Stretching exercises for your shoulder can improve flexibility and increase range of motion. They can also reduce pain and speed healing. Your doctor or physical therapist has advised the pendulum exercise for you. Make sure you breathe normally when you exercise. And try to use smooth, fluid movements.
Doing the pendulum exercise
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Follow any special instructions you were given. If you feel pain, stop the exercise. If you keep feeling the pain after stopping, call your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
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Start this exercise with your affected arm as soon as you are told to do so:
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Lean over with your good arm supported on a table or chair.
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Relax the arm on the painful side. Let it hang straight down.
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Slowly move your body so that your arm starts to swing in a circle. Then reverse the direction. Next, move your body so that the arm swings backward and forward. Lastly, move it side to side.
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Let gravity and the motion of your body gently sway your arm. Do not use your shoulder muscles to lift or move your arm.
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Do the exercise
3 times a day, for5 to 10 minutes each time. Change the direction of your movement every 60 seconds.
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Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed: 06/01/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
