Shoulder Exercise #1

Instructions:

1. DO 3 SETS OF 10 REPETITIONS.
2. START OUT WITH A 1 POUND WEIGHT.
3. GRADUALLY INCREASE TO A 5 POUND WEIGHT.
4. CONTINUE INCREASING REPETITIONS RATHER THAN WEIGHT.

1. External rotation performed with the patient on his side is a good initial exercise because in this position the supraspinatus and the subacromial bursa are unlikely to be irritated.

2. During supraspinatus strengthening, the arm is lifted to shoulder level only. In addition to elevating the arm in abduction, the patient exercises the arm in slight forward flexion (approximately 45 degrees) and internal rotation as shown here.

3. The posterior shoulder muscles and the external rotators of the shoulder can be strengthened while the patient is in the prone position on a table, with arm hanging over the table edge. During exercise, the arm is extended level with the table. The muscles used vary with rotation of the arm and the plane in which the lifting is done.