Medical Exercise Training: Why Medical Exercise Specialists Will Dominate the Next 20 Years
Over the next two decades, the need for Medical Exercise Specialists is poised for exponential growth, driven primarily by the aging Baby Boomer generation. This demographic shift, combined with several key factors, will elevate the importance and recognition of medical exercise training in managing chronic diseases and improving overall health outcomes. Here are seven principal reasons why medical exercise training will see significant growth in the coming years:
As the benefits of exercise in managing chronic diseases become more evident, the medical community increasingly recognizes the importance of integrating exercise into management plans. Physicians are beginning to see medical exercise training as a critical component of comprehensive care for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. This growing acknowledgment will drive more referrals to certified Medical Exercise Specialists, solidifying the field’s role in chronic care of medical conditions.
The continued reduction in coverage for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic care is creating a gap in the management of chronic diseases. Medical exercise training is uniquely positioned to fill this void, offering a cost-effective means of delivering a key component to maintain the gains made in therapies. As coverage for traditional therapies diminishes, the demand for medical exercise training will rise, providing clients with the necessary support to continue effective management of their conditions.
Soon, many third-party insurance carriers, including major providers like Blue Cross and Blue Shield, will begin reimbursing for medical exercise training services. Please DO NOT mistake this coverage for the services provided by the traditional therapies, but the ongoing exercise component to maintain the gains made in therapy. This reimbursement will be contingent on a written referral from a licensed physician, specifically for medical exercise training, functional conditioning, and post-rehab training. Unlike personal training, which will not receive reimbursement, medical exercise training’s inclusion in insurance coverage will significantly boost its accessibility and appeal.
Functional Assessment Scales will become a mandatory component of the assessment process for clients with medical conditions referred for medical exercise training services. These scales will help to objectively measure a client’s functional capacity and progress, ensuring that medical exercise training programs are tailored to meet specific functional needs. The use of standardized assessments will enhance the credibility and effectiveness of medical exercise training, further integrating it into the medical management framework.
As the field evolves, we will see a significant migration of physical therapists and registered nurses into medical exercise training. These professionals will obtain certifications as Medical Exercise Specialists while maintaining their licensure. Their expertise and background in healthcare will enhance the quality of medical exercise training, bridging the gap between traditional medical care and exercise-based interventions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a transformative role in medical exercise training, assisting with program design, documentation, and communication. AI-powered tools will enable medical exercise specialists to create more personalized and effective exercise programs, streamline administrative tasks, and improve communication with clients and healthcare providers. This technological integration will enhance the efficiency and precision of medical exercise training services.
Starting in 2025, we will witness a surge in the opening of private fitness studios dedicated exclusively to medical exercise training. These studios will reach a peak in the mid-2030s, catering to the growing demand for specialized exercise programs tailored to individuals with medical conditions. The proliferation of these studios will make medical exercise training more accessible and convenient, further solidifying its place in the healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, the future of medical exercise training is bright, with significant growth expected over the next 20 years. As the Baby Boomer generation ages and the medical community continues to embrace the benefits of exercise, medical exercise training will become an integral part of chronic disease management. By staying ahead of these trends and embracing innovation, medical exercise specialists will be well-positioned to lead this transformative change in healthcare.
To prepare for this exciting future and ensure you meet the challenges ahead, join the Medical Exercise Specialist (MES) Mastermind Group. This group offers invaluable resources and support, including monthly one-on-one and group coaching sessions designed to help you develop a sustainable and profitable practice, connect with medical professionals, and produce positive outcomes for your clients. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career and become a leader in medical exercise training. Visit www.MESMastermind.com to learn more and enroll today.
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