{"title":"Desmotec iso-inertial strengthening in Bascharage","seoTitle":"Desmotec iso-inertial strengthening in Bascharage | Physiotherapy PES Luxembourg","metaDescription":"Flywheel training on Desmotec D.PLUS and V.PLUS for concentric and eccentric strengthening in rehabilitation in Bascharage.","content":"**A flywheel is not a stack of weights: you set a wheel in rotation, then you have to brake the return. That eccentric phase, useful for a tendon or a muscle being rebuilt, is the principle of the [Desmotec](https://www.desmotec.com/en/) machines at Pôle Equilibre & Santé, in Bascharage. Resistance adapts to the force you produce; it is not a fixed load.**\n\n## How a flywheel works (Desmotec)\n\nInstead of lifting a mass, you accelerate a disc. The stored energy comes back to you: you have to **decelerate**. The more frank the acceleration, the more demanding the braking. This is not a guided weight machine.\n\nThe practice has two devices, with force sensors and **D.SOFT** software:\n\n- **D.Plus**: lower limb, work in **closed chain**, built-in load cells (force, speed, power, balance);\n- **V.Plus**: upper limb, work in **open chain**, a load cell for the same parameters.\n\nThe figures serve to dose (asymmetry, drop in speed at the end of a set), not to rank. If one side drops off, we adapt. If speed collapses, we stop the set.\n\n## Why the eccentric\n\nThe muscle that lengthens under tension is a pillar of tendinopathy programmes. Burton and McCormack (*IJSPT*, 2022) reviewed flywheel training mainly for the patellar tendon; the data remain limited to a few sites. Romero-Rodríguez et al. (*Physical Therapy in Sport*, 2011) described a flywheel protocol on that tendon. We do not generalise to every tendon.\n\nThe literature confirms that the flywheel is an effective strengthening modality. Studies report useful strengths for power, eccentric braking and certain athletic qualities (Hu et al., 2024 meta-analysis). In the clinic, we use it to dose this **deceleration work** precisely.\n\nAfter surgery or immobilisation, braking is also of interest: landing, change of direction, going down stairs. The flywheel trains that deceleration, once the surgeon’s instructions have been respected.\n\n## Indications\n\n- tendinopathies, in particular patellar, as a complement to a loading programme;\n- after cruciate-ligament reconstruction or shoulder surgery, once the initial phase has passed;\n- return to sport and prevention of recurrences, including in [sports physiotherapy](/bascharage/competence/kinesitherapie-du-sport);\n- return of strength at low inertia in a non-athletic person, as soon as the movement is safe.\n\nThis is not reserved for competitors. The programme changes, not the principle of the machine.\n\n## How it goes\n\nThe physiotherapist chooses the inertia, fits the cable or the belt, defines the range. You push, then you brake. The D.SOFT screen displays force and speed at each repetition.\n\nWe start at low inertia; the load increases when braking is controlled, not in sharp tendon pain. Effective work: often **ten to twenty minutes** within a broader session. Frequency: **one to three times a week**, according to the phase and tendon fatigue.\n\nThe flywheel does not replace an [isokinetic](/bascharage/equipement/isocinetisme) test when a numbered symmetry index is needed, nor [shock waves](/bascharage/equipement/onde-de-choc) when they are discussed for another tendon. It does not treat acute pain.\n\n## Preparation\n\nSports clothing, stable trainers, shorts or soft trousers. No flip-flops. Remove bulky jewellery and a belt with a large buckle. A light meal two hours before. Bring a brace if you have one. After surgery, the authorised ranges take precedence.\n\n## After the session\n\nDelayed muscle soreness is common the first times, 24 to 48 hours. It should not prevent walking. Intense sport on the same muscle is often deferred by a day.\n\n## Contraindications\n\nAcute inflammatory phase, sharp tendon pain at every repetition, range or load instructions still forbidden by the surgeon, chest pain on effort.\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n\nIs it painful?
\n\nThe effort is real; sharp tendon pain is not. Working tension is normal. Pain that makes you grimace or that persists the next day beyond soreness justifies lowering the inertia.\n\n \n\n\nHow long does the work on the machine last?
\n\nOften ten to twenty minutes of sets, within a more complete session. We do not spend an hour on the flywheel: the quality of braking takes precedence over volume.\n\n \n\n\nWill I have delayed muscle soreness?
\n\nYes, especially the first sessions, 24 to 48 hours afterwards. It should not prevent you from walking. Intense sport on the same muscle is often deferred by a day.\n\n \n\n\nIs it reserved for athletes?
\n\nNo. Resistance adapts to the force you produce. It is the programme that changes, not the machine.\n\n \n\n\nHow does it fit with the other techniques?
\n\nThe flywheel is the loading work. [Shock waves](/bascharage/equipement/onde-de-choc) can precede or accompany a chronic tendinopathy. [Isokinetic testing](/bascharage/equipement/isocinetisme) measures; the flywheel rebuilds braking.\n\n \n\n\nIs a prescription required?
\n\nPhysiotherapy is provided on medical prescription so that it can be reimbursed by the [CNS](https://cns.public.lu/fr/assure/remboursements/prestations-remboursees/prestations-paramedicales/kinesitherapeutes.html). The practice handles the paperwork. Details: [The Consultation](/bascharage/kinesitherapie/consultation-kine).\n\n \n\n\nHow can I book an appointment?
\n\nVia [Doctena](https://fr.doctena.lu/cabinet/Pole_Equilibre_Sante-281318) or on +352 26 65 28 42. Practice at 20B Rue du Bois, 4912 Bascharage — see [Contact & access](/contact).\n\n \n\n## Find out more\n\n- [Isokinetic testing](/bascharage/equipement/isocinetisme) — measure strength before rebuilding it\n- [Shock waves](/bascharage/equipement/onde-de-choc) — an adjunct in certain chronic tendinopathies\n- [Sports physiotherapy](/bascharage/competence/kinesitherapie-du-sport)\n\n","image":"https://pes-luxembourg.lu/bascharage/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/11/Iso-Inertiel.png"}