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- December 20, 2025
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5 Physical Therapy Exercises to Do at Home
You put in the hard work at the clinic, but how do you keep that momentum going? Maximizing the benefits of your physical therapy in Las Vegas doesn't stop when you walk out the door. In fact, the “secret weapon” for faster progress is often what you do in your living room between appointments.
Whether you are recovering from an injury or building long-term strength, consistency is key. Below are five effective clinical exercises you can try today to bridge the gap between your clinic visits and daily life.
Note: Always supervise younger children. If an exercise causes pain, stop immediately and consult your therapist.
1. Bear Walks / Plank Walkouts (Shoulder Strength)
This exercise creates a closed kinetic chain for the upper body, building shoulder and core stability necessary for everything from handwriting to sports.
- The Exercise: Walk on hands and feet (not knees), keeping the hips high.
- For Kids: Call it the “Bear Walk” and have them crawl over a puzzle or toy.
- For Teens & Adults: Perform “Inchworms”—start standing, walk hands out to a plank position, hold, and walk hands back to feet.
2. Single Leg Stance (Balance)
Balance is the unsung hero of safe movement. This static exercise targets ankle stability and helps prevent falls.
- The Exercise: Stand on one leg while lifting the other foot off the ground. Try to hold for 10–20 seconds without holding onto furniture.
- For Kids: Have a “Flamingo Contest” to see who can be a statue the longest.
- For Teens & Adults: Close eyes while balancing or stand on a pillow or cushion to increase the difficulty.
3. Sit-to-Stands (Functional Strength)
This movement mimics the squat, one of the most functional movements humans perform. It builds the quad and glute strength needed to get out of chairs, off the floor, or out of a car.
- The Exercise: Sit on a sturdy surface. Stand up without using hands, then sit back down slowly with control.
- For Kids: Play their favorite song and see how many they can complete during the chorus.
- For Teens & Adults: Hold a heavy book or backpack to add resistance (weighted squats).
4. Tandem Walking (Coordination)
By narrowing your base of support, you force your brain to work overtime on stability and proprioception—knowing where your body is in space.
- The Exercise: Walk heel-to-toe in a straight line, similar to walking on a tightrope.
- For Kids: Use painter’s tape on the floor and pretend it’s a bridge over lava.
- For Teens & Adults: Practice walking backward heel-to-toe for an advanced challenge.
5. Bridges (Core & Glutes)
A strong core is the foundation for almost all movement. This exercise targets the posterior chain, including the glutes and lower back.
- The Exercise: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Lift hips toward the ceiling, hold for 3 seconds, and lower slowly.
- For Kids: Roll a small toy car underneath while they hold their bridge.
- For Teens & Adults: Try single-leg bridges by extending one leg while lifting the hips.
Take the Next Step
These exercises are excellent maintenance tools; however, every body is unique. For a customized plan or to explore intensive programs such as the TheraSuit Method, it is best to seek professional physical therapy in Las Vegas.
Contact Let’s Talk! Therapy Center today to schedule an evaluation and receive a plan tailored to your specific needs.