The BEST shoulder exercises to lift a heavy arm

Raising the arm can be difficult to relearn after damage to the brain or the spinal cord. Many neurologic conditions can cause movement problems in the arm including:
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Guillain barre syndrome
Spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinsons disease
There are some key underlying "problems" that might interfere with someones ability to relearn this critical arm movement. This might include:
Muscle tightness
spasticity
"Overactive" muscles
and/or
'Underactive" muscles
Learn how to identify the problem and the best exercises to help. you relearn arm movement.
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[@olan44]

Dr T, I suffered a stroke 3 1/2 years ago that was caused by lung cancer that I didn't know I had. I went up and down the weight scale until I decided that good ol: diet and exercise was the best. You mentioned intermittent fasting. Just to let your audience know. It's not that hard and good for you. I also listen to you and right now do my own PT. simply because insurance doesn't go far. I'm left side affected and am continuing to work on my arm. I regained my walk, but to make this shorter, Eating right and exercising goes a long way. Btw, I beat the cancer with radiation, chemo and finally immunotherapy. Love your channel.

[@cjmp200]

I so so admire you for this. I am 36 and had a stroke at 32. I wish I had found these videos sooner so thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps :)

[@deegoodwin4060]

How are you doing now?? Have these videos helped substantially vs anything you were doing before?

[@brendashort7046]

Good Afternoon dr. T. I had a stroke on March 1, 2024 and am working width Therapy now. I am able to walk slightly with the hemi walker, My left side has been affected by the stroke. Therapy is not helpful at all, by my insurance is not helping my situation out much neither. My son and I found your site and I am doing the workouts to the best of my ability while my son is at work, then I’ll show him what I have been doing during the day. We have ordered several items to assist me as well. I refuse to give up on myself and I must say that your videos are very encouraging and easy to follow. Thank you, Brenda

[@virginiagabriel4678]

Hi Dr. Thank you for sharing this valuable information. The exercises are very helpful. I need to see more leg exercises

[@debbiestevens9501]

Love this video. Helps so much

[@ryanwdavies1]

Thank you tara that was a clear and helpfulvideo

[@theronanaidoo9678]

Really great videos.. I am also a neuro PT that works in the community and your videos help provide some really good exercises to give patients at home to continue their progress. Thanks ..

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am so glad. This is why I am doing this. Lots of people have limited resources. Please send any suggestions that your patient's are struggling with and I will try and make a video for them 😊

[@nidhishah6636]

@@rehabhqofficial - Hi Tara..I have a patient suffering from right hemiplegia post tumor resection..Its more challenging to get shoulder control.. He has mostly posterior instability of humeral head which shifts it anteriorly .suggest some specific exs.

[@anthonyamos516]

Thanks for the video I find it helpful will continue to look for other videos on your channel thanks once again

[@mariasuggett6141]

I’m so happy to have found you! I have had two brain bleeds that have left my left arm and hand weak and thumb spasticity. I’m looking for a neurologic pt and hopefully as great as you!

[@leftjab6187]

Just subscribed, I have spinal cord damage from a broken neck, I go to the hospital gym three days a week, and some of the exercises you described I already do, besides I go to cheer up some of the other patients who went through the same, cause I feel it's important to keep morale up and to never give up, it's good to put a smile on someone's face.

[@BIG1TOWER]

You have helped me so much. I look for your video’s ever week

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I am glad to hear this video helped you. 😊

[@nitinyadav6562]

Thanks for sharing...

[@jesselynardiente9667]

Thank you.. It's help me a lot. 😍

[@ringkhangbasumatary4906]

Thank you mam.

[@farhadfatah81]

Thanks dr tara

[@marisolpagalan134]

Thank you so much for the information..

[@rehabhqofficial]

My pleasure. I hope it helps you!

