EXERCISE THERAPIST

Become a Certified
EXERCISE THERAPIST

Learn the techniques and exercises to rehabilitate your clients from training injuries or accidents. Address both chronic conditions and isolated issues to get your clients moving and feeling better.

20 Credits

Recognized by

ISSA

International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), USA.

REPS UAE

REPS UAE 8 CPD

International Credits of the Course

All courses are officially approved and accredited by ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association, a USA-based organization), one of the most recognized and respected fitness certification bodies worldwide.

ISSA certifications are internationally recognized and accepted in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and many other countries, making them a valuable credential for fitness professionals seeking to expand their careers globally.

This globally recognized certification enables fitness professionals to access international job opportunities, work with elite clients, and enhance their expertise in the fitness industry.

With ISSA’s strong reputation in science-based fitness education, graduates of this course will gain the knowledge and credentials needed to work in gyms, personal training studios, rehabilitation centers, and sports teams worldwide.

How It Works

Enroll now and get instant access
Study at your own pace
Take chapter quizzes to see your progress
Pass the open-book, untimed Final Exam from anywhere!

What You’ll Learn From This Course

Our course material is continually updated so you can be sure you’re receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

◼️ Explain the fundamental principles of therapeutic exercise; including, its definition, and use in prevention, treatment, control, rehabilitation, restoration and prevention of re-occurrence in a variety of ailments.
◼️ Describe the role and scope of practice for a Specialist in Exercise Therapy, and identify how this role fits into a client’s continuum of care.
◼️Discuss the aspects and application of functional fitness.
◼️Define the musculoskeletal system, body mechanics, and body musculature in relation to exercise and movement.
◼️Explain the challenges facing clients with chronic, medical conditions.
◼️ Recognize a chronic health condition(s) that may require an individual to use special care while exercising.
◼️ Identify the correct exercise(s) to address a client’s specific chronic condition (cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological, orthopedic, and / or sensory).
◼️ Develop a comprehensive exercise therapy program that utilizes Adaptive Programming principles and techniques to address the fitness constraints of a client.
◼️ Identify the locations for additional Exercise Therapy Support materials and resources.

COURSE CONTENTS

00Introduction

01Chapter 1: Therapeutic Exercise

History

02Chapter 2: Understanding the Disabled

Evolution of Adaptive Physical Education for Adults with Disabilities
Changing Attitudes Towards Disabled Persons
Role of Exercise for the Disabled

03Chapter 3: Fitness as Therapy

Proper Exercise Is Therapeutic
Designed for Action
Fitness as Medicine
Use It or Lose It
Exercise and Disease

04Chapter 4: Functional Fitness

Summary

05Chapter 5: Fundamentals of Exercise Therapy

Benefits of Exercise Therapy Programs
Designing a Exercise Therapy Program
Exercise Participation Flowchart
Fundamental Terminology for Fitness Technician
Proper Body Mechanics for the Instructor
Effective Teaching Considerations
Effective Communication Skills

06Chapter 6: Muscles and Movement

Anatomy for the Exercise Therapy Educator
Exercise Therapy Kinesiology
How Muscles Work Together

07Chapter 7: Contraindicated Exercises

Doing It Right
Facts and Myths about Exercise
Risks vs. Benefits
Beyond the Core
Exercises to Avoid
Exercise Therapy Considerations

08Chapter 8: Overview of Chronic Conditions

Exercise Is for Everyone
Common Physical Health Problems Seen Among Older Adults
Thoughts to Share with Clients

09Chapter 9: Cardiorespiratory Conditions

High Blood Pressure
Low Blood Pressure
Heart Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Asthma

10Chapter 10: Metabolic Conditions

Diabetes
Obesity

11Chapter 11: Neurological Conditions

Acquired Brain Injury
Cerebral Vascular Accident
Epilepsy
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Spinal Cord Injury
Learning Disabilities
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease

12Chapter 12: Orthopedic Conditions

Arthritis
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Neck Problems
Low Back Problems
Shoulder Problems
Hip Problems
Knee Problems
Ankle Problems
Osteoporosis
Amputations

13Chapter 13: Sensory Impairments

Auditory Disorders
Visual Impairments

14Chapter 14: Other Health Conditions

HIV/AIDS
Cancer
Pregnancy

15Chapter 15: Programming for Ambulation

Transfers and Ambulation Aids
Progressive Mobilization
Ambulation Aids
Gait Training

16Chapter 16: Programming for Aquatics

Water Exercise for Special Population
Fitness Aquatics: Hydrogymnastics
Assessment of Aquatic Skills

17Chapter 17: Programming for Balance and Perceptual Motor Skills

Balance Progressions
Perceptual Motor Skills
Fine Motor Tasks

18Chapter 18: Programming for Cardiovascular Fitness

Cardiovascular Exercises
Karvonen’s Formulas
How to Take a Pulse
Determining Target Heart Rate

19Chapter 19: Programming for Flexibility and Range of Motion

Flexibility
Range of Motion
Programming for Flexibility
Range-of-Motion Exercises
Active Range of Motion Worksheet

20Chapter 20: Program for Muscular Strength and Endurance

General Progressive Resistance Guidelines
Strength Training
Terminology
General Guidelines for Adaptive Weight Training
Sample Strength Training Program and Exercises

21Chapter 21: Programming for Posture

Assessment of Posture
Procedures for Spinal Screening
Posture Exercises

22Exercise Therapy Support Materials

Appendix
Abbreviations
Support Materials
Forms
Glossary
Index

Your New Career as an Exercise Therapy Specialist Starts Here

According to the American Sports Data Company Inc., numerous employment opportunities are opening up in facilities for health & fitness professionals who have an expertise in Post-Rehab exercise. Nearly 1,000 hospitals in the US alone have already opened fitness facilities and hundreds more are in various stages of development.

The broad goal of this certificate program is to train students for an entry-level position in Exercise Therapy through distance education.

Please note: The information provided in this course is for general educational purposes only. The material is not a substitute for consultation with a healthcare provider regarding particular medical conditions and needs.

Study at your own pace with flexible, online learning to fit your busy schedule.
Pass your certification exam online wherever you’re most comfortable.

What You’ll Get With This Course

Online Study Guide and Workbook

This online handy reference guide walks you through the course unit-by-unit, allowing you to gain a better understanding of personal trainer concepts.

Practice Exam and Section Quizzes

The practice exam and quizzes test your understanding of the materials; so while you’re reading you’re preparing for the exam at the same time.

Online Exercise Lab

ISSA and Hyperstrike provide you with an exclusive online exercise lab with over 250 animated exercises. 3D animation and three different angles ensure that proper form and technique are a breeze!

Online and Home Study Exam

ISSA’s certification exam solidifies your proficiency as a fitness professional. Choose a paper-and-pencil exam or utilize our secure online testing portal. One No-cost Retest (if necessary).

COURSE AUDIENCE

for whom this course can be useful

✅ Aspiring exercise therapists, fitness coaches, and health professionals looking to build a professional career in corrective exercise, rehabilitation support, and therapeutic training.

✅ Individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in assessing movement dysfunctions and designing safe, personalized exercise programs for injury prevention, pain management, and functional improvement.

✅ Fitness and rehabilitation professionals seeking reputable certifications to strengthen their credibility in exercise therapy and evidence-based corrective training.

✅ Coaches, personal trainers, and sports professionals striving to improve client outcomes through mobility training, postural correction, muscular balance, and functional rehabilitation strategies.

✅ Motivated individuals committed to helping clients restore movement quality, reduce pain, improve physical function, and achieve long-term health through structured and therapeutic exercise programs.

Become a Certified
EXERCISE THERAPIST