People have been sitting around either in front of various screens (either TV or computers), and as a result are complaining of shoulder pain due to stooped forward posture. Here is a great exercise to help with that, and the equipment needed is just a pool noodle! You can find them for $1-2 this time of year.
Many people with Parkinson’s disease struggle with frozen shoulder and impingement from the forward stooped posture and tight chest. This chest tightness prevents the shoulder from rotating correctly, resulting in terrible pain, dysfunction, and can keep you from participating in your regular exercises. Using a pool noodle cut in half, you can improve and prevent Parkinson’s shoulder impingement with this seated or standing exercise.
Watch the video below to treat Parkinson’s shoulder impingement using a pool noodle:
- Sit tall in your chair, straight back, feet flat on the ground, chin level, and looking straight ahead.
- Hold the noodles in the middle with palms down, forearms parallel to the ground with your elbows at shoulder height, and a 90-degree bend in your elbows.
- Turn up into goal post position, elbows still shoulder height, 90 degrees at elbow, now the palms will be facing forward.
- Insert photo 2 here
- Extend one elbow straight towards the ceiling and return to goal post, then do the same with the other arm. elbows still shoulder height, 90 degrees at elbow, now the palms will be facing forward.
- Return to starting position and repeat.
- Do 10 complete cycles each day to stay limber and avoid impingement.
This great seated exercise:
- Facilitates sequencing, coordination and dexterity.
- Improves external rotation of the shoulder to help avoid anterior impingement.
- Strengthens posterior shoulder and facilitate shoulder blade mobility.
- Engages core as you sit straight and tall.
Try this exercise for a great start to your day!