{"id":33664,"date":"2024-02-15T08:32:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T16:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/?p=33664"},"modified":"2024-02-16T07:56:28","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T15:56:28","slug":"the-importance-of-isometrics-for-the-joint-replacement-client-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/all-mfn\/the-importance-of-isometrics-for-the-joint-replacement-client-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Isometrics for the Joint Replacement Client, Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Part 1 of this article<\/a>, we defined isometrics and discussed the two basic types of isometric exercises, yielding and overcoming, and why you might choose one over the other. In Part 2, we\u2019re going to discuss the benefits of isometrics, especially for joint replacement clients, and ideas on how to use and program isometrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of isometric exercises?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Isometric exercises are beneficial for everyone \u2013 athletes, fitness enthusiasts, those with musculoskeletal pain, those in rehab, etc. But they are especially beneficial for joint replacement fitness. Here are the primary benefits of isometrics training:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You control the effort level<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 The client has complete control over the amount of effort\/force they are producing. This not only contributes to the safety of isometric training, but it also helps joint replacement clients (or anyone recovering from injury or motor control issues) learn how to control their force production. Isometrics specifically activate pre-motor and supplementary motor areas in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isometrics are the least neurologically threatening form of strength training<\/em><\/strong>[1]<\/sup> – Because the client is in total control of the effort level and that force is being produced without joint movement, isometrics are a very low threat to the nervous system. This very often allows clients to utilize isometrics well before dynamic exercises, and feel safe producing force, which is very important as joint replacement clients relearn neuromuscular activation patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larger amounts of force can be generated than dynamic<\/em><\/strong> training<\/strong><\/em> \u2013 If you are doing multiple reps of an exercise, you are, by definition, not producing maximum force. Isometrics allow a client to work up to max force production in a safe and pain-free manner.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Isometrics promote joint health and strength<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 The synovial fluid in joints is a Non-Newtonian Fluid, meaning that when increased pressure occurs through the joint, the viscosity of the synovial fluid increases, to provide more protection for the joint. Thus, isometrics take advantage of the hydrodynamics of the joint fluid, which increases joint stability as increasing amounts of force are put through the joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain reduction<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Isometric exercises have been shown to reduce pain in patellar tendinopathy[1]<\/sup> and lateral elbow tendinopathy[2]<\/sup>, sometimes used by itself or with other modalities. In our experience, isometrics can be a very powerful tool to mitigate musculoskeletal pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you use isometrics?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are three primary parameters we can adjust when doing isometrics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n