Passive Mobilization Techniques for the Shoulder

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket that is able to move in more directions than any other joint in the body. It also stiffens up quickly, which can lead to a frozen shoulder after injury, surgery or immobilization. Passive range of motion exercises allow the shoulder joint to remain flexible without stressing tendons that are injured or surgically repaired. These exercises should be performed in one to three sets of 10 repetitions, once or twice per day.

Pulley Exercises

• Over-the-door pulleys are easy to use and allow the shoulder joint to be passively stretched in several different directions. Forward flexion is performed by sitting in a chair with the pulley positioned over the injured shoulder. Handles at each end of the rope are held as the uninjured arm pulls down on the rope to lift the injured arm toward the ceiling. Start with elbows bent initially to decrease the amount of pull through the injured arm. Repeat this exercise with the injured arm at a 45 degree angle (halfway between straight in front and straight out to the side). Point your thumb toward the ceiling to relieve pressure in the shoulder joint in this position. Repeat each exercise 10 times and work up to three sets in a row.

Tabletop Exercises

• Shoulder mobilization exercises can be performed in a seated position facing a table. Use the uninjured arm to lift the injured arm up to rest on the tabletop. Place the palm face down on the table. Slowly bend forward at your waist and slide the hand forward until a stretch is felt. Hold for five seconds and return to an upright position. After 10 repetitions, repeat with the arm resting at a 45 degree angle. Use the tabletop to stretch the shoulder into external (outward) rotation by turning the chair to position the injured arm next to the table. Bend the elbow to 90 degrees with the arm resting palm-down on the surface. Slowly bend forward at the waist until a stretch is felt in the front of the shoulder. Hold five seconds and repeat 10 times.

Towel Stretch

• Use a bath towel or belt to stretch the injured arm into extension and internal rotation (behind the back motions). Hold the ends of the towel in each hand with the towel resting across your low back. Slowly lift the towel off your back using the uninjured arm to lift the injured arm. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 times. Hold the towel in the same position and pull away from your body with the uninjured arm, bringing the injured arm toward the middle of your back. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 times.

Uninjured Arm Assisted Exercises

• Passive range of motion exercises can be performed without additional equipment using the uninjured arm to move the injured arm. Cradle the injured arm by holding the elbow (like holding an infant) and gently move it out to the side and back in. Repeat this 10 times. Interlock your fingers, keep your elbow of the injured arm tight by your side and use the uninjured arm to rotate your forearm out to the side and back 10 times. Lie on your back, interlock your fingers and use the uninjured arm to slowly lift the injured arm up and overhead. Repeat 10 times. Work up to three sets of 10 repetitions for each exercise.