[@user-vk7yz7dd4r]

Finally I saw a video that helps avoid problems and not just pain relief moves and etc, so thank you very much 🎉👍🥳🥳

[@ncedosilvencemahlalela1843]

Physiotherapy student all the way from South Africa 😅🇿🇦. I love your videos, been glued all weekend. They help a lot (especially with clinical reasoning). I’m definitely suggesting to peers🙏🏾✨

[@rehabhqofficial]

Glad to hear this is helpful. :)

[@wendyozalp4507]

Great video thank you

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching! I hope it helps

[@darkodarkovic7827]

Really great video. I noticed your explanation of the problem that has been bothering me for a couple of years after hemiplegia, and that is moving the lower part of the shoulder blade forward and outward at the same time. I think it’s a basic problem that I fail to raise my hand. Thanks, you helped me a lot. I don't know why I no longer receive notifications for new videos or cover letters, I've subscribed for almost a year. Thank you, God bless you. Darko

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Darko! yes, this is a very common problem. I hope this helped give you some fresh ideas for some exercises 😊 KZbin is crazy. I have no explanation why you are not getting notifications. It happens with me as well for channels I am subscribed to.

[@lynnecameron6645]

Thank you this really helps.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching Lynne! Glad to know you found this one helpful 😊

[@edwinacosta3046]

Thank you so much Dr.. Tobias this really helps a lot on my left shoulder . This are helpful exercise for my left shoulder.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I am glad you found it helpful 😊

[@mardybrillantes1990]

God bless you doc..

[@ccd1449]

Like like like....God bless you Dr

[@becauseofwhoyouare6716]

I am experiencing a heavy R. leg. I was diagnosed with SCA-3, I also an experiencing Neuropathy in hands and feet. Thank you, Dr. T!

[@contactcpl5729]

thanks

[@nyoytv8892]

Wow thank you for this video because it really help for me. I had a stroke 5 years ago at 33 im 38 now. Im look ok but my left body is numb.

[@relaxwithnature6532]

Oh thank you for this. Sometimes when I am tired my arm and shoulder gets heavy

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Tamara, you are not alone. I hear this complaint a lot. I hope this video will help give you some fresh ideas for your exercise program. Hang in there. Generally speaking, the more active control you have of the upper quadrant (all the moving parts I discuss in the video), the less "heavy" the arm will feel. Don't give up! Remember progress is progress. Keep at it.😊

[@vbarnave6039]

Thanks

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you so much!

[@tomhurley974]

this is the video i was looking for .I suddenly could not raise my arm above my head. It felt like something was trying to pull it down.I could throw my arm up but once up it was pulled back down no matter how hard i fought it. all other videos said rotator cuff injury but their is no pain. I will try these exercises to hopefully relax what ever muscles are fighting me

[@tammylee563]

Hi there I find you very helpful in many ways thank you so much for all the great information you put out on your site my husband recently had a stroke he’s only 47 years old and it couldn’t of been in the most terrible timing during the Covid we are currently in San Diego is there a place you could recommend to us in San Diego that practice your skill? I would greatly appreciate some sort of direction

[@debasishbiswas6674]

Mam I have never visited a physiotherapist but when I wake up from unconscious period. I have learnt from you and it was God blesses that I recovered a good well but I need some knowledge about finger movements video can you please share it

[@netraaarya7830]

Can you make a video for the wrist and lot about finger's (these two)

[@liahl2710]

Dr Tara Appreciate if you can have few videos on scapula winging. My affected left shoulder have some subluxation and I cannot reach above the shoulders without pain. Now I also have severe scapula winging. Thank you so much. Looking forward to your response.

[@nicholebell7086]

This is exactly the reason I follow you and share you with others. So much visual explanation. Thank you

[@kiplar3245]

Thank you for your videos. What type of strapping do you use and where can one puchase.

[@anthonydavis4829]

Your videos are helpful. I feel I should pay you for the knowledge you pass on via videos.

[@rehabhqofficial]

😊, if you have the means, I do offer a membership program for $4.99/month. I would love your financial support.

