Do you think that a personal trainer mast be more knowlegeble in rehab topics?

It definitely can't hurt......learn about it in advance if you can....but honestly, I've learned so much through practice and dealing with clients who have had previous injuries.....thats what is so awesome about our field, we are forever learning.....

Jerry answered this questionally beautifully. You may be a post rehab specialist but you are not a a PT or rehab specialist as a personal trainer.

Agree with Jerry. If you are working with older clients there is a greater chance that they live with physical limitations for which regular exercise is beneficial. I've taken post rehab classes and have found that it is valuable to have the knowledge but generally work with local PT's and rehab specialist.

It all depends on what you want to become and expert at. I believe that you can either be average at a lot of things or really good at a few things. Find your desired clientele and make the needs of them your specialty

It is definitely to have some knowledge on rehab topics to help you clients, but to keep up with anatomy, progression, and help keep you creative.
You'll be a better trainer because of it.

I think it is always good to be familiar with related specialties and practices. However, since one of the current trends in our industry is toward the medical and rehab aspect, it is important to be prudent. Specifically, stick to what you know. Don't be afraid to admit when something is outside your realm of expertise. In fact, this is a great way to network with other experts in your area to create a fitness/wellness team (hopefully mutual referrals occur).

I get nervous when I talk with trainers who assume they can take on a client who really belongs with a physiotherapist or sports medicine expert first. Attending a day or weekend-long course in these areas does not qualify you to do what they do. If you can match those credentials, then more power to you! If not, be careful.

I must agree with Michelle, I am two years into an Exercise Sports Science Degree and can tell you that functional PT certification knowledge has nothing on it.

Rehab' is very specific and detailed, relying on a thorough understanding of anatomy, biology, physiology, psychology, biomechanics, and kinesiology. It is not something that can be based on trial and error, as your client is already vulnerable to complications if you programme inappropriate exercises due to a lack of knowledge.

Consider your exposure to any legal actions that may arise from your limited health professional knowledge and qualifications. I recommend further education if this a field you are interested in as it is a specialised field.

Dimitris, I see that you live in Greece and perhaps the training you received in Greece is considerably different than from what we experience here in the United States.

I am familiar with the European Registry of Exercise Professionals an I am in fact listed on the registry in Italy and the UK. What I found interesting about your question is your wording. You ask whether "personal trainers must be more knowledgeable in rehab topics."

I wouldn't want to assume anything, however, I am curious to know whether the training to become a personal trainer in Greece includes a basic knowledge of rehabilitation science that the personal trainer must first acquire and then progress from that base of knowledge? I ask this as you use the phrase "more knowledgeable" in your question. Is providing rehabilitative services part of the personal trainer's scope of practice or duties in Greece?

Is your question directed to the audience in Greece or an international audience?

I'd be interested in knowing. Thanks.

I think that having at least a basic knowledge of rehab topics and issues will definitely make you a bit more marketable to clinical practitioners such as physical therapists. It also puts you in a better position to offer a continuum of care for your client after they have returned to training from rehabilitation.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com