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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Exercise Therapy

Isometric exercise

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, isometric exercise means: Exercise in which a muscle works and tightens but the joint does not move, for example pushing against a wall.

In Turkish: izometrik egzersiz

How it is used

Often the first strengthening exercise after an injury or operation, when movement is painful or not yet allowed. A classic example is static quads: tightening the thigh to press the knee down into the bed. Isometrics are also used to ease pain in some tendon problems.

Example sentences

  1. Start with isometric exercises: push your hand against the wall and hold for ten seconds.

  2. Isometric exercise lets us strengthen the shoulder while it is still in a sling.

Common collocations

  • isometric contraction
  • isometric hold
  • static quads
  • isometric strengthening
  • strengtheningExercise that makes muscles stronger by asking them to work against a load, such as body weight, an elastic band or weights.
  • holdTo keep a part of the body still in one position for a set time during an exercise or stretch, before relaxing.
  • tightenTo make a muscle work so that it becomes firm, often without moving the joint, as in the instruction 'tighten your thigh muscle'.
  • tendinopathyA painful tendon problem, often linked to more load than the tendon could cope with, which leads to pain and reduced function.

More terms: Exercise Therapy

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.