Exercise Therapy is the identification of how exercise relates to the condition presented. An Exercise Therapists has the skills to observe movement technique closely and understand dysfunctional movement patters. Natasha can understand the implications and contra-indications that each dysfunction or injury has regarding exercise. She can also understand the Medical Practitioners reports and be effective as an exercise professional. In this specific filed, she understands the basic pathology of the dysfunction or injury, as well as where exercise is a benefit and a rehabilitation. 

If you have been referred to Natasha by a medical practitioner, physiotherapist or would like to self-refer please book a free consultation and assesment. 

If you have any injuries or medical conditions, Natasha will communicate with your medical practitioner or physiotherapist. Also she will run through your fitness and medical details, So she can analyse the exercise rehabilitation needed.

please bring the signed physical activity readiness questionnaire (PARQ) to your free consultation. Your free consulation will also include a full movement assesement before you start your exercise therapy.

During your exercise therapy you will need to carry out your priscribes exercise at home daily. Natasha will provide you with a full writen and image programe and you will have access to all the therapy and exercise videos to help you at home.  

In a therapy exercise program the short/tight muscles are released by stretching techniques that include static stretching, dynamic stretching, proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretching and CRAC (Contract Relax Antagonist Contract). The fascia is released through myofascial release techniques and trigger point therapy. Self-myofascial release (SMR) techniques (foam rollers, tennis balls) activate the nervous system sensory receptors in releasing muscle tension through autogenic inhibition. This reflex activates the golgi-tendon organs forcing the muscle’s stretch reflex to be inhibited, releasing muscle tension. It has the added benefit of releasing restrictive fascial tissue that surrounds the muscle component.

Regaining joint stability focuses on achieving a balance between agonist and antagonist muscle groups. Stabilisation is a vital component of low back, shoulder, groin and pelvic rehabilitation. Dynamic lumbar stabilisation is now well researched and considered an integral part of every lower back pain rehabilitation program. Lumbar stabilisation involves the progressive retraining of the normal movement patterns of the muscles of the trunk, abdominals and back. Shoulder stabilisation focuses on regaining co-contraction of the stabilisers and movers of the shoulder assisting in regaining smooth glenohumeral rhythm.
Regaining Exercise Specific Skills Rehabilitation is not complete until you can perform functional exercise specific skills at a maximal level without pain or loss of function.  

The aim of rehabilitation is to reverse the effects of immobilisation. Although immobilisation is a necessary part of the healing phase of any injury. Prolonged immobilisation will lead to significant loss of muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, proprioception and co-ordination. Return to exercise should only take place when you have regained full range of movement, normal muscle strength, power, endurance and exercise specific skills. It is important to remember that just because an injury has healed it does not mean you are ready to return to normal exercise. You should not return to exercise if it will place a stress on the injured tissue causing pain, swelling, inflammation or restriction of movement. The basic goals of a rehabilitation program includes, regaining muscle strength, power and endurance. Regaining joint range of movement, regaining joint stability, regaining proprioception of the injured joint and limb, and regaining exercise specific skills. It is also necessary to address any postural, anatomical or biomechanical dysfunctions that may have contributed to the initial injury.