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PENDULUM ARM CIRCLES

Strengthen and mobilize shoulder joints through circular arm movements in water.

Focus Upper Body
Pool Depth Partially Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment None

How to Perform

  1. Stand in shoulder-high water with feet shoulder-width apart and spine neutral.
  2. Bend at the waist and hang your arm down toward the pool floor.
  3. Move your arm in a circle, first going clockwise for the prescribed duration.
  4. Then reverse direction and move counter-clockwise.
  5. Turn around to switch arms and repeat the exercise with the other arm.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Keep the arm relaxed and let gravity assist. Move in smooth, controlled circles. Feel the shoulder joint moving through its range.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute shoulder injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range. Modify if experiencing shoulder pain.

Additional Safety Notes: Never force the movement. Stop if you experience pain. Keep movements smooth and continuous.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase circle size. Increase duration. Add resistance by cupping the hand.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Decrease circle size. Reduce duration. Decrease speed.

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorOhio State University Wexner Medical Center
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatic Exercises
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypeBook
Additional InfoOhio State Wexner Medical Center Physical Therapy Education