Though related, the wellness program provided by your physical therapy clinic is not your average fitness program. Wellness programs offer customized plans that typically include guidance on fitness, nutrition, strength training, and pain and stress management. These total health management programs are designed to help people of all ages and fitness levels meet and maintain personal wellness goals.

Before creating your plan, a physical therapist will perform an extensive physical evaluation—including analysis of your body fat, heart rate, blood pressure, and body mass index—to establish your baseline fitness level. Then, he or she would tailor a wellness program to your needs based on the results of your evaluation and whether you’re trying to maintain or improve upon gains made in a physical therapy treatment, or if you’re looking to improve your health and fitness, particularly if you have—or are at risk for developing—chronic diseases or conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

The ultimate goal of a wellness program is to help you transition to a regular gym exercise program, so over the course of treatment, you will likely receive guidance and counseling from an exercise physiologist, nutritionist, and/or occupational therapist to provide you with comprehensive treatment and long-term lifestyle changes.