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.
Disclaimer:
These exercises are meant to serve as examples of singular exercises within an entire rehabilitation program and should not be initiated until your surgeon or physical therapist recommends it.
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)
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.
Disclaimer:
These exercises are meant to serve as examples of singular exercises within an entire rehabilitation program and should not be initiated until your surgeon or physical therapist recommends it.
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)
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
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
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
