Shoulder Bursitis (Subacromial) — Complete Exercise Program

Pendulum Swings

Gentle, relaxed swinging that eases the shoulder into motion without the muscles having to work.

What it helps: Coaxes the shoulder through gentle motion with the muscles relaxed — keeping the joint moving and easing stiffness when active movement is still uncomfortable.

1. Lean forward and support your good arm on a table or chair, letting the sore arm hang down relaxed.
2. Let the arm swing gently — small circles, then forward-and-back and side-to-side — using a gentle sway of your body, not the shoulder muscles.
3. Keep it loose and pain-free, like a relaxed pendulum.

Tips:

• The movement comes from rocking your body, not from working the shoulder.
• Keep the swings small and comfortable.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 1–2 min, a few times a day.

Gentle Shoulder Rolls

Eases stiffness around the neck and shoulders.

What it helps: Eases stiffness around the neck and shoulders, keeping the area loose and comfortable.

1. Sit or stand tall.
2. Slowly roll your shoulders up, back, and down in a smooth circle.
3. Repeat, then reverse direction.

Tips:

• Keep the motion slow and relaxed.
• Breathe as you move.

Commonly done as 10 each direction repetitions, several times a day.

Shoulder Blade Squeezes

Strengthens the muscles between the shoulder blades to support upright posture.

What it helps: Strengthens the muscles between the shoulder blades that hold you upright and support good posture.

1. Sit or stand tall with arms relaxed.
2. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together and slightly down.
3. Hold briefly, then release.

Tips:

• Do not shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
• Keep it gentle and controlled.

Commonly done as hold 3–5s sets of 10–15, a few times a day.

Posture Training

Trains a neutral spine for sitting, standing, and lifting safely.

What it helps: Trains a neutral, balanced spine for sitting, standing, and lifting — good posture takes strain off the back all day long.

1. Sit or stand tall, stacking ears over shoulders over hips.
2. Gently draw your shoulder blades down and back.
3. Hold a tall, relaxed neutral position; reset whenever you slouch.

Tips:

• Set reminders to check your posture during the day.
• A small lumbar roll helps when sitting.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Sleeper Stretch

Stretches the back of the shoulder capsule, which is often tight and limits motion.

What it helps: Loosens the back of the shoulder capsule, which commonly tightens and restricts reaching — restoring smooth motion and easing the pinch at the front of the shoulder.

1. Lie on your side on the affected shoulder, arm out in front, elbow bent 90° so the forearm points up.
2. With your other hand, gently press the forearm down toward the bed, feeling a stretch in the back of the shoulder.
3. Hold the gentle stretch; don't force it.

Tips:

• Roll slightly back off the shoulder so you're not crushing it.
• A gentle, steady stretch — never sharp.

Commonly done as 3 sets of Hold 20–30 sec, daily.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Shoulder Blade Squeezes

Strengthens the muscles between the shoulder blades to support upright posture.

What it helps: Strengthens the muscles between the shoulder blades that hold you upright and support good posture.

1. Sit or stand tall with arms relaxed.
2. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together and slightly down.
3. Hold briefly, then release.

Tips:

• Do not shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
• Keep it gentle and controlled.

Commonly done as hold 3–5s sets of 10–15, a few times a day.

Shoulder Isometrics

Gentle no-movement holds that switch on the shoulder muscles without straining the joint.

What it helps: Activates and strengthens the shoulder muscles with gentle static holds — a comfortable way to build strength early, before the joint is ready for moving resistance.

1. Stand near a wall or door frame. For external rotation: elbow bent and tucked, press the back of your hand/forearm gently into the wall and hold — no movement.
2. For abduction: press the outside of your arm into the wall. For flexion: press the front of your fist into the wall.
3. Use light, comfortable pressure, hold steadily, then relax.

Tips:

• No movement happens — you're gently pressing against something solid.
• Start at about a quarter effort; never push into pain.

Commonly done as 2 sets of Hold 5–10 sec ×5, most days.

Scapular Y-T-W

Strengthens the muscles between and around the shoulder blades.

What it helps: Builds the mid-back and shoulder-blade muscles that anchor and position the shoulder — the foundation that lets it move and lift without pinching.

1. Lie face-down (or bend forward at a table) with arms hanging.
2. Y: raise both arms overhead into a Y, thumbs up, squeezing the shoulder blades. Lower.
3. T: raise arms straight out to the sides into a T. W: bend elbows and pull them down and back into a W, squeezing the blades. Move through each with control.

