The exercises during shoulder rehab specifically build up the muscles in the arm, chest, shoulder and back.
The aim of shoulder rehab is to loosen and strengthen the area and thus create the greatest possible freedom of movement. The patient should learn to abandon any unhealthy or incorrect posture. Freedom from pain and suitability for everyday life are another goal of shoulder rehab.
Rehab
- increases blood circulation,
- protects cartilage and bones and
- gently stretches tendons and ligaments.
The entire musculoskeletal system is interdependent and interrelated. This is why, for example, one-sided strain or overloading can cause further-reaching complaints. Frequent consequences of this are
- Tension,
- increased wear and tear at certain points and
- shoulder pain.
In the case of osteoarthritis, the intensity of the pain can be reduced. Shoulder rehab therefore contributes to a better quality of life.
An individually tailored treatment plan is necessary due to the wide range of restrictions and special features. The same applies to the information on the possible success of the treatment.

Physiotherapists monitor the progress of shoulder rehab and guide exercises © contrastwerkstatt | AdobeStock
Shoulder rehabilitation is necessary in cases such as
Shoulder rehab is also used to accompany other therapies and enhance their effect.
Rehabilitation is also used to prevent severe progression. Early shoulder rehabilitation has a compensatory and preventative effect in the event of incipient wear and tear or incorrect posture. You should therefore take advantage of this option as soon as symptoms begin.
The first step is to assess the extent of the restriction.
Shoulder rehabilitation often involves more than just exercises. Massages of the surrounding tissue, heat or cold can also help to minimize discomfort or make certain movements possible at all.
With a total shoulder replacement, the focus is initially on healing, just like after any other shoulder operation. The exertion during therapy should therefore not be too great.
Nevertheless, light movement through stretching and extending can promote the recovery process. This promotes blood circulation and provides appropriate stimuli. However, training with weights or static exercises using body weight are not recommended during this time.
Caution should be exercised due to the remaining instability. In orthopaedic rehabilitation, therefore, only small movements and loads are initially carried out. As a result, progress and success are slow.
Many patients have already had to live with movement restrictions for a long time. The slow recovery in small steps can therefore be frustrating for patients. Nevertheless, they must have sufficient patience and self-discipline. Overstraining the shoulder can lead to complications.
The choice depends on the respective restriction. For minor complaints, outpatient appointments at a physiotherapy practice are sufficient.
In a rehabilitation clinic, there are several options and equipment available. This allows a wider range of exercises to be covered. Here too, the applications and training can be carried out on an outpatient basis.
Alternatively, patients with significant restrictions can apply for a cure or a rehabilitation stay. In this case, several treatments a day are possible.
Shoulder rehabilitation in a clinic also involves specialists on site. This means that the patient receives the best care at all times. This makes the therapy more efficient and the specialists can respond quickly to any problems that arise.
Just like the structure of rehabilitation, the duration is also adapted to the individual case. In the case of severe complaints and weak muscles, applications and exercises are continued over several months.
Controlled shoulder rehab only serves as a start. Repetitions and extensions are possible.
If the complaints are minor, the duration is shorter. It still makes sense to continue the strengthening, loosening and stretching exercises. You should also have your shoulder position checked regularly to ensure that it is optimal.
Changes to the training are necessary during the course of therapy in order to achieve further progress. Overcorrections and overloading must also be avoided. This is why professional support during rehabilitation is of great importance. This enables the specialists to monitor progress.
This increases the risk of further damage and setbacks in the healing process.
The most important prerequisites for successful shoulder rehab are
- Comprehensive and regular examinations of the cause and development
- Combination of treatment with appropriate measures and resources
- Continuation of exercises between training sessions and after the end of rehab
Regular training is of crucial importance. Be sure to follow the instructions of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthopaedists.