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Pacemaker Shoulder Exercises

According to information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a pacemaker is a device that is implanted beneath the skin and discharges electrical impulses to maintain a normal heart rhythm in individuals whose hearts are unable to beat properly unassisted. While a pacemaker can serve to save the life of individuals so affected, one common side effect is shoulder pain--the development of a "frozen shoulder" on the affected side. Some simple exercises can help to alleviate this condition, improving the quality of life for individuals who are forced to use a pacemaker.

  1. Shoulder Stretches

    • Engaging in regular stretching can help to eliminate the pain and symptoms of a frozen shoulder. One stretch to incorporate into your regular routine is the following: interlace your hands in front of your body. While keeping your arms straight and your elbows locked, lift your arms as far above and behind your head as you as able. Hold the position once you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your shoulders. Maintain this stretch for 5 to 10 seconds, releasing and repeating two or three times to achieve a full range of motion.

      Another simple shoulder stretch to perform is the exact opposite of the stretch just described. Interlace your hands behind your body. While keeping your arms straight and your elbows locked, raise your arms up behind the body as far as you can until you feel moderate discomfort. Hold here for 5 to 10 seconds, repeating two or three times to increase your ROM and eliminate the frozen shoulder that can arise after a pacemaker implantation.

    Shoulder Strengthening

    • According to the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, keeping the shoulder both limber and strong is important to alleviate a frozen shoulder, as exercise can keep the joint more supple than it would be without it. Regular resistance training focused on the shoulder joint and using dumbbells can help put this concept into practice, reducing shoulder pain from a pacemaker.

      Perform front raises with a pair of dumbbells to exercise your shoulders. While holding a pair of light dumbbells (2.5 to 5 lbs.) in your hands in front of the body, initiate the movement by keeping your arms straight while raising your hands up to shoulder height in front of the body by using the muscles of your shoulders. Lower the weights slowly and under control, repeating for two to three sets of 8t to 10 reps. Perform side raises after front raises to further exercise the shoulder along a different plane. While holding the same dumbbells in your hands and keeping your arms straight, raise your hands up to shoulder height to either side of the body. Hold for one second at the top and lower the weights under control, repeating for two to three sets of 8 to 10 reps.

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