Shoulder Flexor and Extensor Exercises

These are isometric exercises. That means you contract your muscles without actually moving. Push forward (flex): Stand facing a wall or doorjamb, about 6 in. (15.2 cm) or less back. Hold your affected arm against your body. Make a closed fist with your thumb on top and gently push your hand forward into the wall with…

Shoulder Flexor and Extensor Exercises

Shoulder flexor and extensor exercises

These are isometric exercises. That means you contract your muscles without actually moving.

  • Push forward (flex): Stand facing a wall or doorjamb, about 6 in. (15.2 cm) or less back. Hold your affected arm against your body. Make a closed fist with your thumb on top and gently push your hand forward into the wall with about 25% to 50% of your strength. Don’t let your body move backward as you push. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
  • Push backward (extend): Stand with your back flat against a wall. Your upper arm should be against the wall, with your elbow bent 90 degrees (your hand straight ahead). Push your elbow gently back against the wall with about 25% to 50% of your strength. Don’t let your body move forward as you push. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine

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