Shoulder Pendulum Exercises

Rehabilitation is important after shoulder surgery to regain function.

Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), labral tears and arthritis often require surgical intervention. After surgery, physical therapy can help you regain use of the injured arm. Shoulder pendulums are typically the first exercise that is allowed after surgery.

Anatomy

The shoulder joint is a ball and socket; the humerus (upper arm bone) forms the ball, and the socket is part of the scapula (shoulder blade). The shoulder joint moves in multiple directions as the ball rotates in the socket. The ball of the humerus is held in the socket of the scapula by the shoulder muscles, ligaments, and capsule. Damage to any of these structures may lead to surgical intervention.

Definition

These exercises are called pendulums because they imitate the motion of a clock pendulum as it swings from side to side. Once a pendulum has started moving, gravity keeps it moving at a steady pace. The same concept is applied to the shoulder. Body weight is used to initiate movement of the humerus, and gravity assists the arm as it continues to move in a particular direction.

Mechanism

Shoulder pendulum exercises increase range of motion without stressing the structures around the shoulder joint. In a standing position, the shoulder muscles must contract against gravity in order to move the arm. After surgery, the shoulder muscles must be protected, however the shoulder joint stiffens quickly when it is immobilized. Shoulder pendulums are performed in a body position that uses gravity to unload the shoulder joint. As a result, these exercises can be initiated early in the rehabilitation process.

Method

To perform a shoulder pendulum exercise, bend forward at a 90-degrees angle at the waist (standing or sitting) and dangle the injured arm toward the floor. Hold the edge of a table with the opposite arm for support. Gently rock your body and allow your arm to swing back and forth 10 times. Repeat the exercise from side to side, clockwise and counterclockwise. Shoulder pendulums are typically performed three times each day. A small weight can be held in your hand to stretch the shoulder joint a little further.

Tags: shoulder joint, shoulder muscles, Shoulder pendulums, After surgery, ball socket