Therapeutic exercise
Cane-Assisted External Rotation
Self-assisted mobilization of glenohumeral external rotation using a cane or broomstick. The healthy arm guides the movement on the affected side, allowing range-of-motion recovery without active muscular contraction — essential in adhesive capsulitis and post-operative shoulder.
How to perform
- Starting position. Lie face-up with knees bent, holding a cane horizontally with both hands.
- Step 2. Keep the elbow on the affected side flexed at 90° and tucked against the trunk, with the forearm pointing toward the ceiling.
- Step 3. With the hand on the healthy side, push the cane laterally, taking the forearm of the affected side toward the floor (passive external rotation).
- Step 4. Stop at the limit of tolerable discomfort, without forcing acute pain, and hold for 15–20 seconds.
- Return. Return to the starting position slowly, keeping the affected elbow always tucked against the trunk.
When not to perform
- Recent humerus or scapula fracture
- Post-operative labral or anterior capsular repair (contraindicates external rotation)
- Recent anterior dislocation
- Symptomatic anterior glenohumeral instability
- Acute pain unresponsive to conservative treatment
- Infection or acute inflammatory process in the joint
Medical disclaimer. These exercises are presented for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program, especially in case of acute pain, recent injury, or underlying clinical condition.
Related Exercises
Pulley-Assisted Elevation
Use of a home over-the-door pulley for passive assisted elevation of the affected shoulder. The healthy arm does the work; the affected arm is elevated without active muscular effort, gaining joint range in adhesive capsulitis and post-operative shoulder.
Codman Pendulum Exercise
Passive shoulder mobilization through gravity, without active muscle contraction. The first exercise prescribed for acute shoulder pain, adhesive capsulitis, and post-operative care — allows joint movement without rotator-cuff loading.
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch
Stretch of the posterior shoulder capsule and external rotators in a functional position. Complements the sleeper stretch to correct the internal-rotation deficit (GIRD) common in rotator-cuff tendinopathy.