Tips:

• Lead with squeezing the shoulder blades, not shrugging.
• Light or no weight; quality over quantity.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 8–10 each, a few times a week.

Doorway Pec Stretch

Opens the chest muscles that pull the shoulders forward.

What it helps: Opens tight chest muscles that round the shoulders forward — helping the shoulders sit back and the shoulder blades move freely.

1. Stand in a doorway with your forearms on the frame, elbows about shoulder height.
2. Step one foot through and lean gently forward until you feel a comfortable stretch across the front of your chest and shoulders.
3. Hold, breathing easily; don't push into pain.

Tips:

• Adjust elbow height to target different parts of the chest.
• A gentle lean — an open stretch, not a strain.

Commonly done as 3 sets of Hold 20–30 sec, daily.

Wall Walks (Finger Walks)

Walking the fingers up a wall to gradually regain overhead reach.

What it helps: Gradually rebuilds overhead reach with the wall sharing the arm's weight — a gentle way to recover motion when lifting the arm freely is still hard.

1. Stand facing a wall, fingertips on it at about waist height.
2. Slowly "walk" your fingers up the wall, letting the shoulder lift the arm as high as is comfortable.
3. Walk back down with control. Turn side-on to the wall to work the outward direction too.

Tips:

• Let the wall support the arm's weight — that's the point.
• Go only as high as comfortable; a little higher each week.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 5–10, daily.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Resistance Band External Rotation

Strengthens the rotator cuff muscles that turn the arm outward and steady the shoulder.

What it helps: Builds the rotator cuff muscles that turn the arm out and hold the ball centered in the socket — the deep stabilizers that keep the shoulder moving smoothly.

1. Anchor a band at waist height. Stand side-on and hold it in the hand farthest from the anchor, elbow bent 90° and tucked into your side.
2. Keeping the elbow pinned to your side, rotate your forearm outward, away from your body.
3. Slowly return. A small rolled towel between elbow and side helps keep good form.

Tips:

• Keep the elbow glued to your side — only the forearm moves.
• Light resistance, controlled motion.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10–15, most days.

Scaption Raises

Light raises in the shoulder's natural plane that build the cuff and deltoid safely.

What it helps: Strengthens the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles through a raise in the joint's most comfortable plane — building overhead strength while keeping the shoulder clear of pinching.

1. Stand with arms at your sides, thumbs pointing up.
2. Raise both arms out and slightly forward — about 30° from straight ahead (the "scapular plane"), like a shallow Y.
3. Lift to shoulder height or to just before any pinch, then lower slowly.

Tips:

• Thumbs up, slight forward angle — the shoulder's safest, roomiest position.
• Start with no weight; add a light weight only when it stays comfortable. Stop below any painful pinch.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 8–12, most days.

Scapular Y-T-W

Strengthens the muscles between and around the shoulder blades.

What it helps: Builds the mid-back and shoulder-blade muscles that anchor and position the shoulder — the foundation that lets it move and lift without pinching.

1. Lie face-down (or bend forward at a table) with arms hanging.
2. Y: raise both arms overhead into a Y, thumbs up, squeezing the shoulder blades. Lower.
3. T: raise arms straight out to the sides into a T. W: bend elbows and pull them down and back into a W, squeezing the blades. Move through each with control.

Tips:

• Lead with squeezing the shoulder blades, not shrugging.
• Light or no weight; quality over quantity.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 8–10 each, a few times a week.

Resistance Band Rows

Strengthens the upper back to support posture and the cervical spine.

What it helps: Strengthens the upper back that supports good posture and takes strain off the neck.

1. Anchor a resistance band at chest height and hold an end in each hand.
2. Pull your elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
3. Return slowly with control.

Tips:

• Keep your neck relaxed and posture tall.
• Lead with the shoulder blades, not the neck.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, 3–4 times a week.

Sleeper Stretch

Stretches the back of the shoulder capsule, which is often tight and limits motion.

What it helps: Loosens the back of the shoulder capsule, which commonly tightens and restricts reaching — restoring smooth motion and easing the pinch at the front of the shoulder.

1. Lie on your side on the affected shoulder, arm out in front, elbow bent 90° so the forearm points up.
2. With your other hand, gently press the forearm down toward the bed, feeling a stretch in the back of the shoulder.
3. Hold the gentle stretch; don't force it.

Tips:

• Roll slightly back off the shoulder so you're not crushing it.
• A gentle, steady stretch — never sharp.

Commonly done as 3 sets of Hold 20–30 sec, daily.

Scaption Raises

Light raises in the shoulder's natural plane that build the cuff and deltoid safely.

