Rehab industry surges to overcome growing pains

Li Xiaoli felt like she had entered a gym or yoga studio when she first walked into the rehabilitation room at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing.

The large space was filled with therapy beds and various equipment, but unlike a typical gym, the rehabilitation therapists were wearing white coats.

One day in August, after experiencing a dull ache in her lower back and discomfort in her neck from doing crunches at a gym, she decided to follow a friend's advice and visit the hospital's rehabilitation department.

"I was diagnosed with a lumbar muscle strain. It was my first time trying exercise rehabilitation, and it was quite impressive," she said.

Physical therapy, often referred to as sports rehabilitation, is a combination of exercise and medical treatment.

It consists of various exercises, stretches and movements designed to enhance strength, flexibility and mobility, allowing individuals to recover from injuries and move safely.

In Li's case, the process involved the therapist assessing her injuries and creating a tailored set of rehabilitation exercises. They included movements such as hip bridges and rowing exercises that focus on strengthening the major muscle groups.

"The therapist also taught me some relaxation exercises for my neck, and the consultation took over an hour. Afterward, I felt physically and mentally refreshed," said the 27-year-old.

Following the therapist's advice, Li committed to performing the exercises every day.

She now believes that the resistance training at the gym that led to her pain, may have been excessive.

"Perhaps the weights and repetitions were inappropriate, as I always felt fatigued and strained after my workouts. The doctors at the rehabilitation department advised me to stop weight training until my symptoms subsided, before resuming," she said. "I never thought that exercise would end in rehabilitation."