Shoulder Pendulum Exercise

The Shoulder Pendulum, also known as Codman's Pendulum Exercise, is a gentle passive range-of-motion exercise for the shoulder joint. It is one of the first exercises prescribed after shoulder surgery, injury, or when active movement is too painful.

The key principle is that the movement comes from your trunk, not your shoulder muscles. This allows the arm to swing passively, gently moving the shoulder joint without engaging the rotator cuff.

How to Perform

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lean forward slightly, supporting yourself with your non-affected hand on a table or chair. Let your affected arm hang straight down, completely relaxed. Gently swing your arm in small circles clockwise for 30 seconds, then counter-clockwise for 30 seconds. Repeat in forward-backward and side-to-side directions. Keep the movement small and pain-free.