If you treat lumbar pain, you know the feeling. The patient is stiff, blocked, and sitting at a functional "Yellow Light." 🟡
Sure, traditional MDT is great. You could hammer your way through 30, 50, or 100 reps of press-ups until it clears.
OR... you could use a little PNF and Isometrics to get there in a fraction of the time. ⏱️
In this video, I’m demonstrating Standing Isometric Resisted Extension.
Why this works: I’ve noticed in the research (and clinically) that the longer a patient has back pain, the less force they can actually produce in extension. It’s often an inhibition problem, not just a mechanical block.
The Technique:
Patient stands facing away. (Stagger stance for stability).
Extend comfortably. Go to end range.
Isometric Hold: I apply P to A force. They resist me using their back extensors, not just their front leg.
Concentric Activation: "Push me back." I let them win, overcoming my resistance into further extension.
End Range Hold: "Don't let me push you forward."
💡 The Cue that helps: Tell them it’s a "Limbo Contest." Drive the hips forward, extend the spine, don't just retract the scapulae.
This is often the difference between doing endless reps and rapidly turning that Yellow Light into a Green Light. 🟢
Give this a shot next time you have a patient (or yourself) stiff after a heavy squat session, kettlebell swings, or just shoveling snow.
Have you used standing isometrics for lumbar resets before? Let me know in the comments! 👇
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