In this video, Tony Maritato, a licensed physical therapist, shared one of his favorite exercises, widely used in his clinic. This exercise, involving walking across a balance beam, is particularly beneficial for patients recovering from total knee replacement but is also effective for various other conditions.

The Importance of the Exercise:
This balance beam exercise is not just for knee or hip surgery patients. It's a versatile tool for addressing issues related to ankle injuries, foot problems, and even upper body concerns like shoulder, neck, and back problems. It embodies the principle that humans should be able to move efficiently in different ways – walking, crawling, jumping, running – and perform functional tasks like carrying, pushing, pulling, lifting, and throwing.

Holistic Approach in Physical Therapy:
Tony emphasizes a holistic approach in physical therapy. While focusing on the specific condition, the overall wellbeing and functional capabilities of the person are also considered. This approach ensures a comprehensive treatment plan that enhances overall quality of life.

Exercise Details:

Equipment Used: A 1x3 board, chosen for its safety and effectiveness. It's low enough to minimize injury risk if the ankle rolls but high enough to provide adequate proprioceptive feedback.

Basic Exercise: Walking the length of the board, heel in front of toe. This can be modified by asking patients to touch heel to toe for increased proprioceptive feedback or by varying the stride length.

Advanced Variations:

Sideways Walking on the Ball of the Foot: This variation focuses on building endurance in the ankle, keeping the foot in a heelup position.

ToeUp Position Side Stepping: With the heel on the board and toes off the ground, this exercise targets different lower leg muscles, improving shock absorption and reducing spinal wear and tear.

Conclusion:
This balance beam exercise is a testament to the versatility and efficacy of physical therapy. By incorporating such exercises into treatment plans, physical therapists like Tony Maritato can address a wide range of conditions, promoting better balance, proprioception, and overall functional health.

About the author:
Hi, my name is Anthony (Tony) Maritato, PT. I am a licensed physical therapist and owner of Total Therapy Solutions. I have specialized in helping clients recover from total knee replacement surgery since 2002 and have created this video to help YOU.

Total Therapy Solutions
5900 Long Meadow Dr
Middletown, OH 45005
(513) 5392886