Why Medical Clearance Matters Before You Exercise

Medical clearance is something people often overlook when starting an exercise program. But it’s a critical first step if you want to use strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training to manage a medical condition or improve function after physical therapy is done.

What is Medical Clearance?

Medical clearance is the process by which your physician or other licensed medical care provider gives you the go-ahead to start an exercise program.

If you’re working with an exercise professional, such as a personal trainer, medical clearance lets them know there is no reason you shouldn’t start.

There may still be some things to keep in mind, such as reducing exercise intensity or avoiding certain exercises. But once your doctor has cleared you for exercise, you can begin working with a medical or post-rehab exercise trainer.

Why Get Medical Clearance Before Staring With Exercise?

Obtaining medical clearance from your physician serves a few purposes. First, it lets you and your trainer know that there is no reason to restrict you from starting an exercise program.

If there is, now would be the time at which your physician can provide that feedback to you or your trainer.

Always remember that no matter how motivated you might be to exercise again, getting to a safe level of function first should be your priority.

Second, it’s a way for your physician to know that you’re planning to exercise. If you’re going to work with a trainer, or on your own, then you need to be at the appropriate stage of healing.

If you’re in the acute or sub-actuate phases, where pain, swelling, or limited function are still significant, work with your doctor, physical therapist, or other medical professional.

Only they can help you move into the chronic phase of healing, when you can use exercise to improve strength and other components of function.

I’ve discussed the three phases of healing here if you want to learn more.

Establishing a Relationship With Your Medical Care Provider

When your trainer reaches out to your physician for medical clearance, it creates a dialogue and strengthens the relationships between the people on your health team.

Your trainer can provide periodic updates via progress reports and other documentation to ensure you are on track to achieving your goals without complications.

If any issues arise as you start your exercise program, your trainer can contact your physician to provide information about pain, swelling, or other concerns.

This collaborative approach allows your trainer to modify your program as needed and establish parameters with your doctor to keep you safe and increase your likelihood of success.

Don’t Skip Out on Medical Clearance

One reason you might overlook the importance of obtaining medical clearance is that you might “feel fine”.

I’ve heard clients say things like, “I haven’t talked to my doctor about exercising, but I don’t think I really need to. I’m already pretty active as it is.”

But not all physical activity is the same. For example, if your goal is to increase strength or bone mass, you need to focus on strength exercises.

Strength training may not be something you’re familiar with. So introducing new movements while working with machine or free weights will stress the joints, connective tissues, and muscles.

I mean…that’s kind of the point. But training at the right intensity will lead to the desired results. And safely increasing that intensity over time is key to long-term progress and injury prevention.

So even though you may feel fine and not think you have a problem starting an exercise program, consider the risks involved with lifting heavy loads or doing high-intensity aerobic exercise.

How your body responds to your daily physician activities will differ from how it responds to a structured exercise plan.

This is especially important for people with cardiovascular conditions. If you have high blood pressure, you need to stay within safe blood pressure ranges before, during, and after exercise.

Although there are guidelines for exercise professionals to follow regarding exercise and blood pressure, doctors might make an exception, allowing someone with higher blood pressure to exercise.

But that decision can only come from your physician, not your trainer.

Medical clearance from your doctor, physical therapist, or other licensed medical care provider is a critical step in using exercise to manage medical conditions and improve function or athletic performance.

Your trainer can do the legwork for you by reaching out to your physician and sending a request for clearance.

Establishing clear communication between your doctor and trainer is the best way to make sure you’re following an exercise program that’s right for your needs, safety, and goals.