Exercises for Arthroscopy Shoulder Surgery Patients

Exercises for arthroscopy shoulder surgery patients range from strengthening the shoulder muscles which allows for advancement to other exercises to those involving increasing the shoulder's motion capabilities. All need to be done consistently and diligently in order to prepare patients and their shoulder for a fully functioning lifestyle. Recuperating from a shoulder surgery is time-consuming and painful, but worth it.

Isometric Exercises

• Isometrics can strengthen the muscles supporting your surgical shoulder. Isometrics are usually the first exercises you do after arthroscopy shoulder surgery according to The Physiotherapy Site. By strengthening your muscles, you can advance to other exercises in your recuperation process. Isometrics also increase the blood circulation to your muscles. This can help speed your recovery.

  Do a shoulder abduction. Sit in a comfortable chair, such as a recliner, for this muscle strengthening exercise. Tighten your upper arm. Push your surgical arm against the side of the chair. Hold for five seconds. Return to original position. Repeat this exercise five times. It can be performed throughout the day.

  Do a shoulder adduction. Sit in a firm chair. Place a small pillow, or rolled up towel, underneath your surgical arm. Pull your upper arm in, forcing the pillow closer to your body. When you have pulled as much as possible, hold for five seconds. Relax and return to original position. Repeat this exercise three times.

  Do an internal shoulder rotation. Standing facing the corner of a wall. Or, stand in a door frame. Place your surgical arm against the wall or door frame. Bend your elbow to about a 90 degree angle. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, you should gently push your surgical arm into the wall. Hold for five seconds. Relax your muscles. Repeat this arthroscopy shoulder surgery exercise 10 times.

Range of Motion Exercises

• Increase your range of motion by doing a pendulum swing. Stand and lean on a chair with your unaffected arm. Hold onto the chair. Gently bend your upper body forward while slightly bending your knees. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma recommends relaxing your surgical arm and letting it hang limp. Relax your shoulder blade while letting it drop. Use body motion to swing your arm in small circles. Perform this circular motion for a total of 15 seconds in each direction. Return to your original upright position. Repeat this shoulder exercise five times.

  Walk the wall. Stand next to a wall. Keep your elbow straight as you slowly and gently use the fingers of your surgical arm to walk up the wall. Go as far as possible states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Hold for five seconds when you have reached your furthest point on the wall. Slowly return to your original position. Repeat this exercise for arthroscopy shoulder surgery three times every day. You can also use a door instead of a wall for this exercise.

  Do a lateral shoulder rotation. Stand up straight with your elbow against your side. Roll up a towel and place it underneath your upper surgical arm and rib cage. Bend your elbow 90 degrees states The Physiotherapy Site. Cross your stomach with your surgical arm as if you were going to cross your arms. Hold for five seconds. Return your arm to its original position. This movement will be similar to sliding your forearm against a table that is in front of you.