Rob Townsend

Progression for Teaching Weightlifting Pull Movements for a Rehabilitative Setting

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING professionals that work with individuals who have had previous low back injuries may face many challenges. The initial therapy may come from weeks of working with a licensed physical therapist or certified athletic trainer. Regardless of the path taken, the client or athlete will need continued rehabilitation for preparation for their occupation after the injured area is strengthened. Physical therapy is designed to help an individual achieve normal movement and function of the injured area (10). Occupations can vary from dynamic and explosive in nature to the other extreme of sitting at a desk working on a computer. Clientele who perform physical labor may need extra strength and power production from the muscles while at the same time maintaining safety and efficiency. This does not exclude office occupations in which one may have to lift boxes of paper, office furniture, or other office supplies. Closed-kinetic chain exercises are commonly used in a rehabilitation setting to increase a person’s strength and function (10). Pulling movements are a closed-kinetic chain exercise that is an underutilized training modality that can assist in preparing a client to return to work.