6-Point Client Management System

In this episode of the Medical Exercise Specialist podcast, Dr. Mike dives into the engine of the MedEx Pro operating system: the 6-point system for client management. For fitness professionals stepping into the medical exercise space, Dr. Mike emphasizes the need to shift your perspective. Instead of viewing a client purely through a traditional personal training lens, professionals must view them through a medical lens, prioritizing their specific diagnosis and functional limitations. With modern insurance cutbacks often leaving patients with limited physical therapy sessions, medical exercise professionals play an increasingly vital role in helping clients transition from initial recovery to full functional independence. To safely and effectively manage these clients, Dr. Mike outlines a foundational 6-point system: • 1. Understand Clinical Anatomy and Pathology: Always start by identifying the client's diagnosis (provided by a physician) to fully grasp the involved anatomical structures, altered joint mechanics, and underlying pathology. • 2. Identify Contraindications: Knowing exactly what not to do is critical. Avoiding contraindicated movements protects the healing process and prevents severe complications, such as a joint dislocation after a hip replacement. • 3. Conduct a Thorough Assessment: Before a client begins their program, establish a baseline by assessing their strength, range of motion, and specific functional deficits. Communicating with their doctor or therapist is a key part of this step. • 4. Implement Indicated Exercises: Select specific activities that improve strength, proprioception, stability, and balance to directly address the client's limitations. • 5. Establish Progression and Functional Goals: Move beyond general fitness goals (like just "feeling stronger") and focus on actionable, functional milestones—such as safely navigating stairs, driving to the store, or even wearing a favorite pair of shoes to a special event. • 6. Utilize a Protocol-Based Approach: Follow established protocols and best practices to ensure no steps fall through the cracks during the recovery process. A central theme of this episode is Dr. Mike's guiding philosophy: "Manage the Condition, but Train the Client". This means strictly adhering to the medical boundaries and contraindications of the client's condition, while actively customizing the exercise program to fit their unique lifestyle, schedule, and secondary health factors. Dr. Mike warns that failing to utilize all six points of this system—especially rushing past a thorough assessment—is the leading cause of client setbacks and injuries. Read the full blog post here: https://www.postrehab.com/blog/the-client-management-engine-that-eliminates-random-exercise Resources Mentioned in this Episode: • Learn more about the MedEx Pro operating system by visiting the blog at postrehab.com. • Share your thoughts or questions about this episode by emailing Dr. Mike at drmike@postrehab.com.