Passive range of motion, or PROM, of your shoulder means someone else exercises your shoulder by moving your arm for you. Increased passive range of motion reduces the occurrence of adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, according to a 2003 study conducted at the China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan and published in the "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation." Furthermore, this study reinforces the need for passive range of motion shoulder exercises for stroke patients. You may be reading this because your doctor suggested PROM to your shoulder after surgery or due to an injury.
Step 1
Review the exercises with the therapist before you begin. The Ohio State University Medical Center describes four passive range of motion exercises for the shoulder. Repeat each motion 10 times per therapy session. Discuss the reason behind the therapy and describe your progress thus far. Notify the therapist of any special needs or problems you have before he begins therapy.
Step 2
Relax as much as possible to allow your aide or therapist to move your arm freely. She will grasp your wrist with one hand and support your elbow or upper arm with the other. Allow him to move your arm without resisting or assisting him -- allow the therapist to do the work. Notify the therapist when you experience any discomfort or pain.
Step 3
Perform the shoulder flexion exercise with the therapist. Start with your affected arm at your side while lying in bed. The therapist will hold your wrist and support your elbow on your affected arm. She will then raise your arm over your head, moving your elbow toward your ear and keeping your elbow straight. He will return your arm to its starting position and repeat the motion another nine times.
Step 4
Perform the shoulder internal and external rotation exercise. The aide will place one hand under your elbow and will hold your forearm. She will move your upper arm away so it is perpendicular to your body and bend your elbow. He will turn your forearm so your hand points to the ceiling, then turn your arm down so that your hand points to the floor. She will return your arm to its starting position and repeat the exercise nine times. This moves the upper arm so that it twists in the shoulder joint.
Step 5
Allow the therapist to move your arm out so it is perpendicular to your body. He will hold your arm at the wrist and the elbow, and then bring your arm up so the inside of your elbow is near your ear. She will then return your arm to its place, perpendicular to your body, and repeat the exercise nine more times.
Step 6
Allow the aide to move your arm out to the side so it is perpendicular to your body. He will hold your wrist and support your elbow while he moves your arm across your body so your hand on your affected side touches your opposite shoulder. She will return your arm to its starting position and repeat the exercise nine more times.
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