[@denisebkr3]

Thank you so much I have shared your different piece with stroke victim like myself 🤗 However my shoulder bone is still popping and still flaccid

[@umeakuanachidiebere5028]

Thank you Dr Tara. How do I get him to do the first two exercises , his hand is still very weak

[@bashukfi4585]

Hello Doctor Tara, thank you for your free services to stroke patients! I am one of them and follow the recommendations seriously. Would you kindly help me with some specific problems - while keeping my foot down without shoes or slippers, fingers curl. What do you suggest for this problem! Secondly my effected left leg wobels. Would you recommend some specific exercises? Respectful regards, Bashu.

[@Nina_2288]

🌞🌞🌞 Thank you Dr. Tara 🌞🌞🌞 for excellent explanations and super exercises again 👍👍👍 Many greetings from Germany 🧡🧡🧡

[@rehabhqofficial]

NINA! So glad you enjoyed this one. I would love for you to add to this if you have anything that has worked for you :) I always love your input and it is usualy spot on. :) Chico and I send love from the US 😊🐶

[@Nina_2288]

@@rehabhqofficial yeah, I have problems moving my scapula up and down properly when reaching up. It is like glued to the back and does not let me reach up and in front. I found out that massages and frequent stretching of the arm de-freeze it. I use an old golf club for this, driving my hand up to the sky and far in front. 🌞🌞 That's a big problem for range of motion of the arm. But I'm working on it 🏵🏵 Hugs to Chiko doggie, love the way he helps you with the videos 😀😀😀

[@georgeeting8325]

I really like your explanation.I like it. I am strok abaut 2.5 years.my Arm and my leg.right side is heavy but thanks for your vedio.for me to understand the right way to follow thanks

[@rishanaalibach9416]

Dr. T. what excersises can i do, for mij hands and for my fingers, because all of them has no strenght.

[@dawnstephens9538]

How do you know when you are making headway with neuroplasticity

[@paulamac1616]

I like that strap you’re using. Where did you get it?

[@paulpin9515]

Like all your videos, got sublux shoulder, when I lift my arms in bed I can hear a couple of knocking sounds and feel it too. Had it for 4years. Can't feel pain, been taking progabline 170mg cap. Could you please advise. Thanks. Paul.

[@christopherjabaar1836]

Love your video

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps.

[@terrythomas9371]

Is there a machine to use to have to keep your fingers to open and close because I was told that there was. How do make a drop wrist strong?

[@nikkiepperson7855]

Spacisity and weakness and shortness for me not being able to reach overhead after my stroke.

[@samuelscheidler1697]

Is there a way to modify the first two exercises I cannot lay on mat at home just at Therapy Otherwise have to use bed

[@lindadaly7602]

In the meantime I’m in process of left arm numbness, need your suggestion help

[@gemstonejudy5900]

Do you have any videos about shoulder subluxation? Mine is really bad.

[@nolaigmckaigney7135]

Can you advis on how to join ur membership. Very interested

[@taylordonahue4179]

Hi Dr Tara My shoulder is sublexed and hangs by my side . One doctor said it is a rotator cuff problem, another doctor said the muscles have atrophied . Shall I go for a third opinion?

[@paulamac1616]

What did you put on the top of the Quad cane? The platform?

[@denisebkr3]

What do I do if my hand want stay on the back on the chair

[@Blowkala]

Hi Dr Tara, My 1yr old son got blood clot in his brain which in turn starved his brain oxygen intake that leads to brain damage, he has spasms as a result clench hands and his this exercise recommended for babies? And what are the neck exercises i.e when he tends to tilt his head backwards and neck muscle becomes so tight. God bless you for your work.

[@bodcare1332]

I really enjoyed this because every time my arm goes to lift forward it abducts out to the side when I do an open chain movement. Lots of strength but the brain is trying to pull it all together and co-ordinate the movement. Recently I was introduced to myndmove But it's very expensive

[@user-un1ht9zv2m]

I suffered a stroke in 2014 which affected my left side have limited mobility in left arm is it to late to gain mobility?

