The exercises below should be completed with the child in lying. Ensure the shoulder/elbow/forearm is positioned and supported adequately as shown by your therapist. These exercises are designed to mobilise and stretch the affected areas.
Unless advised otherwise by your therapist:
- Complete 5 - 10 repetitions of each exercise
- Try to hold each stretch for up to 30 seconds
- You should aim to complete the exercises 2-3 times a day
These exercises may cause a little discomfort. If your child experiences significant discomfort during the exercises or you have any concerns please discuss with your child’s therapist (Tel: 0208 909 5820/5519).
With one hand, fix the shoulder blade firmly against the chest wall.- With your other hand lift the arm out to the side and stretch up towards head.
- Keep shoulder blade fixed to stretch through arm pit
With one hand, stabilise the front of the shoulder and keep the arm by the side of the body.- With your other hand hold and support around the wrist and roll the forearm outwards.
- Keep the elbow by their side.
Keep both arms by the side of the body.- Hold both forearms and rotate arms outwards.
With one hand, stabilise the front of the shoulder and lift the arm up and out to 90 degrees (a right angle) from the body.- With the other hand, hold the wrist and rotate the forearm backwards towards the bed and then forwards towards the bed.
- Hold at the end of each movement.
With one hand, hold the shoulder blade firmly against the chest wall.- With the other hand, stretch the arm across towards the opposite shoulder.
- Keep shoulder blade fixed to the side and the elbow at shoulder level.
With one hand, stabilise the front of the shoulder.- With the other hand, hold the wrist and bend and straighten the elbow.
- Hold at the end of each movement.
With one hand, support the front of the shoulder and hold the elbow into the side.- With the other hand, hold the wrist and turn the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces the feet and then the head.
- Hold at the end of each movement.
Page last updated: 06 March 2025