Codman's exercises are passive range-of-motion exercises that are designed to help restore range-of-motion in your shoulder following injury to your rotator cuff muscles. They are passive exercises because they do not require you to actively contract your shoulder muscles when performing them. Codman's exercises are named after Dr. Ernest A. Codman, who graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1895. Always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any rehabilitative exercises to determine whether they are right for you.
Codman Exercise One
Codman exercises for the rotator cuff are sometimes referred to as pendulum exercises because they use the force of gravity to swing your arm in a pendulum motion. This allows you to increase the flexibility of your shoulder without placing any undue stresses on the injured muscles. Begin by bending over at your waist and supporting your body on a sturdy table, chair or other support. Move your upper body slightly to force your arm to swing in left-to-right motion. Continue swinging your arm until you have performed the prescribed number of exercises. Repeat as directed by your doctor or therapist.
Codman's Exercise Two
This exercise is performed like exercise one, but instead of swinging your arm in a side to side motion, you should allow your arm to swing in a circle. This exercise helps restore range-of-motion to the muscles in your shoulder that allow your shoulder joint to rotate in a circular motion. According to instructions posted at PTClinic.com, you should perform 20 repetitions of this exercise four times daily, or as directed by your physical therapist of physician.
Codman's Exercise Three
Like the first two Codman exercises, exercise three uses the force of gravity and a swinging motion, but with this variation, you perform a circular swinging motion in both a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. Begin by letting your arm hang straight down and then move your upper body to allow your arm to swing back and forth freely. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions and then begin swinging your arm in a circular motion. This exercise should be repeated with your arm swinging in a clockwise motion for 30 repetitions and then in a counter-clockwise motion for 30 repetitions. These different pendulum motions allow this exercise to help restore range-of-motion and flexibility to your entire rotator cuff joint. Repeat as directed and prescribed by your doctor.
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