Stroke Arm Exercise: Critical Shoulder Stretches

The shoulder is made up of the humerus bone, scapula (shoulder blade), the ribs, and the thoracic spine. All of these bones must move in order to reach the arm above shoulder level. If these other structures do not move, relearning how to reach becomes almost impossible. In this first video in a 2 part series, I will explain how muscle tightness might prevent these structure from moving and the best stretches to restore their movement. Once you can get the shoulder blade and the thoraic spine moving properly, reaching will be a much easier skill to learn.
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[@bandidodiesel747]

Thank you for giving us hope! We love you 😊

[@zelmasmith9786]

I am so happy I found somebody who can give me hope Zelma ,south africa

[@amwahid6963]

Well explained. I am following yr exercise routine esp the shoulder & arm components. Really helpful. Can never thank you enough. May God bless you 👏👍

[@nathalie7790]

Hi dr. Tara your right on key with my progress I was working on my leg and its almost back to normal thanks to your videos now my focus is on my left hand. I can take it over head while laying down but in a sitting position it's difficult. From these stretches I know I'm tight in some muscles. I will definitely do them daily and post my results. Can you please do progression videos for the raising of the hand like you did for the leg. Thank you again. You are a blessing to so many of us.God bless you.

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am so glad to hear the stretches helped. Stay tuned for this week's video as I will be doing what you asked (progression for lifting the arm) :)

[@junmarin956]

Gud day mam. Please teach us the finger movement. I have a stroke my Letf side is affected. Thank you mam.

[@CortezMusical]

Same here, left side weakness 😢

[@jhunebriancunanan1876]

Same Here şir lef side weakness i Finger us my Problem

[@caitlingreen511]

yespleaze

[@jeffmills4103]

I am glad I found this video. A stroke attacked me at age 60. All the therapists were helpful and good company but once I completed a motion we moved onto other things. I would have preferred to have mastered the movement before moving on. When left to my own I challenge myself with a movement then add weight until it is merely a movement with little effort. Some moves begin very sloppy but refine as I persevere. I thought what remained was mostly coordination to be learned but discovered muscle atrophy also was a player. I will add what I learn here to my Arsenal as I have many years remaining. I look around and I refuse to be in the sad physical shape of my peers. I want to be a good physical example for my grown children and grandchildren.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for watching and welcome to this community! I appreciate you sharing your story. Sounds like you are keeping the right attitude. Keep going! And definitely keep commenting. You will be a big help to others :)

[@shuning-studenthandin442]

You explained in simple terms which made everything easy to understand. I have watched many of your videos and practiced the exercises on my husband, who suffered a stroke. Thank you for your sharing and hard work. I am very grateful for your sharing. I believe many have benefited from your sharing. Thank you.

[@TheJoanna2504]

Thank you for posting it! I've been searching for the excercises that may help with my shoulder problems. Finally I've found your video! Thank you so much!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Joanna, I am so glad you found this video helpful :) I appreciate you watching and taking the time comment!!

[@lynnecameron6645]

Great thank you again. The moment I tried these I realised just how very tight some areas are. These are on my daily list now.

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am glad to hear it. Yes, many do not realize that these muscles are tight until you try and put your body in these positions :)

[@jeffmills4103]

Part of my confusion is I haven't experienced pain just tightness. It feels as if my entire left side is shorter than my right side. I resolved to continue to do what I have been doing and only more time is required thinking perhaps there are improvements in excercise I can incorporate along my journey. Overall these presentations have helped me understand the mechanics of movement and the technologies. Thank you for your time! Kind regards

[@jeffmills4103]

I intend continuing these excercises as I grow older. "You don't use it, you shortly lose it".

[@sunshinehappy7329]

Dr. Tara, great video on this big problem, thanks so much. 🧡🙏👍

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for always leaving such kind words. It definitely keeps me motivated to keep making videos to help you all :)

[@aaronforth8693]

Thank you so much for all your videos. My recovery is so much easier with the help from you and others like you.

[@bishopabdoulayeba263]

GOD BLESS YOU SISTER.

