Corrective Exercise Prescription and Injury Management

Injuries are the unwanted side effects of active engagement in sport and physical activity (e.g., it is estimated that annually, 1 in 6 Australians suffers a sports-related injury). Exercise professionals often witness injuries first-hand and are frequently responsible for initial injury management until professional help (e.g., sports medicine physicians, accredited exercise physiologists and physiotherapists) is sought when major injuries occur or for the ongoing management of minor injuries. In contrast with the typical treatment model of rehabilitation after injury, it is well known that "prevention is better than cure". Too often injury prevention is neglected, as the focus is on post-injury rehabilitation. In this respect, exercise professionals should possess an evidence-based approach to address neuromuscular dysfunction in apparently healthy clients/athletes via corrective exercise training consisting of preventative measures ("pre-habilitation") to reduce the likelihood of injury, and promote a safe and sound return to exercise, physical activity or sport participation if injury does occur. Please Note: It is a requirement that students possess current First Aid and CPR certification from a recognised provider (e.g., St John's Ambulance, Lifesaving Victoria, Red Cross) prior to enrolling in this Unit.