What Is A Corrective Exercise

2. What Is A Corrective Exercise?

Shelton defines corrective exercise as meaning the use of exercise to correct an anatomical defect or deformity, such as the size, shape, position, and so forth of some part or group of parts of the body that do not conform to the norm.

Among the types of defects or deformities which are subject to correction through exercise in varying degrees are the following: club foot, spinal curvature, bow legs, misshapen fingers, poor posture, uneven shoulders, deformities of the toe, etc.; all, of course, to a greater or lesser degree depending on individual factors.

2.1 How Do Corrective Exercises Differ from Other Kinds of Exercises?

We can divide types of exercises into three main categories:

1. Hygienic exercises which include the more general exercise routines which are designed for Hygienic improvement of the health and vitality of an individual.
2. Remedial exercises are designed to affect certain desirable changes in persons afflicted with adverse physical results from poliomyelitis (less common now with improved sanitation than in former years), paralysis resulting from accidental or other injury, certain spastic conditions, respiratory ailments, and so on. Remedial exercises are usually done under the tutelage of a physical therapist and must be carefully monitored.
3. Corrective exercises are specific in kind, being designed and targeted for a particular area of the body and to accomplish a precise purpose. Corrective exercises can, Obviously be pushed more rapidly and more vigorously than possibly might be done with remedial exercises.

2.2 The Physics of Corrective Exercises

The proper use of exercises to correct a deformity or anatomical defect is based on certain well-known physiological facts and physical laws.

The physiological basis for the use of corrective exercises lies in the fact that while life exists there is change. The body is always in a state of organized flux. Every day cells die and every day new cells are born—all kinds of cells including bone cells but excluding brain and nerve cells.

Brain cells, once dead, do not replace themselves. We lose several millions of brain cells every day, never to be retrieved. Severed nerves cannot be restored but intact nerves, even though damaged, do tend to improve, albeit slowly, under careful Hygienic care.

In considering the physical basis for the effectiveness of corrective exercises we observe that the muscles of the human body have two main purposes:

1. To produce a desired movement as and when directed by the central nervous control mechanisms, and
2. To hold the bones in position both in rest and in movement.

Muscles are differentiated from the various and several ligaments which are simply sheets of fibrous tissue which connect two or more bones, cartilages, or other structures; or they serve to support the fasciae or muscles and retain organs in place.

Every muscle and each ligament has received a specific name and is registered in the complex volumes of medical nomenclature, but such precise terminology is not a necessary part of a Hygienist’s training unless s/he so desires. There are many medical reference books to supply such information.

It should be remembered that it is the stronger muscles and their accompanying and therefore stronger tendons that become shortened, while the weaker muscles and their tendons become lengthened and weaker over the years.

Such changes are accompanied, in general, by a corresponding change in the length and strength of the ligaments and often, too, in the shape of the bone, and especially so in the ends of the bones where articulation occurs. Dr. Herbert M. Shelton provides an example of what may occur as when there exists a concave curvature of the spine, there simultaneously develops a shortening of the side muscles, tendons and ligaments of the individual thus impaired.

In working with clients, it must be remembered that forcing is always contraindicated. Bones cannot be carried beyond their prescribed normal range of movement without causing injury to the ligaments attached to or near the joint being moved. It is these ligaments that bind the bones and permit their articulatory movement. Damaged and injured ligaments can prove extremely painful and difficult to heal.

It is the counterbalancing effect of muscles together with the constant turnover of cells that gives effectiveness to corrective exercises.