What it helps: Strengthens the rotator cuff and shoulder muscles through a raise in the joint's most comfortable plane — building overhead strength while keeping the shoulder clear of pinching.

1. Stand with arms at your sides, thumbs pointing up.
2. Raise both arms out and slightly forward — about 30° from straight ahead (the "scapular plane"), like a shallow Y.
3. Lift to shoulder height or to just before any pinch, then lower slowly.

Tips:

• Thumbs up, slight forward angle — the shoulder's safest, roomiest position.
• Start with no weight; add a light weight only when it stays comfortable. Stop below any painful pinch.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 8–12, most days.

Resistance Band External Rotation

Strengthens the rotator cuff muscles that turn the arm outward and steady the shoulder.

What it helps: Builds the rotator cuff muscles that turn the arm out and hold the ball centered in the socket — the deep stabilizers that keep the shoulder moving smoothly.

1. Anchor a band at waist height. Stand side-on and hold it in the hand farthest from the anchor, elbow bent 90° and tucked into your side.
2. Keeping the elbow pinned to your side, rotate your forearm outward, away from your body.
3. Slowly return. A small rolled towel between elbow and side helps keep good form.

Tips:

• Keep the elbow glued to your side — only the forearm moves.
• Light resistance, controlled motion.

Commonly done as 2–3 sets of 10–15, most days.

Resistance Band Rows

Strengthens the upper back to support posture and the cervical spine.

What it helps: Strengthens the upper back that supports good posture and takes strain off the neck.

1. Anchor a resistance band at chest height and hold an end in each hand.
2. Pull your elbows back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
3. Return slowly with control.

Tips:

• Keep your neck relaxed and posture tall.
• Lead with the shoulder blades, not the neck.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–15, 3–4 times a week.

Scapular Y-T-W

Strengthens the muscles between and around the shoulder blades.

What it helps: Builds the mid-back and shoulder-blade muscles that anchor and position the shoulder — the foundation that lets it move and lift without pinching.

1. Lie face-down (or bend forward at a table) with arms hanging.
2. Y: raise both arms overhead into a Y, thumbs up, squeezing the shoulder blades. Lower.
3. T: raise arms straight out to the sides into a T. W: bend elbows and pull them down and back into a W, squeezing the blades. Move through each with control.

Tips:

• Lead with squeezing the shoulder blades, not shrugging.
• Light or no weight; quality over quantity.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 8–10 each, a few times a week.

Shoulder Strengthening

Builds shoulder and upper-body strength to offload the neck.

What it helps: Builds the shoulder and upper-body strength that supports the neck and powers reaching, lifting, and carrying.

1. Using light weights or a band, perform shoulder raises, presses, and external rotations.
2. Move slowly with good posture.
3. Progress load gradually.

Tips:

• Keep your neck relaxed throughout.
• Stop if it strains the neck.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–12, 2–3 times a week.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.

Shoulder Strengthening

Builds shoulder and upper-body strength to offload the neck.

What it helps: Builds the shoulder and upper-body strength that supports the neck and powers reaching, lifting, and carrying.

1. Using light weights or a band, perform shoulder raises, presses, and external rotations.
2. Move slowly with good posture.
3. Progress load gradually.

Tips:

• Keep your neck relaxed throughout.
• Stop if it strains the neck.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 10–12, 2–3 times a week.

Scapular Y-T-W

Strengthens the muscles between and around the shoulder blades.

What it helps: Builds the mid-back and shoulder-blade muscles that anchor and position the shoulder — the foundation that lets it move and lift without pinching.

1. Lie face-down (or bend forward at a table) with arms hanging.
2. Y: raise both arms overhead into a Y, thumbs up, squeezing the shoulder blades. Lower.
3. T: raise arms straight out to the sides into a T. W: bend elbows and pull them down and back into a W, squeezing the blades. Move through each with control.

Tips:

• Lead with squeezing the shoulder blades, not shrugging.
• Light or no weight; quality over quantity.

Commonly done as 2 sets of 8–10 each, a few times a week.

Posture Training

Trains a neutral spine for sitting, standing, and lifting safely.

What it helps: Trains a neutral, balanced spine for sitting, standing, and lifting — good posture takes strain off the back all day long.

1. Sit or stand tall, stacking ears over shoulders over hips.
2. Gently draw your shoulder blades down and back.
3. Hold a tall, relaxed neutral position; reset whenever you slouch.

Tips:

• Set reminders to check your posture during the day.
• A small lumbar roll helps when sitting.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Walking Program

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tips:

• Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.