Exercise Therapy programs for the over 40s are becoming increasingly common as evidence mounts that exercise, particularly strength training, is central to remaining active and healthy as we age.
The new getback™ South Melbourne clinic – due to open in August in a much expanded space – will offer a range of Lifestyle Exercise Programs aimed predominantly at people aged over 40.
The programs focus on improving strength, movement and balance around the Spine and major joints including the Hip, Knee and Shoulder.
The programs will be supervised by Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists and utilise a new generation of getback Exercise Therapy devices.
How the Lifestyle Exercise Programs work
An initial Physiotherapy Consultation will include a comprehensive Assessment to understand your health background, lifestyle and specific goals.
The Assessment will include measurements of strength and range of motion of targeted muscle groups using the getback Exercise Therapy devices, which are registered with the TGA as Medical Devices with Measuring Function.
Data from the Initial Consultation will be analysed and used to develop an individual, safe and targeted Exercise Therapy Program.
getback™ Clinical Director Geoffrey Mackay says the getback devices excel in isolating specific muscles in a way that prevents incorrect movements and ensures only the targeted joint and muscles are exercised.
‘We take special care that the training programs only activate targeted muscles without causing stress on joints or weakness areas,’ he said.
‘Without this feature, people will often compensate by using other muscles.’
Mackay says the devices are specifically designed for optimal muscle strengthening as the trainer works through a customised range of movement.
‘For an ageing population, the most important health benefit is improved functional capacity,’ he says. ‘Muscle strength, endurance and coordination are all enhanced, improving quality of life and the ability to participate in activities.’
Data collected by the devices during every Exercise Therapy session enable a continual review of progress.
Mackay says a limited range of devices are used in the beginning of the program to avoid overloading the trainer.
‘As the program progresses and the trainer’s physical performance improves, more weight resistance is added and the range of motion is increased.’
Quality of life improvements
Mackay says the Lifestyle Exercise Programs will not only improve physical health but will also bring positive social and emotional benefits.
‘A significant part of overall well being improvement is due to feeling stronger and healthier,’ he says.
‘We also aim to create a supportive environment that will make a positive contribution to the life quality of our community.’
getback™ South Melbourne Lifestyle Exercise Programs
1. Back & Hip Program
2. Back & Knee Program
3. Neck & Shoulder Program – Variation 1
4. Neck & Shoulder Program – Variation 2
5. Balance
Core principles
- Movement Quality and Joint Balance
2. Spinal and Postural Control
- Target core (lumbar/thoracic) and cervical spine muscles for posture and neck/back pain prevention.
3. Joint Mobility and Stability
- Work through full Range of Motion (ROM) with a controlled tempo.
- Includes shoulder and hip mobility/stability, which are common areas of dysfunction.
4. Neuromuscular Control
- Incorporate exercises that improve coordination, proprioception, or movement efficiency.
5. Low-load, high-repetition work for tissue capacity and endurance.
