Upper Extremity Exercise: Shoulder Flexion

These instructions are for patients recommended to practice shoulder flexion, which is a forward and upward arm motion.

Patient instructions:

1. Hold your affected arm by clasping your hands together or by cradling the arm.

2. Reach forward with your arms.

3. Lift your arms as high as possible.

Reviewed November 2025 by Jennifer Strebel, OTR/L , BCP