Group exercise therapy has revolutionized the treatment procedure for physiotherapist Yvonne Gjertsen from Norway. In one class, she can treat many people with different problems at the same time.
Gjertsen has treated people with sling exercise therapy and Neurac since she came to Norway about 15 years ago. She recently built a group facility at her clinic in Kristiansand, and is now able to treat up to 15 people at the same time. The classes has become so popular that people are traveling long distances to join the classes.
- They all get thoroughly examined and treated with Neurac before they get to join the classes. Patients should be aware that they need to do active workout to get well. I give personal follow-ups during the sessions, and I think this motivates them and makes them feel safe, Gjertsen says.
The patients who joins the group gets individualized exercises adjusted to their physical level. The classes consists of functional exercises for the entire body while Gjertsen constantly gives feedback and corrections to the patients.
- I see an enormous progression, both on their physical form and their behaviour. The fact that they recognize the changes themselves is improving their performance.
Gjertsen has 10 classes during a week, and she can customize the exercises to the patients joining the groups.
- As a physiotherapist it feels like a new job. The variations during the day makes the days go by really fast. It is also profitable business, says Gjertsen.