[@lisaward2562]

What is the length of the dowl rod you are using?

[@rajeshravindran930]

Thanks Dr.

[@ayeshaajmal2157]

Hi i also follow your videoes but last day i take a exercise but I don't know what happened my full arm not working before that its work n improve very fast but now I can't open my hands like a flying birds so tell me what can I do

[@tamikiasamford4665]

Can you show stretches for your shoulder that can be done when you don’t have any use of your arm?

[@jannetteroach2251]

Where cani get the strap for the hand on rod

[@sherrisamccurdy2773]

My upper arms pops on my affected side and it is painful.how can I strengthen my upper arm.

[@michellestokes2244]

Thank you so much for ur videos I had a stroke at 32 in 06/2021 I have strength from my wrist to my elbow but no strength from my shoulder to elbow

[@abhishekprajapati6932]

Hi.. hope you are doing fine..I had a hemmoragic stroke in September which left me hemiplegic it's been 3months and I'm unable to use my left side properly...How are you doi ng now?? help me Please

[@wendellahughesjr3682]

Would using a massage gun on tight muscles in the arm/shoulder help stretch them or at least alleviate some of the pain?

[@parbattiebachu84]

my shoulder is vèry uncomfortablr even when i am exeŕcizeing is there anything i can do to ease this

[@arielpalarca2567]

Hi can i have a link to where i can buy theose tools you used in these videos. Thank you so much! Much love from the Philippines ♥️

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for leaving this comment! I have just put them in the description below the video 😊

[@jannetteroach2251]

@@rehabhqofficial i can't lift my right arm I had stroke

[@disleyce]

Hiya Dr Tara I'm in The UK with the time difference for subscription how will that work sorry hope this makes sense regards Carol :-)

[@rehabhqofficial]

That is an excellent question. I plan to do a poll with a few time options. If you can not make it to the live session, you can submit questions in advance and the replay will be available to members.

[@ellenor1488]

it is generally ok but I can only just about move my arm forward and backward, so the exercises shown are not possible, maybe there are others, do you have any?

[@HalfWarrior]

Your analogy of not getting hyper-focused applies to creating paintings also.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes! And physical therapy IS art. 😊

[@HalfWarrior]

God sends angels to us in interesting ways;thank you Tara.

[@stephenkhoury5256]

Can you please show passive exercise as my left arm is still paralysised from a ischemic stroke. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching stephen! I have a playlist for the shoulder where I have videos with passive exercises.

[@abhishekprajapati6932]

Hi.. hope you are doing fine..I had a hemmoragic stroke in September which left me hemiplegic it's been 3months and I'm unable to use my left side properly...I just want to know how did you recovered and how much time did it take to recover.. help me Please

[@omastephanie8113]

Please how can one send an email to you

[@tiruneela3105]

I'm a.tiruneelakantaswamy a neurological stroke patient unable to walk or talk since 5 year is following your KZbin video since a year please help me to walk and talk better as I'm doing everything possible for early recovery but results are too slow please suggest me any rigorous exercise schedule plan for me individually and oblige

[@davidnewland2461]

How about heavy arm with subluxation.

[@Bababandoos743]

Can u make a video explaining how to bring response to the less responsive patients ( post stroke).

[@cherylschiller5624]

Thank you for your videos always give me hope

[@lsipel]

My question is as I suffer from spastcity I did purchase the slow emobilizer and I also have the Saebo stretch for the hand can you tell me which I should focus on first? Should I focus on getting arm straight or is there any way to keep hand open ?

[@rehabhqofficial]

That is an excellent question! generally speaking, work on shoulder and elbow first and block the hand and wrist (ie: wear your saebo stretch while doing the shoulder and elbow movement retraining). I hope that makes sense!

[@DianeHeersink]

What about if your arm is just really weak the underside of the arm. Those muscles just don’t work anymore. I can reach forward but not pull back. You know things like that.

