Passive range of motion is a type of exercise most commonly performed by physical therapists on those who have received injury, those who are weak or paralyzed or who are recovering from surgery. Such exercises are done by caregivers to the patient, so the patient is not actually performing the exercise moves -- the therapist is. Codman's exercises are more commonly known as pendulum exercises, often engaged for those recovering from shoulder surgery such as rotator cuff repair. Understanding the basics of both passive range of motion exercise and the benefits of Codman's-type exercise may help you recover full use of your arm and shoulder more quickly.
Passive Range of Motion Exercise
Passive range of motion exercises for the shoulder may involve a number of exercises, according to Drugs.com. A common passive range of motion, also known as PROM, exercise is to bend the patient's arm at the elbow with the palm facing the patient's stomach. Brace one hand under the elbow and wrist for support. Lift the bent arm in an upward motion to shoulder level. If the patient expresses no pain, continue to lift the arm upward until the forearm is level with the forehead or the area of the inner arm is level with the patient's ear. Lower and repeat.
Codman's Pendulum Exercises
One of the most common methods of performing the Codman's exercise is to stand near a wall, table or chair. Grasp the tabletop or the back of a chair for support with your good hand and lean slightly forward so that the arm of the injured side hangs loosely toward the floor, according to the PT Clinic. Carefully and gently swing the hanging arm from side to side, starting with small arcs and gradually increasing the curve of the arc as your shoulder joint gets stronger. Do up to 20 swings at a time several times a day or as directed by your physical therapist or health-care provider. You may also rotate the hanging arm in clockwise and counterclockwise motions, says Dr. Aubrey Smith. Start with 30 small circles in each direction, again under the supervision or direction of your health-care provider.
Shoulder Rotations
Shoulder rotations are beneficial to help heal and restore movement and mobility in the shoulder joint. This exercise can be done by the patient alone, or therapist assisted in a passive range of motion exercise. Have the patient hold his arm away from his body at shoulder height. Bend the elbow to the hand is pointing toward the ceiling. For PROM, grasp the patient's arm above the elbow and at the wrist and manipulate into position. Then, keeping the elbow level, rotate the forearm in a downward motion so that the fingers are now pointing to the floor. Return to starting position.
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