Medical Exercise Training and Physical Therapy
Changes in the health care and insurance industries have mandated the use of Medical Exercise as a strong component of the medical management of chronic diseases.
Unlike common treatments provided during physical therapy or chiropractic care, Medical Exercise Training does not provide any aspect of medical treatment including heat, ice, electric stimulation, joint mobilization, etc.
Those services are provided by a licensed physical therapist or chiropractor.
Physical therapy is used in the acute and sub-acute stages to reduce inflammation and restore function.
With the changes associated with insurance reimbursement, physical therapy is now focused primarily on the acute and sub acute injury management; Medical Exercise Training begins where physical therapy leaves off.
As medical exercise professionals, we do not offer services related to directly managing you in your acute or sub-acute stages.
Our niche with Medical Exercise Training is focused on your beyond the sub-acute stage (after you are discharged from PT).
Physical therapists are specifically trained to provide rehabilitation services using assessment and treatment techniques during your time in PT.
They work with a wide range of patients and there is a significant overlap between PT and MET when you enter the chronic stage of your condition (osteoarthritis, Achilles tendonitis, osteoporosis, etc.).
Physical therapists are a large and significant referral source for us as you the patient graduates out of the direct care of physical therapy, and in to the world of Medical Exercise.
Medical Exercise Training is the logical next step after your release from physical therapy, providing a safer, efficient, and more complete recovery process.
Here are five important differences between medical exercise training and physical therapy:
1. Scope of Practice
- Medical Exercise Training (MET): Primarily focuses on exercise prescription for improving health, function, and overall physical performance, often for individuals with specific medical conditions.
- Physical Therapy (PT): Involves a broader scope that includes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunctions, pain, and injuries, often employing various modalities beyond exercise.
2. Goals and Objectives
- MET: Aims to enhance fitness, manage chronic conditions, and improve functional capacity through tailored exercise programs.
- PT: Targets rehabilitation and recovery from injuries, surgeries, or specific medical conditions, focusing on pain relief, restoring mobility, and promoting healing.
3. Professional Credentials
- MET: Typically led by certified exercise professionals, such as Medical Exercise Specialists or personal trainers with specialized training in medical exercise.
- PT: Conducted by licensed physical therapists who have completed advanced education and training in physical rehabilitation and therapeutic techniques.
4. Treatment Duration and Frequency
- MET: Generally involves ongoing exercise programs that may be integrated into long-term wellness routines; frequency can vary based on individual needs.
- PT: Often consists of a series of visits over a defined period, usually with a specific number of sessions determined by the treatment plan.
5. Intervention Techniques
- MET: Primarily uses exercise as the main intervention, focusing on strength training, flexibility, and cardiovascular conditioning.
- PT: Incorporates a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, modalities (like ultrasound or electrical stimulation), and therapeutic exercises, depending on the patient’s condition.
These differences highlight how Medical Exercise and physical therapy serve distinct yet complementary roles in promoting health and rehabilitation.