I cannot tell you how many people I have met over the past 20 years who have come to see me for help with a chronic hip or shoulder problem that had evolved into a much bigger problem that it should have. These were mainly due to treatments that focused on pain relief instead of correcting the underlying cause. In almost every one of these cases the treatment consisted of cortisone injections into the injured area followed by rest. Some were told to see a physio for some treatment but many were told that they will need a few injections over the coming months to get rid of the inflammation and the hip or shoulder would be “fixed”. I am astounded that with all the advancements in modern technology and science, and the ability to access information that can provide great insights into what causes injuries that this is the most consistent course of action. Very rarely does this work and if anything all it is likely to achieve is make the injury worse! In this article, I will explain why this approach to shoulder and hip pain is flawed and what approach is more effective in the long term.
Why Isometric and Eccentric Strengthening Is Used In Rehab To Improve Joint Stability
We all know that strength training is a great way to build muscle and improve the way we move. However, it does come with great risk if you move poorly or exceed your body’s ability to withstand the resistance. These risks are much greater with beginners and people recovering from injury as there is a high chance that they do not have great technique to begin with or a good understanding of how much their muscles and joints can tolerate. This is where the value of using isometric and eccentric training can be of great benefit to this population for the loads are much lighter and easier to control allowing for incredible strength gains without the risk of injury or loss of form. It also is one of the best ways to rebuild load tolerance into injured tendons and connective tissue to ensure full recovery from injury. In this article, we take a close look at several ways you can use these training methods to improve your overall strength and joint stability.
Joint Inflammation and Chronic Pain- What You Should Focus On Instead Of Pain Relief
The role of inflammation within the body is one of the most misunderstood health problems in the modern world. We have been programmed to see this as “bad” and find ways to get rid of it as soon as possible using anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and rest. When in reality inflammation is a necessary process of the body to clear dead cells from injury sites, supply oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue, and protect parts of the body from further damage. Finding ways to prevent this process from happening often leads to bigger problems and ongoing pain. Instead of trying to get rid of the pain there are four things you should focus on instead that will help you get to the root cause of your trouble and aid the body in healing itself.