Physical therapists often recommend isometric and isotonic exercises to arthritis patients. The goal of exercising with arthritis is to strengthen joints while improving mobility. These exercises can usually be modified during flare-ups of arthritis when you are experiencing pain and inflammation symptoms. Speak to your doctor about the benefits of isometric and isotonic exercise.
Isometric Exercises
Isometric exercises involve tightening the muscles in the body without moving the joint. Isometric exercises are completed by contracting the muscle without bending, pulling or pushing. Although you may not gain strength or build muscle with these exercises, you will be able to maintain muscle. People with injuries as well as people with arthritis can benefit from isometric exercises.
Types
To do isometric exercise, you must stay in a static position. Your physical therapist will advise exercises that work one particular muscle or muscle group at a time. Examples of isometric exercises include thigh contractions and wall pushes. During thigh contractions, lie flat on your back and squeeze the muscles. Hold the contraction for several seconds and release. Do not move during the contractions. For wall pushes, put the palms of your hands flat against the wall. The muscles in the arms are contracted to mimic the act of pushing an object.
Isotonic Exercises
Isotonic exercises differ from isometric exercise because you will move the joint during exercise. For the exercise to be completed, a muscle must be contracted as a result of your moving one or more joints in the body. If you are not experiencing pain and inflammation symptoms, your physical therapist may recommend making the isotonic exercises more difficult by adding weight or increasing the number of repetitions you complete.
Examples
An example of an isotonic exercise for arthritis patients is chair leg lifts. Sit with a flat back against the rear of the chair. Plant both feet on the floor. Lift one leg off the floor and straighten out the knee. You should feel a contraction in your thigh muscle. Hold the leg up for a few seconds and slowly return the foot to the floor.
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