Exercises After Shoulder Surgery

Recovery time for shoulder surgery usually takes a minimum of 6 weeks, and can take as long as a year, depending on the type of shoulder surgery you received. Proper care of the shoulder joint and your body as a whole is critical to achieving a full recovery and regaining full range of motion.

Properly exercising your shoulder after a surgical procedure will help you regain full joint function. Your physical therapist will prescribe a list of rehab exercises as part of your treatment plan. It’s important that you follow the directions closely and listen to the feedback your body is giving you.

While every person will have their own unique treatment plan, these are a few exercises that are commonly prescribed for post shoulder surgery rehabilitation.

Shoulder Isometrics

Step 1: With your arm held at your side, bend your elbow to 90 degrees

Step 2: Place the ball with your non-surgical arm

Step 3: Press into the ball against the wall in each direction (as shown in the photos)

Post Op Shoulder Isometric Flexion Exercise
Post Op Shoulder Isometric External Rotation Exercise
Post Op Shoulder Isometric Extension Exercise
Post Op Shoulder Isometric Adduction Exercise

Exercises After Shoulder Surgery

Recovery time for shoulder surgery usually takes a minimum of 6 weeks, and can take as long as a year, depending on the type of shoulder surgery you received. Proper care of the shoulder joint and your body as a whole is critical to achieving a full recovery and regaining full range of motion.

Properly exercising your shoulder after a surgical procedure will help you regain full joint function. Your physical therapist will prescribe a list of rehab exercises as part of your treatment plan. It’s important that you follow the directions closely and listen to the feedback your body is giving you.

While every person will have their own unique treatment plan, these are a few exercises that are commonly prescribed for post shoulder surgery rehabilitation.

Shoulder Isometrics

Step 1: With your arm held at your side, bend your elbow to 90 degrees

Step 2: Place the ball with your non-surgical arm

Step 3: Press into the ball against the wall in each direction (as shown in the photos)

Post Op Shoulder Isometric Flexion Exercise
Post Op Shoulder Isometric External Rotation Exercise
Post Op Shoulder Isometric Extension Exercise
Post Op Shoulder Isometric Adduction Exercise

Active Assisted Range of Motion

Step 1: Lying supine, grab a light dowel rod / PVC pipe

Step 2: Using your well arm, guide your surgical arm overhead with the dowel rod

Active Assisted Range of Motion Shoulder Rehab Exercise

Active Assisted Range of Motion

Step 1: Lying supine, grab a light dowel rod / PVC pipe

Step 2: Using your well arm, guide your surgical arm overhead with the dowel rod

Active Assisted Range of Motion Shoulder Rehab Exercise

Shoulder Pendulums

Step 1: Remove your arm from your sling immobilizer

Step 2: Relax your muscles, and allow your arm to freely hang down toward the floor

Step 3: Support your body with your well arm, and rock your body in varying directions so that your surgical arm gently sways back and forth, like a pendulum

Pendulum Shoulder Rehab Exercise