What does an Exercise Physiologist Do?

An exercise physiologist delivers evidence-based clinical exercise prescription and lifestyle modification guidance. The practice of exercise physiology will help with chronic disease management for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis etc. Our focus is also on the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions by retraining muscle activation patterns, improving range of motion and general strengthening through resistance modes of exercise.

One of the most common musculoskeletal issues experienced by our ageing population is lower back pain. Lower back pain can significantly debilitate an individual and prevent them from completing activities of daily living or workplace duties. The cause of the injury or specific aggravators will vary from case to case, however the treatment, pain management and prevention is much the same, physical activity! Throughout the day we all complete the highly repetitive motion of bending over and/or lifting objects. The question is not how many times a day do you do this but HOW do you do this? It is not about a quick fix, it is a matter of retraining your movement patterns and understanding how your body works. Finding neutral spine, utilizing a hip hinge and avoiding an excessive anterior pelvic tilt are just some places to start.

To establish these corrective exercise patterns and complete them in a safe and progressive environment, contact one of our exercise physiologists.

As an exercise physiologist, I specialize in hip pathologies and regularly see individuals with unexplained lateral hip pain. Often this is a common symptom in females however it is just as possible to occur in males, both younger and older populations, as well as athletes. An exercise physiologist’s approach will look at the movement patterns of the whole body, specifically the joints above and below the injured sight. An understanding of why we move the way we do and how we alter our posture to protect or compensate for an injured area are vital when treating through exercise. Ongoing hip pain may be related to lower back pain, SIJ compression, muscle weakness through gluteals or your basic poor posture. All of these are possibilities, however have you thought about the positions you put your body in on a day to day basis just because it’s comfy? These could be doing you more harm than any of the previously stated causes. Do you weight shift and pop your hip to one side when you are waiting in line to pay for your groceries? Do you sleep on your stomach with one knee out to the side? Do you sit in your car or at a desk with your knees positioned higher than your hips? Do you cross one leg over the other when sitting in a chair?

An understanding of anatomy, and the function and innovation of each muscle is required in exercise rehabilitation. Treatment might be as simple as activating and strengthening, or myofascial release of overactive and tight muscles surrounding the injured area. For safe, appropriate and progressive exercises related to hip pain contact one of our exercise physiologists and begin your pain management today!

Lisa Bufalino (Exercise Physiologist)