1. LIMITED MOBILITY : Introductory level, for patients with limited joint mobility, decreased muscle strength and coordination, who still feel pain or discomfort when performing everyday tasks.
2. FULL MOBILITY : Advanced level for patients with functional mobility but less than optimal muscle strength, coordination and balance.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

For easier understanding, exercises are divided into three groups:
- FLEXIBILITY (increasing joint mobility),
- MUSCLE STRENGTHENING (improving muscle strength, coordination & balance),
- PNF STRETCHING (stretch & relax).

FLEXIBILITY

In order to achieve normal joint flexibility, the joint articular surfaces must be intact and in a correct position. In addition, the joint must contain enough synovial fluid which enables the physiological gliding of articular surfaces. Injuries, long periods of rest, surgeries, hemorrhages, reduced perfusion and the like usually cause a reduced range of motion. Thus, it is essential to attain a normal range of motion before muscle strengthening begins. One’s own body weight is used to increase the flexibility.

MUSCLE STRENGTHENING

This is the most important part of the exercise program. Stronger muscles provide support for the injured area, which also cushions it against the jars and jolts of ordinary life. This doesn’t sound that important, but it turns out to be the single most effective part of a successful exercise treatment program. The most common problem when the patients perform exercises on their own is inaccuracy. The movements are not performed in the entire range of motion, which leads to imbalance and unstable joints, further increasing the risk of repeated injuries. Thus, when performing exercises one needs to pay attention and be accurate. Most exercises are created according to the basic principles of PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation). Strengthening exercises are best performed every other day, or three times per week.

PNF STRETCHING

There are many ways of stretching. Currently, PNF stretching is the fastest and most effective way of muscle stretching that increases the range of motion of the joints. PNF is a combination of active (isometric) and passive muscle work with the aim of attaining the maximal possible muscle flexibility.