Exercise is vital for a proper and fully functioning human being. Exercise programs help not only develop the muscle you are training but more importantly it trains your brain to interpret, control and sequence muscles to contract/relax at precise intervals moving the respective body part. One part of the body that is the number one area to develop first is your ‘core’ abdominal system. These small muscles which attach directly to the spine keep the spine in the correct position, and this in turn means no interference on the nerves allowing fast, effective and uninterrupted communication to and from the brain and muscle or joint. Research has proven that muscle impairment or dysfunction occurs early in the onset of spinal complaints and this kind of muscle problem does not automatically resolve even when pain symptoms subside. There is a lack of awareness of what is going on in the spine and this will result in faulty control of these muscles surrounding the spine rather than feeling pain itself is the main factor in developing chronic problems.

Rehabilitation is not only necessary after a surgery or when recovering from an injury but in my opinion should be used more as a preventative method to reduce the natural aging process of the body. ‘Pre’habliitation is my preference as this prevents damage from occurring. Methods of exercise vary and are prescribed according to the patient’s presentation and clinical problem.

Methods range from:

• Body weight exercises (my preference due to the unique joint stimulation and greatest input to the nervous system)
• Balance or what is called proprioceptive training using only the body or equipment like bosu balls, wobble boards etc. (The small muscles of the body helps control your vertebra in your spine and give sensory information to the brain. This sensory information is received by the brain and adapted to give an output or motor response. These muscle functions are your brains 'eyes', even when you close your eyes your brain knows where your arms and legs are. You can accurately move around and the ability to feel where your body is (without seeing) is called proprioception).
• Weight training whether power/Olympic lifting/kettlebell lifting
• Cardiovascular training like cycling, running and swimming
• The use of exercise bands in strength training