WHY DOES THE PT/OT HAVE TO APPROVE MY ATTENDANCE IN THE CLASSES PRIOR TO PARTICIPATION?

This is what makes GroupHab® so unique. Our programs are specialized and individualized by your physical therapist/occupational therapist. A wide variety of class offerings are available to meet the wide variety of functional levels and concerns and interests of individuals. This allows you to challenge yourself to the maximal level without risk of injury.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM A PHYSICIAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE GROUP CLASSES?

No referral is required. Our physical therapist/occupational therapists will perform a comprehensive initial assessment prior to participating in class as part of our program and make referrals if necessary.

HOW DO YOU GUIDE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH SPECIFIC PHYSICAL ISSUES FOR CLASS PARTICIPATION TO NOT AGGRAVATE OR RE-INJURE THEMSELVES?

Our program is very unique. We complete an initial assessment on everyone prior to their participation in our classes. During this assessment we discuss individual goals, concerns, precautions, modifications or adaptations to classes, disease/condition specific education, and we identify the appropriate classes for each individual. Often, during the assessment we will put on some music and “try” a few segments of the classes, the beats per minute, steps or moves etc. to further educate and insure appropriate class placement. Class sizes are small (usually 5-8 people) and individuals are closely monitored. Several of the classes have rehab aides assisting the class in addition to the instructor. We offer a wide variety of functional classes designed by a physical therapist/occupational therapist for the senior population so they are very safe and effective wellness classes.

HOW ARE THE CLASSES DIFFERENT FROM A CLASS AT THE SENIOR CENTER OR HEALTH CLUB?

-Created by a physical therapist/occupational therapist using physical therapy knowledge, treatment principles, theories and concepts.
– Extensive knowledge of disease-specific precautions, special needs, and concerns of participants.
– Skilled to instruct in monitoring of fatigue limits and adjustment of the class to meet the varying needs and abilities of participants.
– Standard routines are never followed. Skilled physical therapy is defined by the constant ability to adapt and modify the class to the participants needs

- Physical Therapy Assessment allows for placement into the appropriate functional class for each individual.

-Assessment allows for personalize instruction in modifications that may be necessary to participate in a class.

-Ongoing supervision allows PT's to catch problems before they become serious concerns and to progress clients appropriately.

HOW DO GROUPHAB® CLASSES IMPROVE COGNITION?

An abundance of research has demonstrated that aerobic exercise will improve brain health and prevent cognitive decline. In addition, to the aerobic exercise we creatively use the music to provide cognitive challenges with coordination, sequencing, multitasking and motor planning. Many of our exercises contain cognitive challenges combined with physical movements and exercise.
In addition, we Know that neuroplasticity and motor relearning occurs with the maximal variety challenges to the various systems of the body: vestibular, visual, motor, sensory, and cognitive. Our group exercise classes provide this maximal variety of challenges.

CAN I COME AND TRY ANY OF THE CLASSES I LIKE?

No. Our programs are specialized with a wide variety of class offerings to meet different needs. Our therapist completes the initial evaluation with recommendations for the appropriate classes to meet your needs