Pendulum Exercise for Use with Shoulder Repair Surgeries

Stretching exercises for your shoulder, such as the pendulum exercise, can improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce pain. Your healthcare provider or physical therapist has recommended the pendulum exercise to help speed your recovery. Remember to breathe normally when you exercise and try to use smooth, fluid movements.

Doing the pendulum exercise

• Follow any special instructions you were given. If you feel pain, stop the exercise. If the pain continues after stopping, call your healthcare provider or physical therapist.

• Start pendulum exercises with your affected arm as soon as directed by your healthcare provider:

  • Lean over with your good arm supported on a table or chair.

  • Relax the arm on the painful side, letting it hang straight down.

  • Slowly begin to swing the relaxed arm by moving your body. Move it in a circle, then reverse the direction. Next, move the arm backward and forward. Finally, move it side to side.

  • Let gravity gently sway your arm. Do not actively lift or move it with your shoulder muscles.

  • Do the exercise 3 times a day, for 5 to 10 minutes each time, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Change the direction of your movement after 1 minute of motion.

Home care

• Wear your sling as directed.

• Use pain medicine as directed by your healthcare provider.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider, or as advised.