Exercises – Why are they so important?
The patient should actively participate in the therapy and also perform exercises at home, which have been worked out beforehand with the treating therapist. Conservative treatment of shoulder arthrosis can only be successful if it is carried out consistently over a long period of time. This includes regular participation in the therapy, but it is also particularly important that the patient takes the initiative to perform the appropriate exercises at home.
A good exercise that can be considered for this is the so-called apple picking. One sits on a stool or stands upright and reaches with one hand far outwards behind the head as if one wanted to pick an apple from the tree behind him. The hand is clenched into a fist and loosely stretched out on a diagonal line in front of the body, as if you wanted to drop the apple into a bucket on the other side next to you.
The movement is repeated. Fingers are spread and the arm is stretched far up to the side. If lifting the arm above the head is very difficult, the exercise can also be performed at shoulder height. This is a mobilization exercise. It should be performed 15-20 times per side in 3-4 sets.
Swimming
Swimming is a sport that many arthritis patients enjoy. By reducing the weight, the movement of the shoulder joint can be made easier. In addition to simple lane swimming, water gymnastics groups are also suitable for training the mobility and strength in the shoulder area in water.
If pain occurs during swimming, it is advisable to have the swimming technique corrected by a trainer. Ambitious recreational and competitive swimmers often put a lot of strain on their shoulders during swimming due to intensive training. Overloading and incorrect technique or lack of regeneration can make swimming disadvantageous for the shoulder joint. As a rule, however, swimming movements to a reasonable extent are a pleasant exercise therapy for patients with shoulder arthrosis.