[@virtuosoproductions4589]

Unrelated question: please do a video on how to relax central nervous system to overcome synergistic movements. Example, when I yawn, my arm flexes.

[@ChaosMasterXZ]

I had that problem too and I yawn alot

[@bernadettekoch6833]

OMG I have the same problem also. When I asked the Neurologist about I got no reaction. I am so tired of this lack of familiarity with common symptoms that Stroke survivors question.At least when you know it’s somewhat common you can deal with it

[@virtuosoproductions4589]

@@bernadettekoch6833 I hope to get some answer from dr. T. she has answered some of the questions I had after my stroke. Even if theres no answer for this condition I'd like to know it and move on.

[@deltarebelgirl]

i wore a hand splint in the hospital and everytime i yawned i would hit myself in the mouth and bust my lip. needless to say i stopped the splint because i got tired of busted lips. now my spasticity is so bad i cannot get the splint on alone

[@virtuosoproductions4589]

@@deltarebelgirl my understanding is that we have to calm our central nervous system. There're videos of disassociation. That may help you.

[@rosav.nieves2778]

My sister had been bedridden for almost 9 years she injured a toe after a fall. She did not move enough, she kept complaining that the pull on her nerves on the legs would not let her. Years went by and the mobility just decreased more and more. After 9 years she cant lift her arms higher than 90 degrees. She says that if she goes higher than 90 degrees, the "strings" that she feel in her legs would stretch and the pain would not let her. We had tried so hard with her. She can't lock her legs open for four years already. Now, she is even having issues opening her eyes, according to her she has a sensation of metals and stones behind her eyes, throat and different parts of her body. She starts screaming out of pain that she needs a massage on er legs to prevent this sensation of "metals" running from her legs to the eyes and brain. We are just desoerate with the constant help and care she needs and do not have the means to pay. But we already had been to around 7 doctors could not find the cause, since MRIS AND CAT SCAN were normal of brain, back. Only two spurs in C1 and C3 were found in the neck. I give her a massage at times for 3 hours a day. It is very exhausting for me. But she keeps insisting that without a massage she will not be able to stretch since she feels that terrible pull on her body. We keep insisting that she needs to keep trying. But after trying one day few hours after she insists that she cant continue since it is hurting her more and more. She feels that she only has gelatin and "strings" in her muscles, nothing more. I am so desperate that at times I feel cant help anymore. My family is also helping but the care needed is constant. She can only sit on a bed for massage. According to her all other chairs pulls her muscles in the legs and very painful in buttocks. We had tried around 30 chairs for her, none works. After visiting an osteopath, she only told her that the pull behind the eyeballs is coming form the tremendous tightness in her body. But since I cant give her a massage anymore she is saying that cant continue trying to stretch. I already tried a gun massage but she does not want to use it anymore, since she feels that her muscles just becoming more like "gelatin". She is also going to a chiropractor that is treating her neck. She walk with a walker a minute or less at a time and with a terrible posture. She is 51 years old, but has the posture of an 80 year old woman when walking and sitting. Any advice on what can I do to help?

[@LolaHeavey]

Would love to see exercises that I can do with my husband following his stroke: his right arm is paralysed, has spasticity, and causes him great pain when trying to exercise.

[@cinmac3]

I work with teachers of Somatics i want to share this with them which can be very helpful.. Learning to as Dr s says t teaching n muscles to relax..

[@anthonycarado6313]

Ma'am i am just wondering...why using the word "overactive" if in fact the muscle is not active at all thus having restrictions in moving?

[@lanetterippeto3730]

What breed is the dog?

[@sabordojm8716]

Hi Dr. Tara Tobias .. Can you help me with my leg ?🥺 When I stand .. Why my both two legs go straight and it freezes ? It takes a second to bend it .. everytime I stand .. Please help me Dr. Tobias 🥺☝️I'm 15 y.o. .. Thanks for helping

[@farhadfatah81]

Please dr answer my question

[@aaronoyster9627]

Dr. T, correct me if I'm wrong, but having the arms in flexion adducted to (rather than abducted from) the torso, isn't that internal rotation?

