Active physiotherapy

Active physiotherapy – often also called exercise therapy or, traditionally, remedial gymnastics – is a therapeutic method that involves targeted and individually adapted exercises. The aim is to promote natural mobility, strength, coordination and body awareness for the long term. At our practice, we actively support you on your way to being free of pain and enjoying a better quality of life.

In brief

How often should exercise therapy be done?: As a rule, 1–2 sessions per week are ideal, supplemented by regular home training 2–3 times a week, individually adapted to your complaints.
Full answer: How often should exercise therapy be done?
Is remedial gymnastics also suitable for older people?: Yes, remedial gymnastics is suitable for all ages. The exercises are adapted individually to each person’s physical abilities and needs.
Full answer: Is remedial gymnastics also suitable for older people?
Is active physiotherapy paid for by health insurers?: Yes, active physiotherapy is covered by your health insurer, provided you have a doctor’s prescription.
Full answer: Is active physiotherapy paid for by health insurers?

Active physiotherapy: an overview of the method

Unlike purely passive therapy methods, active physiotherapy focuses on patients taking an active part in their own therapy. The exercises are tailored individually to your needs, complaints and physical abilities, and support your recovery for the long term.

The main benefits of active physiotherapy at a glance:

Individual exercise programmes: tailor-made exercises for targeted rehabilitation.
Lasting muscle strengthening: improved strength, endurance and coordination.
Improved mobility: targeted training of joints and muscles for greater freedom of movement.
Promoting personal responsibility: patients learn to manage and prevent complaints independently.

Active exercises method in physiotherapy

How does exercise therapy work?

Exercise therapy, the core of active physiotherapy, uses targeted physical exercises to give the best possible support to the healing process. Regular, individually adapted training has a direct effect on various bodily functions:

Muscle strengthening

Targeted exercises build up the strength of specific muscle groups in order to stabilise the joints and spine and to compensate for faulty loading. This not only improves posture but also provides effective protection against future injuries and degenerative changes.

Improving joint mobility

Active exercises specifically increase the mobility of joints by distributing synovial fluid more effectively and releasing adhesions in the tissue. This is essential for reducing pain and restoring natural movement function.

Optimising posture and coordination

Special coordination and posture training ensures that you can perform movements more economically, more safely and with less pain. This also includes targeted exercises that are helpful in everyday life and correct poor posture in the long term.

Reducing chronic pain

Regular exercise therapy can relieve chronic pain by correcting muscular imbalances and specifically releasing tension. In addition, exercise promotes the release of the body’s own pain inhibitors and improves overall quality of life.

Promoting mental health

Exercise releases endorphins, increases general well-being and strengthens mental resilience in everyday life. Regular training helps to reduce stress, ease low mood and boost self-confidence through progress in training.

We create individual training programmes and adjust them continuously to ensure the best possible results.

When is active physiotherapy useful?

Active physiotherapy, or remedial gymnastics, is suitable for a wide range of complaints and conditions. It is particularly recommended for:

Orthopaedic conditions: joint and spinal complaints, back pain, slipped discs and osteoarthritis.
After surgery: to build up muscle, restore mobility and stabilise the body after an operation.
Sports injuries: targeted rehabilitation and prevention after injuries such as torn muscle fibres, torn ligaments or overuse.
Neurological conditions: supporting movement function in conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
Chronic conditions: regular exercises for rheumatic complaints or fibromyalgia help to relieve symptoms effectively.

What happens in an active physiotherapy session

Each session is tailored to you individually and may include the following:

Case history and goal setting: together we define goals and identify your specific needs.
Warm-up and mobilisation: gentle preparatory exercises to activate the body and promote mobility.
Strength and stability exercises: specific exercises to strengthen the relevant muscle groups.
Coordination and balance training: exercises to improve fine motor skills and coordination.
Stretching and relaxation exercises: finally, gentle stretches and relaxation techniques for recovery and to prevent tension.

We support you with targeted instructions and by constantly checking that you are performing the exercises correctly, and we give you helpful tips for training at home.

These treatments include active physiotherapy

General physiotherapy
Treatment of musculoskeletal complaints.
Sports physiotherapy
Prevention and rehabilitation for sports injuries.
TMJ treatment
Therapy for jaw joint complaints.

Frequently asked questions about active physiotherapy

What exactly is active physiotherapy?

Active physiotherapy, also known as exercise therapy or remedial gymnastics, comprises individually tailored exercises that specifically strengthen the muscles, promote mobility and relieve pain.

For which complaints is exercise therapy particularly effective?

Exercise therapy is effective for back and joint pain, after surgery, for sports injuries and for neurological and chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatism.

What is the difference between remedial gymnastics, exercise therapy and active physiotherapy?

The terms “remedial gymnastics” and “exercise therapy” are traditional names for active physiotherapy measures in which patients participate actively through targeted exercises. The modern term “active physiotherapy” is now often used to distinguish this approach clearly from passive methods such as massage or manual techniques. In terms of content, there is hardly any difference between remedial gymnastics, exercise therapy and active physiotherapy – the names vary mainly for historical and regional reasons.

How often should exercise therapy be done?

As a rule, 1–2 sessions per week are ideal, supplemented by regular home training 2–3 times a week, individually adapted to your complaints.

Is remedial gymnastics also suitable for older people?

Yes, remedial gymnastics is suitable for all ages. The exercises are adapted individually to each person’s physical abilities and needs.

What role does exercise therapy play in chronic pain?

Regular exercise therapy strengthens the muscles and improves mobility, and can therefore reduce chronic pain effectively.

Is active physiotherapy paid for by health insurers?

Yes, active physiotherapy is covered by your health insurer, provided you have a doctor’s prescription.

Can I also do active physiotherapy exercises on my own at home?

Yes – in fact, this is very important. Your therapist will show you specific exercises that you can do on your own at home to give your therapy the best possible support.