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:

    • 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:

    • 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:

    • 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:

 

 


  1. 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/

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Nursing Assistant Copyright © by Chippewa Valley Technical College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.