Joint Rehab and Exercise Tubing

Current research describes the advantage of early, progressive rehabilitation exercise for many types of joint conditions.1-6  These benefits include: restoration of range of motion; decreased pain and swelling; decreased neural inhibition; quicker return of muscle function; and improved performance in sports and all daily activities.  Some studies even speculate that early rehabilitation programs may reduce the number of joint re-injuries.7-9

Contemporary concepts in joint rehabilitation emphasize functional activities and re-training of normal loading and movement patterns.  It is especially important to regain full neurological coordination of the surrounding muscles and connective tissues, because that is the true source of joint stability.  An important component in addressing these needs can be the frequent use of exercise tubing.

The Values of Functional Rehab and Elastic Tubing

The proprioceptive input from receptors in the muscles, connective tissues, and joint capsules differs when going from standing to lying down.  That is why it is so important to bring joint rehab exercises closer to real-life positions, and it explains why patients can progress much more quickly when they are instructed to exercise in a functional position.

Exercises done on the floor, on a weight bench, or constrained by a machine may not train muscles and joints to function optimally during usual daily or sports activities.  The neurological patterns that are developed on the floor or in a pool are considered preliminary to the joint function during upright demands.  Learning new skills and movement habits in a machine doesn’t always translate to better functioning during regular, independent activities, or improved sports performance.  Some of the time patients spend on open chain exercises for their lower extremities may be unnecessary.  In addition, it’s expensive to get patients into a facility with machines, or a pool to exercise.

Elastic tubing allows patients to exercise in a weight-bearing, functional position that has been shown to be both effective and safe.3  It has the additional benefit of being easier for most patients.  In addition to being more focused and practical, upright exercising trains and strengthens the joints to perform better in everyday activities. 

  • Resistance Variation: Elastic tubing provides a unique form of exercise.  The actual amount of resistance varies significantly with the amount of stretch applied to the tubing.10  This attribute is used most effectively by initiating the rehab program with some slack in the tubing, thereby ensuring relatively low resistance.  As the patient improves, the exercise is performed with less slack, increasing the resistance gradually and safely.  Eventually, the exercise effort progresses to starting with some “pre-stretch,” in order to stimulate and activate a more widespread neurological response to the exercise movement.  In this way, most patients are able to advance through their entire joint rehab program with just one exercise tubing design, rather than having to purchase several different levels. When provided to a patient, the exercise tubing generally needs to be accompanied by a strap device and/or handles, along with an illustrated, descriptive exercise booklet.  It should also be packaged with a system for temporary, but dependable, attachment to a door or wall (such as straps or clips).  Even with these additional necessary items, exercise tubing is both lightweight and inexpensive.  It is easily carried on business and vacation trips to provide continuous rehab.
  • Aditional Advantages: Exercise tubing is also very non-threatening, and has been used extensively in home-based exercise programs for older adults.11  Since setup is easy to learn, and requires little manual dexterity, it can be used by patients with no gym experience.12  An additional benefit is being able to customize sports equipment with elastic tubing to provide very sport-specific joint rehab.  Exercise tubing is commonly used with tennis racquets and golf clubs to enhance performance and prevent injury.13

Early Involvement for Best Results

Appropriate and progressive rehab programs should be started early in the treatment of patients with joint conditions—both acute and chronic.  Retraining programs using simple, isotonic resistance techniques are readily available, none of which require expensive equipment or great time commitments.  A closely monitored home exercise program using exercise tubing is recommended, since this allows the doctor of chiropractic to provide cost-efficient, effective, and specific rehabilitative care. TAC

Kim Christensen DC, DACRB, CCSP, CSCS, directs the Chiropractic Rehab & Wellness program at PeaceHealth Hospital in Longview, Washington.  He is a popular speaker, and participates as a team physician and consultant to high school and university athletic programs.  Dr. Christensen is currently a postgraduate faculty member of numerous chiropractic colleges and is the past-president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Rehab Council.

He is a “Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist,” certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.  Dr. Christensen is the author of numerous publications and texts on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and nutrition.  He can be reached at PeaceHealth Hospital by email at [email protected].

References

  1. Lill H, Korner J, Rose T, Hepp P et al. Fracture-dislocations of the elbow joint—strategy for treatment and results. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 2001; 121(1-2):31-37.
  2. Carpenter DM, Nelson BW. Low back strengthening for the prevention and treatment of low back pain. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999; 31(1):18-24.
  3. Glasoe WM, Allen MK, Awtry BF, Yack HJ. Weight-bearing immobilization and early exercise treatment following a grade II lateral ankle sprain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1999; 29(7):394-399.
  4. Shrader JA. Nonsurgical management of the foot and ankle affected by rheumatoid arthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1999; 29(12):703-717.
  5. Wolfe MW, Uhl TL, Mattacola CG, McCluskey LC. Management of ankle sprains. Am Fam Physician 2001; 63(1):93-104.
  6. Lynch SA, Renstrom PA. Treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament rupture in the athlete. Conservative versus surgical treatment. Sports Med 1999; 27(1):61-71.
  7. Barkler EH, Magnusson SP, Becher K, Bieler T, et al. The effect of supervised rehabilitation on ankle joint function and the risk of recurrence after acute ankle distorsion. Ugeskr Laeger 2001; 163(23):3223-3226.
  8. Holme E, Magnusson SP, Becher K, Bieler T, et al. The effect of supervised rehabilitation on strength, postural sway, position sense and re-injury risk after acute ankle ligament sprain. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1999; 9(2):104-109.
  9. Cleeman E, Flatow EL. Shoulder dislocations in the young patient. Orthop Clin North Am 2000; 31(2):217-229.
  10. Hughes CJ, Hurd K, Jones A, Sprigle S. Resistance properties of tubing during shoulder abduction exercise. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1999; 29:413-420.
  11. Mikesky AE, Topp R, Wigglesworth JK, Harsha DM, et al. Efficacy of a home-based training program for older adults using elastic tubing. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1994; 69(4):316-320.
  12. Skelton DA, Young A, Grieg CA, Malbut KE. Effects of resistance training on strength, power, and selected functional abilities of women aged 75 and older. J Am Geriatr Soc 1995; 43:1081-1087.
  13. Lindsay DM, Horton JF, Vandervoort AA. A review of injury characteristics, aging factors and prevention programmes for the older golfer. Sports Med 2000; 30:89-103.

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