In this video, I demonstrate the proper technique for performing shoulder pendulum exercises. Shoulder pendulum exercises are frequently utilized early in the rehabilitation process to help maintain a basic amount of shoulder motion as well as to promote blood flow to aid in the healing process.  When performed correctly, these important exercises provide very little stress to the recovering structures.  Pendulum exercises help to maintain a baseline amount of motion which is critical in promoting blood flow for proper tissue healing, for pain management, and in order to avoid frozen shoulder syndrome (adhesive capsulitis).  Shoulder pendulum exercises are typically one of the first exercises allowed post-surgery or shoulder injury in conjunction with elbow, hand, and wrist exercises (depending on the injury).

In this video, I explain the basics of how to properly perform pendulum exercises. Although these exercises are basic, they are typically performed incorrectly by utilizing active motion instead of a passive motion.  Pendulum exercises are commonly utilized after rotator cuff repair, sub acromial decompression surgery, collarbone fracture and/or surgery, total shoulder replacement/total shoulder arthroplasty, and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).

Have you performed shoulder pendulum exercises before? If so, did you make these common mistakes?  Please leave your comments below.

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