[@Birdika1]

Thank you! Best regards, Špela

[@Beastmode211-n7n]

We all Love you thank you for being thorough

[@hinduadda2847]

Hi Dr Tobias ,You became my god almost because I had Stroke when I'm 27 years old, that time I don't know what is stroke , physiotherapy and occupational therapy I am from India i had a stroke in 2018 July still I recovered 40% , i am trying your excercise daily My main problem is wrist and finger's could you please let us know some of the excercise for wrist , wrist rotation wrist up and down.

[@D__b23]

Hindu YuTube hi 👋🏻 I am from India too which part?

[@VamsiPelluri]

I am in similar position. I found this channel a life saviour. Following my stroke, I lost my left Arm abilities. Thanks for sharing your story

[@stevepotter654]

Great stuff?!Thank you for putting this out there.💯💯 Im 3 years post stroke at 47, left side affected.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for sharing your story!

[@agrinku]

I am 2 years post stroke same age 47 with left side weakness.

[@bishopabdoulayeba263]

You are the BEST

[@carmenmonoxide7459]

I have SPMS. I just wanted to know about stretches that would give me a little freedom in my right arm. I tried these stretches in the video and BOOM! I felt the tightness loosen even for a little bit. I'm sure that once I keep doing the stretches, I'll gain more improvement. AND I will. THANK YOU.

[@rehabhqofficial]

I am so glad to hear that the stretches helped!

[@saberabegum9202]

Yes please need video on finger functions left hemeplegia

[@craftyplanner]

Thank you so much. I’m watching all or most of your videos. I’m 2 years post stroke.

[@garytaylor1470]

I had a stroke on 12/27/21 and I have been home since 1/31/22. I am currently getting physical therapy 2 times a week at home. I just found your channel, and have been watching since yesterday. Love it.thank you. I never new something this terrible could happen.

[@rickdrolz8056]

SO glad I found your channel. I AM 53 YEARS old and had a pfo stroke June of 22. I spent 28 days in inpatient rehab and was walking with a cane on day 2, still have to use cane, I lost my left and still attending pt trying to gain function. My therapist for my arm does need seem confident the arm will recover. I have remained positive and confident and am determined to get back to par, just went back to work and realize that I Am severely limited. I have much life left to live. Your videos give me even more hope that I can get there.m, since I have been using your methods. Thank you so much.

[@daveweiss8641]

This was a great video. Do more like this.

[@Samikhan-id1wd]

Heartidly I found your videos really informative and helpful i need to ask that are your guided exercises enough to be followed . My mother had ischemic stroke 3 months ago she can only move the leg above the knee and can pull the rest leg and cant hold that we are living in such place that we hardly find occupational even doctors I think i need your attention and secondly upper limb is zero according to movement please guide me Live a long and happy life for your service .

[@laupeter4594]

Feel blessed to be watching your videos, keep up the good work!

[@patboggs7053]

Great stretches! I am grateful for your videos.

[@tomuchfunwithgas846]

Right side impairment, raise right arm, back of head, wash hair , shave. Scapula very tight right side . Limited range of motion. Getting better slowly, more exercises please.

[@ernosudarijanto]

Thanks you , i am from indonesia

[@bro.benedict7905]

Thank you so much Ma'am . A big help your vlog is and in the absence of her PT for my 27 yr old son who suffered a hemorrhagic stroke i cautiously follow your advised exercises/ training to help him recover thank you so much ..

[@nandaninagarathne7031]

Everything explained with illustrations I am so deppresseď about my plataue phase I am after pontine bleed. Ur tutorials have brought me hopes. I follow it regularly. Great

[@loulousunday]

Let's go over this during February. I have a feeling I need this. Thank you!!! I love your class.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Yes!!! Tag this video just in case I forget 😬

[@janetgarcia1297]

Hi doc. I stop my therapy bcoz of financial problem,im searching video's for stroke problem and thank God i found ur channel thank u and may God bless u always🙏😇👍

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Janet! Thank you for watching! I am so glad these videos are helping you. Keep going!

