Early evidence suggests that heavy load isometrics may be effective for acute reduction in patellar tendon pain in a laboratory setting, but is it effective for managing patellar tendon pain for athletes during their competitive season? How does it compare to isotonics (heavy slow resistance)? Does the type of contraction matter more than the total time that the heavy load is applied? Is Erik too tired to think straight?

Do isometric and isotonic exercise programs reduce pain in athletes with patellar tendinopathy in-season? A randomised clinical trial. van Ark M, Cook JL, Docking SI, Zwerver J, Gaida JE, van den Akker-Scheek I, Rio E. J Sci Med Sport. 2016 Sep;19(9):702-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.11.006. Epub 2015 Dec 7.

Open Access at the time of release

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Music for PT Inquest: "The Science of Selling Yourself Short" by Less Than Jake Used by Permission