Shoulder Surgery Exercise Guide

Regular shoulder surgery exercises to restore your normal shoulder motion and flexibility and a gradual return to everyday work and recreational activities are important for your full recovery.

Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise from 10 to 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day during your early recovery period. Although Dr. Samimi will specify a unique rehabilitation program based on the nature of your particular shoulder surgery, the following are some of the initial suggested exercises:

Pendulum, Circular

Bend forward 90 degrees at the waist, using a table for support. Rock your body in a circular pattern to move arm clockwise 10 times, then counterclockwise 10 times. Repeat 3 sessions a day.

Shoulder Flexion (Passive)

Clasp hands together and lift arms above head. You should be lifting your affected arm with the non-affected arm. This can be done lying down (drawing A) or sitting (drawing B). Keep elbows as straight as possible. Perform 10 to 20 times. Repeat 3 sessions a day.

Supported Shoulder Rotation

Keep elbow in place and shoulder blades down and together. Slide forearm back and forth. Perform 10 times. Repeat 3 sessions a day.

Wall Climb

With elbow straight, use fingers to “crawl” up the wall or a door frame as far as possible. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 times a day.