[@Rockie38343]

Hi Your tips and exercises are better than my therapist. When I ask questions she can’t completely explain them. My effected right arm, arm and shoulder. I would like to see exercises when you have limited use of areas. I I squeeze a ball 20 to 30 minutes a day. I can raise my effected shoulder when on my back. But I hear popping noise in the back of my shoulder. Even sitting up I hear popping noise in my shoulder. I need exercises to loosen up the shoulder and patients with limited use of the effected hand and arm

[@chrisirving868]

My left arm is completely locked spastically, should I consider surgery to lengthen muscles and tendons? My stroke was in 2003. I gave up ever using it again

[@yaronkl]

thank you. very valuable to me

[@nolaigmckaigney7135]

so grateful for these powerful videos

[@PhyllisJohnson-kg1sh]

I appreciate you greatly!

[@mus495]

Dr Tara, First of all I want to thank you for your precious videos and this one. I have been taking vitamins as you mentioned and I am currently in the right way.. I do forwarded your videos for some groups, and thank you very much. Mohamed Al-Musalhi

[@mdjangeeralom9708]

What type of vitamin? Can yiu share the link of the video please.

[@SonicRacingEPt]

Thank You! Just popped into my suggestions and just I've been needing...

[@samworld936]

Thank you!

[@nitinyadav6562]

Thanks for sharing

[@ef5642]

You're helping me to help a stroke pt -- thank you!!!!

[@rehabhqofficial]

yay! Thanks for watching and for sharing how these videos are helping you :)

[@David-oe1xj]

keep going with ur vids, they are helpful, thks

[@nickei732]

Hi Dr, I love your videos and it's really helpful. My mom had a severe stroke Last May where she had to undergo surgery. Her left side of the brain is affected therefore her right side is completely paralyzed. She has a subluxed shoulder and I was thinking what are the best exercises and stretches to get that shoulder back in place? Maybe do a series about this? Thank you very much!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I think this is a very common problem and an excellent idea for a video. :)

[@saundragreensfelder7979]

Love your video. I use it daily. Thank you.

[@bobyenriquez4729]

Please more videos on the treatment of the muscles illustrated in this video thank you

[@sheraaa9169]

Can you please do a video addressing subluxation

[@lucagian9801]

wonderfully informative and the exercises were very beneficial. thx so much!

[@rishanaalibach9416]

For the arm i use my own wheelchair to perform any excercise you shown doc. and the other ones, on my my own bed.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for the EXCELLENT suggestions! Yes, you can do this with the arm rest on your wheelchair if you have enough strength to lift your body weight :)

[@its_toxic.22]

Good video !

[@reynaldocrisostomo8181]

another good video.

[@jaimeekingdinali5172]

Thanks you 👍

[@waynemills5658]

Thanks!

[@ramreddykandadi9757]

Mam please show some exercises to get movement in fingers

[@rehtse5127]

I will try that i'm waiting to get better!!!

[@MoniqueShaq22]

I somehow stopped getting your notifications so I’m behind and just saw this video on a very difficult task for me. My arm and shoulder has started to loosen a bit but I tried the exercise in this video and boy did it help me realize that there is still a lot of tightness there. This will definitely be added to my daily exercises. I do have an arm question for you. I saw in an older video you using the skateboard to help with leg function. But I notice that if I use it on my table it seem like it can be useful for the arm as well. Do you have any videos using the skateboard for the arm and if so can you link it so I can view it? Thank you and keep releasing these very very helpful videos.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! The skateboard is a great idea if you have a table big enough :)

[@tracyhargraves3954]

I'm going to be working on my shoulder on my own. I go to physical therapy once a week but they aren't working with my arm or hand like they did when I was in impatient therapy at the hospital. I think I've lost some mobility because I used to be able to lift my arm up next to my head,using my other arm, and I can't anymore.

[@johnspisak9729]

I should point out that the humorous bone is really quite funny.

