Physical Therapy and Exercise for the Shoulder
You may be prescribed a number of physical therapy exercises. Physical therapy is simply an exercise program that gently stretches and strengthens specific muscles and joints. The exercises you may perform are gentle range of motion (stretching) exercises designed to restore movement and strength to your joint and to promote blood flow for healing.
It is important to stay proactive in your physical therapy since it can have a direct impact on the total outcome of your surgery. Remember to stay diligent and don’t give up. Ask for help if you need it. Friends, family members, and even neighbors can be helpful during your recovery, especially if you ask for their assistance before your surgery.
Physical therapy is a very important role in the recovery process. A physical therapist may demonstrate a variety of low-impact exercises designed to increase the strength and mobility of your shoulder joint. However, you should only perform the exercises that are ordered by your surgeon.
The following are examples of exercises that your surgeon may prescribe.
ONLY PERFORM THE EXERCISES PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR
Shoulder Physical Therapy Exercises
1. Seated Passive Exercise
While in a seated position, relax your surgical arm. Lift your surgical arm at the wrist with your opposite arm and hold away from your body. Pull your surgical arm up to shoulder height and then relax. Relax between each set. Repeat the recommended number of times.
ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
2. Supine Passive Exercise
While lying in a comfortable position, grab the wrist of your surgical arm with the opposite hand. Gently lift your surgical arm 90 degrees then bring your arm back down. Then lift your surgical arm over your head and back down. Repeat the recommended number of times.
ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
3. Pendulum Exercise
Hold onto the edge of a sturdy table for support and bend forward with your knees slightly bent. Relax your shoulder blade and let your surgical arm hang limp. Use your body to gently swing your surgical arm in small circles. Perform clockwise circles, counterclockwise circles, and circles back and forth as if you were bowling. Stand tall and relax between each set. Repeat the recommended number of times.
ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
4. Isometric Ball Squeeze
This exercise uses a medium-sized rubber ball to gently strengthen the muscles in your shoulders. While keeping your elbows at your side, gently squeeze the ball with both hands, hold, and then relax between each set. Repeat the recommended number of times.
ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
5. Rubber Band or Taffy Pull
This exercise uses a rubber band to gently strengthen the muscles in your shoulders. While keeping your elbows at your side, gently pull the band with both hands, hold, and then relax between each set. Repeat the recommended number of times.
ALL EXERCISES SHOULD BE PERFORMED AS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR SURGEON, AFTER PROPER DEMONSTRATION BY A PHYSICAL THERAPIST.
All patient education materials are provided by OrthoPatientEd.com and have been reviewed by our Advisory Board of leading Orthopedic Surgeons to ensure accuracy. All materials are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon. Any medical decisions should be made after consulting a qualified physician.
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