How to Workout After Shoulder Surgery

Exercise is important to our everyday lives but especially important after surgery. Physical therapy helps speed up the recovery process and increases the strength of your shoulder. There are four muscles and tendons located in the shoulder region and they take time to heal and restore flexibility.

Most physicians will recommend physical therapy after shoulder surgery to aid in the recovery process. Once the physical therapist and physician has completed the treatment needed for recovery, they will advise you if it is possible to begin working out again.

1. Ask the physical therapist for exercise recommendations that are completed at home to increase the shoulder strength and flexibility.


2. Start all exercises at a slow pace and do not overexert yourself to the point of increased pain.


3. Begin circular pendulum exercises. Bend at the waist and support your body by placing your other hand on a table or chair. Rock your body in a circular motion moving your arm clockwise 10 times, and then proceed with the other arm. Repeat up to three times a day.


4. Sit in a chair and place your hands on your knees. Raise your arm above your head and hold there for about 10 seconds. Slowly bring your arm down and repeat 10 times. Change to the other arm and repeat.


5. Stand next to the wall and place your hand on the wall in front of you. Slowly walk your fingers up the wall as far as possible and then return to the lower position. Repeat five times and then switch to the other arm.