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Early shoulder exercises

Patient information A-Z

The purpose of these exercises is to gently get the shoulder and upper limb moving following an injury or operation. Aim to complete these exercises three times a day, slowly building up to 10 repetitions. If you find any of the exercises painful don’t move the arm as far or stop the exercise and discuss with your physiotherapist. Continue with all the other exercises. All new exercises will cause the muscles to ache a little until you become used to them.

Illustration of a hand in a fist and wrist bending backwards
Rest the forearm on a surface with the hand and wrist over the edge. Move the hand up and down from the wrist. Hold for a few seconds in each direction. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a hand in a fist
Open and close the fingers. Aim to straighten the fingers fully when opening. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a woman stood with one arm bent at the elbow and hand below her chin
Keep your upper arm/shoulder relaxed. Bend and straighten your arm fully. Hold for a few seconds in each direction. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a woman with her right arm bent at the elbow at a 90 degree angle with her palm facing up, and the left hand resting on her right arm
Sit or stand with your elbow bent and palm turned up. Turn the palm up and down keeping the elbow in at your side. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a woman with her shoulders raised
While sitting or standing roll your shoulders forwards and then backwards. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a woman leaning forward with her left hand on a surface and her right arm hanging down by her side
Stand leaning on a table with one hand. Let your other arm hang relaxed straight down gently swing your arm forwards and backwards. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a woman bent over with her left hand on a surface and her right arm hanging down in front of her
Stand leaning on a table with one hand, let your other arm hang relaxed straight down. Swing your arm as if drawing a circle on the floor. Change direction. Repeat 10 times.
Illustration of a person with their right arm up in front of them, bent at the elbow and their left hand on their right elbow
Bend the elbow on your affected arm and support it with your unaffected arm. Lift the arm up as far as comfortable and then slowly lower down.
Illustration of a person with their right arm bent at the elbow and lifted to their side and their left arm supporting
Support the affected arm and gently rock side to side. Starting to lift the arm higher as you feel more comfortable. Repeat 10 times.

Document details

Approved

08 Jun 2022

Version number

3

Document ID

35623

Other formats

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Service / Department

Physiotherapy (Outpatient), Emergency department

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Cambridge University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge
CB2 0QQ

Telephone +44 (0)1223 245151
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/contact-us/contact-enquiries/

This document was correct at the time of printing - 23-02-2025 16:01