Introduction

It's important to understand what exercises you can do to help residents maintain ROM in the shoulder. Read through the steps below before watching the demonstration video.

Procedure Steps
Demonstration Video
Google Doc

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Shoulder

Note: Includes Shoulder Flexion/Extension and Abduction/Adduction Movements

1. Gather Supplies: None

2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:

- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the client.

3. Procedure Steps:

- Raise the bed height if needed.
- Position the resident in supine position (with the bed flat).
- Place one of your hands under the resident’s elbow with your palm facing up.
- Place your other hand under the resident’s wrist with your palm facing up.
- Watch the resident for objective signs of pain during movement.
- Move their arm gently and stop if there is any resistance.
- While keeping the resident’s arm straight, raise their arm up and over their head (i.e., flexion).
- Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
- Stop the ROM exercise if the resident reports pain or displays objective signs of pain.
- Bring the resident’s arm back down to their side (i.e., extension).
- Complete flexion and extension movements of the shoulder according to the order in the restorative care plan.
- Continue to support the elbow and wrist of the resident.
- Keeping the resident’s arm straight, move their entire arm out away from the body (i.e., abduction).
- Move their arm gently and stop if there is any resistance.
- Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
- Return the resident’s arm to their side (adduction).
- Complete abduction and adduction movements of the shoulder according to the order in the restorative care plan.

4. Post-Procedure Steps:

- Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document and report ROM performed and any skin issues, pain with movement, or other changes noted with the resident.

> This information can be found in Section 9.9 of the book.

Please click on the link below to access the skills checklist. This checklist can be printed and cut out for an in-class activity.

Skills Checklist: Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Shoulder

Licensing and Attribution