[@paulinesmith8396]

Doc Tobias. I can’t passively lift my hand upward. What I can do lift it above my breast. No pain involved. How ever laying down impossible but I cannot lift it. I used the uninvolved hand to lift the shoulder. This exercise is good only if I can do. I am doing my best. I thank God I have no pain.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Hi Pauline! That is a very common problems. You might want to try putting something the elbow to keep it straight and try it again laying down. Sometiimes if you take the elbow out of the equations (which might reduce an spasticity that might be interfering), you might be able to lift a little higher. I hope that helps!

[@paulinesmith8396]

Orlando Neuro Therapy hi doctor Tobias. Thank you very much for support and advice. I will try my best because I am really want to use my hand. I watch your video almost everyday. On shoulder heavy legs and hypertension knee exercise. They are all helpful. I would love to come to your clinic. One day I will. Keep safe. God bless your family

[@rehabhqofficial]

@@paulinesmith8396 I am so happy to hear that the videos are helping you. There is no better comment that I can read than this. :) Keep going! Staying motivated to do the work is 90% of recovery and you definitely have the will and motivation. :) I look forward to getting more updates on your continued progress 😊

[@octoberianlibra8346]

Yes that is my main problem. Now I can't raise my arms and also I'm having much pain that's why I can't do more arm exercise I have a portable pedalexerciser which also I'm using to exercise my arms. U think it will somehow helps to strengthen my arms toemabletoraise it in the future

[@themutekiununbi4932]

Dear Doctor, Which video I should follow after this one. Thank you

[@jLutraveling]

Thank you for your videos. Our local community is opening a recreation center with heated pools. I said all this to ask if some of these exercises can be done in the pool?

[@lespangen]

My affected ( left ) shoulder is sublimed ( not working with a therapist right now$) makes me nervous about moving it , but will keep trying to get some active movement 😬🙏

[@lespangen]

many thanks for your videos Dr. T

[@davidinfinger4500]

You are great! I needed this!

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching David. I hope it helps

[@disleyce]

Thank you

[@georgepnf8596]

Great video Tara, can you please show in a video how we can turn a patient into prone position from supine position? Kind regards

[@jihadhaddadin1586]

Please doctor I have so much pain with my shoulder ,I cant sleep on any side,its my left shoulder, I can open my elbow about 160°,mostly I copy you or following you even I go to the PT,OT,but no improvement for my let leg and hand,because of early morning stretching with twest . Thank you so much Doctor.

[@TerrileeYO]

how long aftwer numbness ends can I expect movement to come back.... I needed this one!

[@athisihleandisiwentshanga2554]

Thank you , i needed these streches, keep doing the good work.

[@irogeorgopoulos9320]

Thank you for sharing such valuable knowledge. As a PD patient i see my R shoulder has a problem. When it comes to doing certain movements holding weights i notice I dont have the ability to complete the full range of motion. I can start reach a point where there is a total bloacade, if helped through that small section I can carrry on to the end. Could this be related to the issue raised here?

[@jesselynardiente9667]

Thank you... ❤️❤️❤️

[@jyotikashyap1225]

Muscles wasting can reverse or not? Please make a video on this topic

[@kimmathews3520]

I had a stroke over a year ago, and my leftside was affected, my shoulder is sunblock, and I need to know, how working on fixing it, and the right workouts to do, I still walk with a cane, the last theraphy I, went to did 3 sets of electric shocks on my inner thigh and inner lower leg which I, feel took away my muscle strength ,I'm not for sure how to get it back

[@arunanaidu9947]

Exercises to do after removing cast on the fingers

[@sunitaasthana1929]

Pl send some more vedios ad my arm is weakand shoulder lso

[@avanigangar269]

Can these stretches be given to the patient with inferior glenoid subluxation of shoulder

[@zitaorosz1975]

Doctor Tobias, Thank you so much for another great video. Can you please tell me about the weight of the white therapy bar that u were using for the exercises? I also would like to ask you about elbow exercises .

[@Pedro-ol1fr]

Thank you mam

[@henrybudziarski4404]

Hi I know it’s very hard to lift your hand over your head it’s so hard and your hands started shaking, and it’s hard to keep your arm straight your Albo Benz all the time do you have to do so much stretching, for beginners it’s very hard and it gets painful to for beginners to start but after awhile it gets better...

