Written by: Ashley Bowyer PT, DPT, CSCS, PES
When it comes to working out or trying to stay healthy, it’s not always easy doing it on your own. There are many different options and routes available when getting assistance to reach your fitness and health goals. At Raleigh Orthopedic we have options available for every level to guide you through your fitness journey between physical therapy, C.O.R.E, and performance training. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish which category of support may be best for you, so here is a little break down of each program to help decide what program suits you based on your needs and current health status.
If you currently have any nagging aches and pains or specific orthopedic issues/injuries that may limit any type of exercise performance, then physical therapy may be best for you. Physical therapists are “movement specialists” and will evaluate you for any impairments that could be causing pain or restrictions. They are able to create a personalized treatment program including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities to address your limitations and get you on track to return to pain-free, independent exercise performance. Physical therapy is a great option to avoid further injury or if you need guidance in addressing lingering discomfort before returning to previous exercise activities and sports.
The CORE program is another program option that utilizes therapeutic exercise to address health and fitness goals without the addition of manual therapy or modalities sometimes used in physical therapy treatment. It is a great option for those who may run out of approved insurance therapy visits or are transitioning from physical therapy and need another stepping stone to continue having assistance and guidance with their exercise program. There are a variety of exercises classes in the CORE program including one-on-one fitness sessions, balance programs, tai chi, and group fitness classes that people of all ages and fitness levels can fit into. Classes are customized to each individual and are designed or supervised by licensed physical therapists and certified professionals to ensure proper form and avoid injury during exercise performance. The classes provide a structured non-surgical option for orthopedic conditions. CORE programs are cash-based and open to the public without need for a physician referral.
The last option on your fitness journey would be performance training. If you have no current injuries and have been medically cleared to exercise without limitations, then performance training is the place to go. We have licensed performance trainers that will provide a fitness assessment and design a custom-tailored exercise program to address your specific goals whether it be getting faster, stronger, leaner, more agile, more flexible, or even training for an event or sport. Our performance centers in Raleigh and Cary have individual and group training session options and are also cash-based similar to CORE programs. Both performance centers also provide post-rehab training options where trainers work in conjunction with physical therapists to offer a smooth transition for physical therapy patients to progress toward more intense performance training.
These programs provide options for all ages, current health/injury statuses, and every type of fitness goals. Contact us now to get started on the program that fits best for you!
Performance Centers
Cary
919-535-8845
apccaryinfo@raleighortho.com
Raleigh
919-876-1100
apcinfo@raleighortho.com
CORE
919-863-6834
About the Author: Ashley Bowyer PT, DPT, CSCS, PES
Ashley Bowyer graduated from the Ohio State University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Sciences where she was also a member of varsity women’s soccer team. She became a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) in 2011 and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) in 2012. Ashley then earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2013. She has also earned certifications in Functional Movement Screen and impact concussion testing and rehabilitation.
Prior to relocating to North Carolina and joining Raleigh Orthopaedic in 2017, Ashley specialized in sports and orthopaedic cases including treating numerous youth, amateur, collegiate and professional athletes. She has special interests in soccer, ACL prevention/rehabilitation, as well injuries related to everyday life and sports.
