Shoulder Mobility, Strengthening And Stability

SHOULDER MOBILITY, STRENGTHENING AND STABILITY

Shoulder stability, as well as trunk, elbow and wrist stability promote good hand function and control. The function of the shoulder is to provide the hand with the widest possible reach. Stability comes from the contraction of the opposing muscles around a joint working together to hold the arm steady against gravity.

The following activities develop upper body strength for joint stability:

1) Push-ups to strengthen the shoulder girdle (in order from easiest to more difficult)

a) Wall Pushups . Begin facing a wall, feet apart, hands on wall at shoulder level . Slowly bend then straighten elbows, have child touch nose to the wall

b) Four Point Kneeling Push ups . Crawl position with hands on floor, shoulder width apart . Slowly bend then straighten the elbows

c) Modified Push-ups . On hands and knees, knees behind hips, feet crossed at ankles . Hands on floor, shoulder width apart (at shoulder level), fingers facing forward . Bend and straighten elbows, keeping trunk straight

2) Wheelbarrow Walk – walking on hands with legs supported at the hips by a partner or a large therapy ball

3) Animal Walks that encourage weight bearing through the arms, i.e. crab walk, bear walks, donkey kicks

4) Tug of War – pulling on a rope or beach towel Push of War – sitting or standing facing another child and touching palms 2

5) Catching and throwing large or heavy balls

6) Hitting a suspended ball or balloon i.e. tetherball

7) Racquet Sports – tennis, badminton, ping-pong. Use a larger or softer ball if regular balls are too difficult

8) Ball Sports – Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball or T-Ball (change size of ball or weight to make it easier). For example, set a balloon instead of a volleyball

9) Make patterns in the air with long streamers with arms straight.

10) Pushing or pulling heavy objects i.e. push open a heavy door, pull a loaded wagon

11) Playing on the floor while lying on stomach and propped on forearms

12) Scooter board activities – lying on stomach, propel with arms or have partner pull child while he/she hold onto a hula hoop

13) Playground activities: . Pushing a tire swing . Hanging or swinging on the monkey bars . Climbing up slides or ladders . Drawing in sand with long stick while standing

14) Put activities on a vertical surface or above eye level . Blackboards . Wall murals – tape paper on wall or fridge . Lite-Brite . Magna Doodle . Paint Easel

15) At Home: . Pour liquid from a pitcher . Use a large serving spoon to serve food . Sweep with a broom . Hammer nails into scrap wood

Revised July 2004 3

Revised July 2004