

Pain was our primary outcome measure, and functional disability, range of movement (ROM), muscle strength, quality of life (QoL), satisfaction, structural integrity and cortical inhibition were secondary outcome measures. The aim of this systematic review of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) was to assess the effectiveness of isometric exercise in comparison with other treatment strategies or no treatment in tendinopathy. Definitive conclusions about the benefits of isometric exercise for tendinopathy can therefore not be made, and no previous systematic reviews have evaluated the effectiveness of isometric exercise in the management of all tendinopathies. Despite their recent popularity, it is unclear if isometric exercise provides superior pain relief when directly compared with other interventions. 26 This review focused on patellar tendinopathy and concluded that isometric exercise programmes appeared to be effective in short-term pain relief in athletes during the competitive season. Previous systematic reviews have evaluated eccentric and combined concentric/eccentric programmes, but only one review to date has evaluated isometric exercise. 21 A number of research groups have since investigated the effect of similar isometric loading programmes for pain relief in various tendinopathy populations and reported variable results. Subsequently, it was proposed that isometric exercise be used at the start of rehabilitation to achieve a reduction in pain. 20 They reported significantly greater pain relief immediately postintervention following a single session of isometric exercise when compared with isotonic exercise in a small sample of volleyball players with patellar tendinopathy. There has been recent clinical and research interest in isometric exercise programmes in the management of tendinopathy since the study by Rio and colleagues in 2015.

18 Importantly however, the tendon lengthens when subjected to loading, regardless of muscle contraction type. 15–17 In contrast to isotonic exercise, in which the tension in the muscle remains constant despite a change in length, the muscle-tendon unit remains at a constant length during isometric exercise. 11–14 Although the benefits of loading programmes are well recognised, 35%–45% of individuals do not experience a significant reduction in symptoms from either eccentric or combined concentric/eccentric exercise. 11–14 However, eccentric loading has not been consistently found to be superior when compared with combined concentric/eccentric programmes. 6–10 Different types of exercise or ‘loading’ programmes have been investigated, with those focusing on eccentric exercises the most commonly researched. 4 5Įxercise programmes are usually the first-line treatment for tendinopathy, and evidence of their effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function has been demonstrated. 4 Both the upper and lower limbs are involved, with the rotator cuff, lateral elbow, gluteal, patellar and Achilles tendons commonly affected. 2 It affects both sedentary 3 and active individuals and is responsible for 30%–50% of all sporting injuries. 1 The burden of disease associated with tendinopathy is significant, accounting for 30% of all musculoskeletal conditions seen in general practice. Shoulder isometrics can be performed up to three times per day, but be sure to ask your physical therapist about the frequency for your specific condition.Tendinopathy is the preferred term for persistent tendon pain and loss of function due to mechanical loading. When trying to improve muscular function in a specific shoulder ROM.In the initial stages of therapy, when inflammation may make shoulder motion painful.Your physical therapist may prescribe isometric shoulder exercises as part of your rehab home exercise program. Isometric exercises are performed by simply contracting your muscles without any other movement. Various types of exercises you may be taught in physical therapy may include: Exercises for your shoulder are essential for helping you regain normal function. Your physical therapist will be able to assess your condition and prescribe various treatments to help you return to your normal self. It may be part of a regimen designed to help you regain normal shoulder range of motion (ROM), strength, and functional mobility. Isometric exercise is a type of exercise your physical therapist may prescribe if you have shoulder pain.
