WALL ABC

The wall abc exercise is used to improve active range of motion of the shoulder joint. Start by facing a wall and stand less than shoulder distance apart. Begin to move your hand so that you draw the alphabet in the air but be sure not to touch the wall as you do so. Attempt to draw the largest letters possible while isolating the movement to the shoulder only. To increase the exercise difficulty step closer to the wall.

Structures involved:

• rotator cuff

  • infraspinatus

  • supraspinatus

  • teres minor

  • subscapularis

• anterior deltoids

• glenohumeral joint capsule

Related conditions

• rotator cuff tear

• frozen shoulder

• grade 1 AC joint sprain

• deltoid strain

Exercise videos