Shoulder Abduction/Flexion/Extension

Purpose:

Increases and preserves flexibility and mobility of the joints 

Directions:

Complete 10 repetitions (30 seconds each) once a day 

Recommendations:   

  • Complete exercises slowly  

  • Try to achieve full range of motion but do not force a stretch 

  • Decrease hands-on assistance over time (have child try to initiate and hold movement on their own)  

Flexion:

Hold the wrist with one hand. With the other hand, grasp the elbow joint to stabilize it. Turn the palm inward, facing the body, and keep the elbow relatively straight. Move the arm from the side of the body over the head.

Extension:

Place hands behind or above head. Gently touch elbows to bed and hold as tolerated. Stretch felt in chest. 

Abduction:

Pull arm across chest. Stretch is felt in back of arm and shoulder.

(From Reach for Speech Resources)