The strength you have will determine how much you can do on your own, without having to be assisted. A sufficient level of strength will allow you to function with less fatigue, handling your body and the wheelchair with less exertion and strain. The physical therapist will help you gain the ability to perform daily functions without unnecessary exertion. Muscles and stretching Physical therapists know your anatomy and what muscles allow you to move or balance. Based on the nature of your disability and an evaluation, the therapist will know exactly what muscles you have control of, and will design exercises and use equipment to make the most of what you have.
Physical therapy is a precise process.
To exercise a certain muscle in your arm you need to apply resistance to that muscle in a particular direction in order to make it work and become stronger. Each person and each condition involves some special need. Many wheelchair users will need to develop strength for pushing wheels and for pressure relief push-ups in their chair. A quadriplegic might have control of only some muscles in the upper arm that need to be strengthened enough to lift the forearm at the elbow. Someone with a traumatic brain injury and resultant cognitive difficulties needs to have a simply designed program that he can remember.