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At SportsRec, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Conservative Management of a Type III Acromioclavicular Separation: A Case Report and 10-Year Follow-Up
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Conservative Management of a Type III Acromioclavicular Separation: A Case Report and 10-Year Follow-Up
- Journal of Athletic Training: Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Training
- Journal of Athletic Training: Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Training
- Journal of Athletic Training: Strength Training and Shoulder Proprioception
- Journal of Athletic Training: Strength Training and Shoulder Proprioception
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Proprioception Exercises for the Shoulder
Proprioception exercises don't require fancy exercise equipment.
Proprioception is something most people take for granted, until they don't have it anymore. Proprioception gives you the ability to know where different parts of your body are positioned at any given time -- without having to look at them. Special structures in your muscles and tendons provide this information to your brain. However, after shoulder injury, these structures might need to be reminded how to do their job. Poor proprioception affects coordination and increases your risk of further shoulder injuries. You can perform exercises to improve your shoulder proprioception.
Make push ups harder by doing them one arm at a time.
Push-Ups
Weight bearing through the arms improves shoulder proprioception. Push-ups are an easy-to-do-anywhere weight-bearing exercise that can be modified to meet your current fitness level. Start with wall push-ups and progress to traditional push-ups on the floor as you get stronger.
Stand facing a wall, approximately one arm's length away from the wall. Place your palms against the wall at shoulder height.
Bend your elbows and slowly lower your upper body toward the wall. Keep your elbows close to your sides throughout the movement. Press back out to the starting position. Repeat 10 times and work up to three sets of 10.
Progress your push-ups by placing your hands on a lower surface, such as a sturdy chair. As your strength improves, you can perform regular push-ups on the floor, elevate your feet to increase the difficulty of the exercise or work on one-arm push-ups.
Wall ball exercises can be easily progressed by using a heavier ball.
Wall Balls
The wall ball exercise is just what it sounds like -- a ball is thrown against a wall. You can practice this exercise with a beach ball until you master the technique, then progress to medicine balls of different weights.
HOW TO DO IT:
Choose a spot on a wall, approximately 8 feet high, to be your target. Bend your elbows and hold the ball with both hands, just below your chin. Stand approximately 2 feet away, facing the wall. Squat down as far as you can, comfortably.
Stand up quickly from your squat and throw the ball overhead, aiming for your target. Catch the ball with both hands, bending your elbows and squatting down at the same time.
Repeat 10 times and work up to several sets in a row, or set a goal and complete wall balls for a set amount of time. Start with 30 seconds.
Quadruped exercises can be performed almost anywhere.
Quadruped Exercise
Quadruped exercises are performed in the hands-and-knees position. If you can't tolerate this position, start with your arms elevated on a step or other sturdy surface.
HOW TO DO IT:
Get on your hands and knees. Position your knees in line with your hips and hands in line with your shoulders.
Without lifting your hands, rock forward and backward 10 times. Then rock side to side, 10 times.
From the same position, lift one arm straight out in front of you. Hold for 2 to 3 seconds, then switch and lift the opposite arm. Repeat 10 times on each side.
Exercise steps and yoga balls can be used for shoulder proprioception exercises.
Ball Walk-Outs
Use a yoga ball for ball walk-out exercises.
HOW TO DO IT:
Lie over the ball, on your stomach. Roll forward until your hands touch the ground with your elbows straight. This is the starting position.
Contract your core muscles, as if you are going to perform a push-up. Keep these muscles tight throughout the exercise.
Walk your hands forward until the ball is under your hips, then walk your hands backward to the starting position. Repeat 10 times. If you can't maintain your balance on the ball, walk out only a few steps to start, or practice holding the starting position.
Sports activities can be part of your proprioception exercise program.
Other Ball Exercises
Throwing, catching and dribbling a ball all improve proprioception in your shoulder. If you don't already play sports, you can play catch with a partner and throw a tennis ball overhand against a wall and catch it. If you have access to a trampoline, set it up at an angle, throw a ball against it and catch it on the rebound. Make this exercise more difficult by increasing the weight of the ball.
References
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Conservative Management of a Type III Acromioclavicular Separation: A Case Report and 10-Year Follow-Up
- Journal of Athletic Training: Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Training
- Journal of Athletic Training: Strength Training and Shoulder Proprioception
- The Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy: Assessment of Proprioceptive Exercises in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Disorders in Nursing Professionals: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
- Proprioception: The Forgotten Sixth Sense; Irem Duzgun and Elif Turgut
Writer Bio
Aubrey Bailey has been writing online health-related articles since 2009. Her articles have also appeared in ADVANCE for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy and Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University at Buffalo, as well as a post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy from Utica College. Dr. Bailey is also a Certified Hand Therapist.