Management

Shoulder Abduction (Flexibility)

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  1. Stand up straight or lie on your back on the floor with your legs straight. Hold a broomstick horizontally. Cup the top of the broomstick with your right hand. Hold the broomstick just above the broom part with your left hand, palm facing down.

  2. Push the broomstick to the right with your left hand, raising your right arm up. Raise it only as high as feels comfortable.

  3. Hold for a few seconds. Return to the starting position.

  4. Repeat 3 to 5 times, or as instructed. Build up to holding each stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.

  5. Switch sides and repeat if instructed.

Woman doing broom stretch shoulder exercise.


 

Tip: If you don’t have a broom, you can also do this exercise with a cane, mop, or yardstick.

Author: Wheeler, Brooke

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C

Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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