[@rehabhqofficial]

hmm, I guess I do not understand your question. So I do not really have a good answer :)

[@figsworld12]

Torn tendon ?

[@aderion22]

subluxation paiin is stoping me from even trying to work on my arm ... is there any way to work around it?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! Generally speaking, pain might be a sign that someone is not moving the arm correctly and in that case I always recommend working with a physical therapist to assist in relearning the correct movement. I hope that helps!

[@rameshramdath3207]

Whattousegorexcessivepaininshoulderpersonwithstrokeonleftside

[@janiceeweci]

What do you use to strap the hand to dowels, etc.?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching. They are called nylatex wraps. Link is in the description.

[@barbaraholland845]

I am post stroke almost 4 years ago. My right arm is very spastic but I have good shoulder movement. I have a lot of trouble extending my arm outward . My elbow keeps bending and it keeps me from extending. What exercises do you recommend?

[@lindapeer-groves1209]

I’m EXACTLY same Help

[@MultiStemcell]

Can I ask you a question? I am able to raise my arm at this time. However, still feels very heavy and tight, although I do not have true spasticity. Could you please recommend some exercises? Also, my fingers are tight and 2nd & 4th finger ride on top of the middle finger and the little finger sticks out laterally. Thank you for all you do

[@rehabhqofficial]

I still recommend this video. Until you can do these movements "effortlessly". I hope that helps!

[@MultiStemcell]

Thank you!!! I truly appreciate your help

[@emelitastenger6983]

Hello there Can I ask you how long ago you had the stroke and did you always have the heaviness from the start???

[@MultiStemcell]

I had complications from a meningioma surgery about 18 months ago. I had heaviness right from start

[@gracephiri2612]

Exercises which can help finger movement

[@vanessahayes7791]

What about the elbow

[@bk3289]

Malaysia here. Had stroke 3 mths back. Having heavy left leg and unable to lift my left hand. Had been following your tutorials. They really help. Thanks. What is that blue strip that you wrapped around your fist to the pole/baton?

[@abhishekprajapati6932]

Hi.. hope you are doing fine..I had a hemmoragic stroke in September which left me hemiplegic it's been 3months and I'm unable to use my left side properly...I just want to know how did you recovered and how much time did it take to recover.. help me Please

[@yantian6658]

I really like your videos, I recommend them to my sister. She can walk, but still has heavy leg and arm. My concern is if it is too late for her to do these exercise after stroke 21 months. Is it possible for her to recover?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! That is an excellent question. Everyone is different. Generally speaking I consider anyone in the first 2 years to be in the "early stages" meaning that she still has a TON of potential to make more progress. :) I hope that helps!

[@karlabrown5002]

Thank you

[@maseratilo2829]

I believe so that it's not too late for her as long as she's consistent with exercising and doing passive movements to help the brain rewire itself, I am currently going through a similar situation as well and it has been 1 year since my surgery and I am trying to get off of this cane,regaing movements my left arm and left leg.

[@rameshramdath3207]

Postiontoliedown afterastroke

[@elizabethmittal6656]

Also autoimmune disease specifically necrotizing myopathy

[@mattmortenson9677]

I think I had a pretty bad stroke last year because my mind has been getting so tired so quickly the last11 months. But I don't want to go to the hospital because I'm afraid they'll keep me there! I don't want them trying to put me in some kind of home because I would be a bad tenant LOL so I guess maybe I'll have a heart attack sometime and it will all be over with. Goodbye cruel world. Haha and I can't lift my good arm above my chest much anymore either for the last eleven months.

[@ayeshafatima2030]

My arm is not working properly.

[@agohio8366]

Can raise my hand with the help of my good hand without any pain But can not raise it on it own

[@anab7177]

So a heave arm for me was from a mass in the brain.