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thank you for the comment! For beginners it is very helpful to find someone who can help you. Please checkout my arm exercise playlist as I do show some alternative options to do these exercises with a tool to keep the arm straight.

[@deshungrant31]

Ur so beautiful ❤️ thak you for the help

[@figsworld12]

I have bruistis on both shoulders. I had a CT scan I have c4 c5 neck issues also. I know that bruistis goes away it causes cold shoulder and pins and needles. If i wash dishes cook or have my head down for a certain time. I am in pain.I have just saw your exercises that actually makes sense. Is there a special execise that i can actually do properly. So i do not want any injections or an operation. The doctors quickly say its injection time. I have had bad back i had injection it only gives relief for a couple a month. And its back to square one. Im a 53 years old lady that has tennis elbow and golf elbow i can get rid of it with rest then exercise. Please any help you give would be appreciated. Thank you I love your videos its so educational.sensible. You actually understand us thank you for that. Or could you direct me to a professional personnal that actually specializes in execises not physiotherapist or Chiropractor... I like exercise I followed your foot drop exercises too its helping so much...i fall so many times my balance with virtigo is not a great mix. Thank you again Ms Figen

[@yaronkl]

not sure wha the red X and green V were meant to show at 7:45 - what is wrong in the X example and how is it corrected in the V example?

[@carusoidoltime1275]

Right hand in frozen please help for exercise im strock patient doc neuro therapy

[@yaronkl]

streches begin at 06:18

[@jaquelinemckenzie5145]

Thank As usual very enlightening But in the case where there is no mobility in the arm it is a real challenge The fingers keep curling back no matter how we strap it on We ordered the splint you recommended from July we have not yet received it Have you developed and product for the hand yet

[@suleumar7937]

Good morning ma, my mum had stroke 8-9 months ago and uptill me she has not been able to move her hands at all and her subluxation has almost heal up pls hw can we help her regain hand movement.

[@karenmatteo8307]

I can’t seem to keep my elbow straight when doing these exercises. I’ve looked through some of your other videos to find out how to do that but I’m not sure I have the right one. Should I be practicing weight bearing or is there something else I should be doing?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching! That is a very common problem. Check out the arm playlist and you should be able to get some ideas on how to keep the arm straight when working on the shoulder movement. Also stay tuned for next weeks video as I will be giving more suggestions for this problem :)

[@AbdulRaheem-td2fi]

My effective leg not lift 90 digree please tell me exercise

[@relaxwithnature6532]

Hi my hand is heavy after stroke can you expound on cause and treatment please? Also a tutorial on opening the palm and the muscles that open the palm.

[@rehabhqofficial]

Check out this video :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKfTo6GXfrWlgtE

[@littlerabbits4852]

Hi for improving my hand movement i should frist work on my shoulder then elbow then wrist then fingers ? I can't move my fingers and my shoulder and elbow and wrist are weak

[@jimholzgen3067]

Why aren't my other incorporating any of these

[@mohaninesalah1828]

you are amizing

[@lakshmilakku5257]

Madam how many days do we want to wait to see improvement?

[@theronanaidoo9678]

Could you provide information and exercises for patients with a subluxed shoulder?

[@richardching2310]

I notice a pvc pipe square structure. What does it stand on?

[@nicholebell7086]

Do you have any neck stretches it's starting to hurt when I look down to my left side I feel like its because of shoulder area being tight

[@mogbyu2483]

Do you have a recommendation for an elbow blocking splint?

[@miltonsanchez8776]

My father had a stroke and he is paralyzed on the left side.... his left arm is non movible but he is moving his left leg lately while lying down but when we stand him up it like curl up a little and he left foot is hard to touch the floor...what can I do to help him

[@alvinignacio2377]

My paralysis was is on upper left extremity. I need a demonstration on the left.

[@sharmenwilliams8476]

My toes are also pointed down

[@praffulminajigi9660]

Even though I can do all the stretches correctly I still can't raise my arm to its fullest. May I know why ?

[@rehabhqofficial]

Thanks for watching and for commenting! Keep working and just be patient :)