Range-of-motion exercises for the shoulder post-op need to be done as soon as possible after surgery to reduce stiffness, lower pain levels and minimize risks of injury. Exercises should restore your shoulder's range of motion in a gentle and gradual manner to return you to a healthy, functioning level. Consult with your doctor first, since not all exercises may be suitable for you.
Lateral Swings
Exercises for your shoulder need to let your surgical arm hang freely to relax and stretch your muscles fully. Use a sideways maneuver known as a lateral slide. Stand with your unaffected side against a table. Place your nonsurgical hand on the table for support. Gently lean forward from the waist and let your surgical arm hang freely. Slightly swing your upper body to start your arm moving from side to side. Swing your arm for 30 seconds. Remove your healthy hand from the table and place it onto your surgical-side wrist to stop the swinging motion. Slowly stand up and return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
Assisted Flexion Lifts
Use your healthy arm for assistance. Your surgical arm lacks enough strength or flexibility to perform exercises on its own at this point. Do an assisted flexion lift as part of your exercises. Sit upright in a firm chair. Intertwine the fingers of both hands together. Slowly and gently move both arms over your head, using your healthy arm to pull your recuperating arm. Keep your elbows as straight as possible. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. For variety, perform this exercise while lying on your back.
Tables Exercises
Concentrate on improving your shoulder joint rotational abilities. Use a table as an exercise tool for support. Sit upright in a chair next to a waist-high table. Place your surgical arm onto the table, with your elbow bent to a 90-degree angle. Turn your palm facing inward, toward your body. Slowly rotate your forearm away from your body. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Finger Walks
Turn a wall into an exercise tool, as well. Stand upright, looking at a wall. If your shoulder lacks enough strength to place your surgical hand onto the wall, use your healthy hand to lift your surgical-side hand. Place your surgical-side hand at waist-level on the wall. Walk you fingers slowly up the wall as far as possible. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Walk your fingers slowly back to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Member Comments