Core exercises have become popular in both fitness training and rehabilitation. The rectus abdominus and oblique muscles of the trunk are often considered part of the ‘core’ since they provide flexion, rotation, and stabilization. While flexion and rotation movements are easily created with traditional abdominal exercises such as the curl-up and trunk rotation, stabilization exercises [...]
Quadriceps strength is important both in rehabilitation after knee injury, but also as a risk factor in developing knee osteoarthritis. Knee extension exercises are commonly prescribed to strength the quadriceps in knee patients; these exercises are commonly performed with various types of resistance, including isokinetic, isotonic, and elastic resistance. Thera-Band® elastic resistance has been shown [...]
Shoulder rehabilitation patients often perform range of motion exercises using shoulder pulleys and bars. These “active-assisted” exercises are often used as the next-step in shoulder rehabilitation after passive range of motion (ROM) exercises. Active-assisted range of motion (AAROM) exercises are usually performed to begin muscle activation when it’s important to protect healing tissue, especially after [...]
Thera-Band®-resisted exercises are becoming more popular not only for hip rehabilitation, but also for knee rehabilitation and for sports-performance training. Recently, Dr. Dawn Gulick published a clinical application article on a popular hip external rotation exercise, the “Clam-Shell,” in Orthopedic Practice. In her article, Dr. Gulick stated that the Clam-Shell exercises can “reduce knee valgus, [...]
Closed chain exercises such as weight-bearing through the shoulder in a quadruped position are thought to increase co-contraction around the glenohumeral joint for stabilization. The addition of an unstable surface such as an exercise ball is often prescribed for therapeutic exercises to increase shoulder muscle activation compared to a stable surface. Researchers in Brazil compared [...]
Shoulder rehabilitation often includes Thera-Band® exercises. One popular exercise is the “PNF” diagonal shoulder exercise from the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation concept. The PNF diagonal exercise includes tri-planar motion of the shoulder against resistance; the resistance provided can be manual, dumbbell, or elastic band resistance. Few researchers have investigated the EMG activation levels of shoulder muscles [...]
Post-operative rehabilitation depends on 3 people: the surgeon, the patient, and the therapist. Obviously, the surgeon must be technically proficient, the patient must be compliant, and the therapist must promote healing without damaging the surgical repair. Orthopedic surgeons often have therapists follow specific rehabilitation protocols, usually based on tissue-healing timeframes. Prescribing therapeutic exercise at the [...]
Trapezius muscle balance is important for normal shoulder function. Often in patients with impingement, the lower trapezius is much weaker than the upper trapezius. Traditional exercises to strengthen the lower trapezius such as prone shoulder flexion may cause further impingement, creating a “catch 22” for clinicians: Is there a better exercise for the lower trapezius [...]
Part 2 of “Thera-Band Academy well-represented at ACSM annual meeting” Researchers in Denmark led by Dr. Lars Andersen have shown that Thera-Band® elastic tubing exercises can significantly reduce shoulder-neck pain. 198 individuals with shoulder-neck pain were randomly assigned to a 2-minute or 12-minute per-day exercise group with Thera-Band exercise tubing with handles. They performed the [...]
Several EMG studies have been performed in the past decade to quantify and validate claims of “core stability” exercises. Despite few controlled, clinical outcome studies on using an exercise ball, its use in clinics and gyms remains steady. Because the Thera-Band® exercise ball can be used for both rehabilitation and fitness, different exercises and levels [...]
