Lojer Speed Pulleys: Upper limb exercises

Shoulder rotation execise

This exercise can be very appropriate to build range of motion for example after a shoulder operation. With a static pull from the Pulley you can ”disturb” the normal control of the arm. The patient should focus on the quality of the movement, and not the speed. This exercise can be modified to be really easy, so it can be performed even right after the patient has stopped using the arm sling. The starting resistance from the Pulley can be set to as little as 0,5 kg so it is a soft and easy start to a progressive rehabilitation.

Front elevation with traction 

This a great exercise to get some traction to patient’s shoulder and furthermore, it leaves the therapist’s hands free to control and examine the patients as they are performing the exercise.

Rotator cuff exercise

Depending on the speed of the motion, this exercise can be used for very different goals. You can try doing the exercise so that the consentric work is done fast and then you bring back the arm slowly (eccentric work). With the Lojer Speed Pulley the resistance stays the same throughout the exercise, where as with f.ex. rubber bands the last part of the movement is always the toughest one and it usually makes the range of motion smaller.

This exercise is great also to increase strength properties. Make sure you train different starting positions and angles. For patients working with arms above the shoulders (f.ex. car mechanic, volleyball player) this is a great exercise. You can also try this exercise with explosive movement to train the plyometric properties, just keep in mind that this is usually possible closer to the last part of rehabilitation process.

Cross-country skiing

This is a great basic exercise for the whole body. Keep an eye on the scapula and it´s movement control throughout the exercise. The power for this movement is created from the whole body with a good rhytm. The body should work like a ”whip” as the power is created from the legs, pelvis, through the torso and ending to the arms. By adding more weight to the weight stack, this exercise can get really heavy for the patient. Make sure the patient leans in/forward when pushing downwards with abs and arms.

Pull/rowing from the dead lift position

Again a great basic exercise for the shoulder region and scapula. Great strengthening exercise for the arms, abs and back muscles but also for movement control exercise for the midriff.

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Case Movement Fysios blog posts:

1. Lojer Speed Pulleys - How Movement Fysios is using them?
2. Lojer Speed Pulleys: Lower limb exercises
3. Lojer Speed Pulleys: Upper limb exercises
4. Lojer Speed Pulleys: Special exercise tips