Therapeutic exercise
Wall Walks
Assisted progression of shoulder elevation using the wall as support. The fingers walk upward, allowing the patient to gain range in flexion and abduction gradually — a key technique in the freezing phase of adhesive capsulitis.
How to perform
- Starting position. Stand facing a wall, with your toes about 20 cm from it.
- Step 2. Place the affected hand on the wall at shoulder height, with the fingers lightly touching.
- Step 3. Let the fingers walk slowly upward, like a spider climbing the wall — advance only to the limit of tolerable discomfort, without forcing acute pain.
- Step 4. Hold the maximum range for 15–20 seconds, breathing calmly to allow the joint capsule to relax.
- Return. Let the fingers walk down slowly and repeat. For lateral progression (abduction), stand sideways to the wall and repeat the movement.
When not to perform
- Recent fracture of the humerus or clavicle
- Post-operative shoulder in the first 4 weeks
- Recent unreduced dislocation
- Active shoulder joint infection
- Acute pain not responsive to analgesics
- Neurological injury with upper-limb paresis
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
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.
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.
Banded Dynamic Hug
Resisted scapular protraction with a resistance band, mimicking the motion of giving a hug. Isolates the serratus anterior in a functional pushing pattern — complements the supine serratus punch in the progression of scapular-dyskinesia rehabilitation.