In this all new module for my live and online UQ and LQ Assessment and Tx Seminar, I go over the concept of Low Threshold Isometrics for both Assessment and Treatment. I got this idea from my colleagues over at Integrated Kinetic Neurology, when I did their level 1 8 week cohort. They use isometrics in very novel ways, and while I don't do their methods justice, I have been taking those concepts and integrating into my own Eclectic Approach. Some key points
- lightly test entire chains in the arms, legs, and trunk
- patient should be able to lightly perform increasingly more difficult (but started out very light - hence the low threshold) isometrics over the course of 2 minutes
- no compensatory strategies such as breath holding, valsalva or global recruitment of muscle groups you are not testing should be applied to low threshold isometric testing or exercise
- think about testing this in patients who you are having difficulty with or have returned to work/sport but are still having issues over time
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