The exercises below should be completed with the child in lying. Ensure the shoulder/elbow/forearm is positioned and supported adequately as shown by your therapist. These exercises are designed to mobilise and stretch the affected areas.

Unless advised otherwise by your therapist:

  • Complete 5 - 10 repetitions of each exercise
  • Try to hold each stretch for up to 30 seconds
  • You should aim to complete the exercises 2-3 times a day

These exercises may cause a little discomfort. If your child experiences significant discomfort during the exercises or you have any concerns please discuss with your child’s therapist (Tel: 0208 909 5820/5519).

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.28.58.pngWith one hand, fix the shoulder blade firmly against the chest wall.
  • With your other hand lift the arm out to the side and stretch up towards head.
  • Keep shoulder blade fixed to stretch through arm pit

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.29.13.pngWith one hand, stabilise the front of the shoulder and keep the arm by the side of the body.
  • With your other hand hold and support around the wrist and roll the forearm outwards.
  • Keep the elbow by their side.

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.29.28.pngKeep both arms by the side of the body.
  • Hold both forearms and rotate arms outwards.

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.29.43.pngWith one hand, stabilise the front of the shoulder and lift the arm up and out to 90 degrees (a right angle) from the body.
  • With the other hand, hold the wrist and rotate the forearm backwards towards the bed and then forwards towards the bed.
  • Hold at the end of each movement.

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.29.53.pngWith one hand, hold the shoulder blade firmly against the chest wall.
  • With the other hand, stretch the arm across towards the opposite shoulder.
  • Keep shoulder blade fixed to the side and the elbow at shoulder level.

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.30.04.pngWith one hand, stabilise the front of the shoulder.
  • With the other hand, hold the wrist and bend and straighten the elbow.
  • Hold at the end of each movement.

  • Screenshot 2025-03-05 at 15.30.11.pngWith one hand, support the front of the shoulder and hold the elbow into the side.
  • With the other hand, hold the wrist and turn the forearm so that the palm of the hand faces the feet and then the head.
  • Hold at the end of each movement.

Printing of this document is only valid on the day printed, please refer to the website for most up to date information:

https://www.rnoh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-guides/paediatric-shoulder-and-elbow-exercises-patients-guide

Page last updated: 06 March 2025