faster recovery.

Increase exercise tolerance - an individuals ability to tolerate exercise can sometimes be affected by injury. Exercise programmes can help to increase a persons capacity for activity.