An Introduction to Exercise Therapy-
Exercise Therapy is a means of accelerating the patient's recovery from injuries and diseases which have altered his normal way of living. Loss or impairment of function prevents or impairment of function prevents or modifies his ability to live independently, to carry on with his work and enjoy recreation. He may react to the demands of his environment either by rejecting them and remaining inactive or by meeting them to the best of his ability by altering his pattern of activity. The process of recovery is delayed by inactivity and the muscular weakness which results from it, the repeated use of alternative patterns of activity makes it difficult to correct them when they are no longer needed, e.g. limping after leg injuries.
The Aims Of Exercise Therapy
The aims of treatment by exercise are:
1. To promote activity whenever and wherever it is possible to minimize the effects of inactivity.
2. To correct the inefficiency of specific muscles or muscle groups and regain normal range of joint movement without delay to achieve efficient functional movement.
3. To encourage the patient to use the ability he has regained in the performance of normal functional activities and so accelerate his rehabilitation.
The approach to the Patient's problems-The problems arising from loss of function are different for each patient therefore treatment must be planned to meet his individual needs. In this way the patient's and the physiotherapist's time are used to the best advantages and some result should be expected from every treatment session.
Assessment of the Patient's Condition-Detailed assessment of the patient's condition is made before treatment starts so that the physiotherapist is in a position to plan it in accordance with the doctor's orders and the needs of the patient. Tests, carried out to discover the patient's needs, abilities and disabilities, are recorded pm charts designed for the purpose, as a guide to the selection of suitable techniques and a mean of estimating progress.  
Some methods of Testing-Every test used must be standardized as far as possible, i.e. carried out in the same way and under the same circumstances on each occasion. Record charts are dated and kept for use each time the test is repeated. Some of the tests in common use are as follows-
a. Functional tests-These are used to assess the patient's needs and
   abilities with regard to functional activities.
b. Tests pf Joint range
c. Tests for Neuromuscular Efficiency.
d. Tests for co-ordination
e. Tests for sensation
f. Measurement of Vital Capacity & Range of Respiratory Excursions
g. Measurement of Leg Length
h. Measurement of the Angle of Pelvic Inclination

Planning the Treatment-When the physiotherapist has completed the assessment of the patient's condition and seem his medical notes suitable activities or passive means are selected for inclusion in the treatment programme. A wide knowledge of the techniques available and the ability to apply the m with skill and ingenuity are needed. The suitability of any technique used is judged by the patient's response and the extent to which it is effective for achieving of accelerating his recovery.