Static Vs. Dynamic Exercises: Do You Know the Difference?

16 Aug Static Vs. Dynamic Exercises: Do You Know the Difference?

dynamic exercises

When it comes to getting in shape or healing from a recent injury, there are a plethora of exercise options. We provide our patients with the education, tools, exercises and goal-planning systems to help take you to the next level. Combining isometric and isotonic exercises is one approach for optimal, functional fitness and is an essential part of your injury prevention plan. When it comes to rehabilitation and help for your ailments, find relief with the right treatments and exercises today!

 

Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercises are used heavily in settings for rehabilitation and can be considered “static” exercises. They are used to maintain stability and muscle mass instead of for building muscle or working out. As a static form of strength training, these exercises involve contractions of a particular muscle or group of muscles. The muscle length does not change and the joint involved also doesn’t move. Patients who utilize these types of exercises are patients that are generally in a rehabilitation setting.

 

A patient will do an exercise that tenses their muscle without actually moving. A good example is lowering yourself into a small squat and then holding that position. Another example many people are familiar with is holding a plank. You are working your core without actually moving through ab workouts. Isometric exercises can be used all over the body for many ailments to maintain muscle strength and stability. A good example of a patient who would use isometric exercises is a patient with arthritis that has limited range-of-motion due to joint pain.

 

Isotonic Exercises

Isotonic exercises are the exact opposite of isometric exercises. You can consider these exercises as “dynamic”. Dynamic exercises move the muscles through a specific range-of-motion when they are done. Some examples include doing squats, climbing stairs, doing push-ups or performing bicep curls. You have one body part that moves on a hinge in one direction to perform the action. These exercises are proven to help strengthen and build muscle. The more they are done, the more range-of-motion a patient can develop.

 

The Difference Between the Two

With both static and dynamic exercises, little or no special equipment is needed. The difference between the two is the length the muscle is moved as well as the joint. When it comes to patients with arthritis, we may use a series of static exercises. This will allow the patient to hold a position in set intervals of time that can maintain their muscle mass without risk of injury. The body performs little to no movement, but yet, the muscles fibers are still being worked. Static exercises are perfect for patients who are injured or who have limited flexibility and range-of-motion. This is because the joint does not have to move during the exercise and neither does the muscle, yet both are strengthened.

 

For other patients, dynamic exercises are the best way to rehabilitate the body and build muscle. This could be for cases such as our weight-loss services or help for athletes needing to strengthen their bodies. We may use both static and dynamic exercises when it comes to a single patient. For example, if a patient has torn a muscle in their leg, static exercises are the best option during the initial phase of healing. A patient can tense and work their muscle without moving it or causing more harm to the injury. Once a patient has healed sufficiently, they can do more weight-bearing workouts that put the muscles and joints through a range-of-motion.

 

Rehabilitation with Dynamic Exercises

Each patient is unique and will have specific needs when it comes to rehabilitation and healing. When you have your consultation, we will work with you to decide the best course of action for your injury or ailment. Some of our treatments that involve static and dynamic exercises help strengthen our patients and reduce their pain and symptoms. We have many therapies at our office that may involve exercises such as:

With our exercise programs, we can treat problems with the joints such as arthritis. These exercises will be static and can also be dynamic if the patient would benefit. Our exercise programs can lower irritation without further damage to the joint and can help decrease pain in the process.

 

Your Options

Whether the exercise is static or dynamic, it can help you rehabilitate and strengthen your body today. There are many forms of both static and dynamic exercises that can help a wide range of ailments. To learn more about all the conditions we treat through exercise and how you can benefit, call Mile High Spine & Pain Center today at (720) 507-0080!

 



Mile High Spine & Pain Center