We treat a variety of conditions through individualised assessment and the prescription of preventative or rehabilitative exercise.
Some of the medical conditions we treat are:
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Various cardiovascular diseases
- Various metabolic diseases
Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is inflammation in the lining tissue of the joint, called lymphocytes. This inflammation then causes damage to both the cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and can occur in a varying range of individuals, but it is most commonly found in women above the age of 40.
Although this can be a painful condition, it can be managed with medication and exercise. Exercise reduces joint inflammation and pain, allowing for maximum joint function and preventing and destruction and deformity in the joint itself. Regular exercise is essential in maintaining joint mobility and the strengthening of the muscles around joints. Things like swimming and water aerobics are particularly helpful, allowing the joints to relax to due minimal compression.
Diabetes
ACSM defines diabetes as: “a chronic metabolic disease characterised by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin that results in hyperglycaemia”. More simply put, diabetes is a condition resulting in prolonged high blood sugar levels, due to the body’s inability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, caused by the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas (responsible for the production of insulin). This results in complete insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle caused by obesity, physical inactivity, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stress. This causes insulin resistance
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes put individuals at increased risk for heart disease. Exercise is important to reduce this risk of heart disease. Exercise also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, thereby decreasing insulin requirements. Individuals with type 2 diabetes also often have high blood pressure and high cholesterol and are often overweight. Exercise is particularly important for these individuals to manage these conditions, as well as to reduce body fat percent.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Exercise is essential for keeping muscles healthy and flexible, controlling weight, and helping individuals stay active in other areas of life. Exercise and activity allow patients to have some control over fibromyalgia and the amount of pain they feel.
