9.9 Skills Checklist: Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises for the Shoulder
Note: Includes Shoulder Flexion/Extension and Abduction/Adduction Movements
1. Gather Supplies: None
2. Routine Pre-Procedure Steps:
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- Knock on the client’s door.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Introduce yourself and identify the resident.
- Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional communication at all times.
- Provide for privacy.
- Explain the procedure to the client.
3. Procedure Steps:
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- Raise the bed height if needed.
- Position the resident in supine position (with the bed flat).
- Place one of your hands under the resident’s elbow with your palm facing up.
- Place your other hand under the resident’s wrist with your palm facing up.
- Watch the resident for objective signs of pain during movement.
- Move their arm gently and stop if there is any resistance.
- While keeping the resident’s arm straight, raise their arm up and over their head (i.e., flexion).
- Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
- Stop the ROM exercise if the resident reports pain or displays objective signs of pain.
- Bring the resident’s arm back down to their side (i.e., extension).
- Complete flexion and extension movements of the shoulder according to the order in the restorative care plan.
- Continue to support the elbow and wrist of the resident.
- Keeping the resident’s arm straight, move their entire arm out away from the body (i.e., abduction).
- Move their arm gently and stop if there is any resistance.
- Ask the resident if they are experiencing any pain during movement.
- Return the resident’s arm to their side (adduction).
- Complete abduction and adduction movements of the shoulder according to the order in the restorative care plan.
4. Post-Procedure Steps:
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- Perform hand hygiene.
- Check on resident comfort and ask if anything else is needed.
- Ensure the bed is low and locked. Check the brakes.
- Place the call light or signaling device within reach of the resident.
- Open the door and privacy curtain.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Document and report ROM performed and any skin issues, pain with movement, or other changes noted with the resident.
View a YouTube video[1] of an instructor demonstration of range of motion exercises for the shoulder:
- Chippewa Valley Technical College. (2022, December 3). Range of Motion Exercises for the Shoulder. [Video]. YouTube. Video licensed under CC BY 4.0. https://youtu.be/9MNw0bO5g0I/ ↵