Proper recovery after shoulder surgery is essential. We will help you find the best workout equipment after shoulder surgery.
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If you recently have had shoulder surgery, you will require the aid and need of some of the best workout equipment. This workout equipment is essential for the rehabilitation process of the shoulder after surgery.
After surgery, especially in the case of a shoulder, you will experience a lot of stiffness along with a lack of strength and movement. To help you improve your condition quickly and effectively, we have selected the best workout equipment from a long list of such equipment.
We tried almost 24 pieces of equipment and spent 3 to 4 days selecting the best ones for you that will help in improving shoulder movement.
How To Select The Best Workout Equipment After Shoulder Surgery?
Resistance
The best workout equipment after shoulder surgery is the equipment that offers you some sort of resistance. Working out against resistance will help rebuild the tendons and muscles in your shoulders
You can work with resistance from weights from stretchable shoulder bands, or you can work with gravitational resistance from shoulder pulleys. Watch how to properly use a shoulder pulley in the video below
You can even gradually increase the resistance as you feel the strength and movement coming back in your shoulder. Any injury on the shoulder can take some time to heal as it is an important joint in our body.
Performance
It is important that your shoulder equipment works and improves the blood flow and movement of the joints. To provide better performance than other equipment, some equipment introduces additional features such as a new grip, and comfortable sponge handles to enhance your working out experience.
Durability
It is also essential that the products you use for your rehab or workout are strong and durable. Working out with the help of special tools is a high-intensity task. Due to this, there is a lot of strain and pressure involved in these workout gear.
People prefer to invest once in such articles and then use them over a longer period. To achieve your workout, gear must be made from the best quality materials.
Portability
Highly portable workout gear is popular among people. This is because most people nowadays have a very busy life schedule where it is difficult for them to take out a large portion of time at once.
If the workout gear is portable and compact, people can carry them at their workplace and work out whenever they get a few minutes of free time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When can I start lifting weights again after shoulder surgery?
Ans: You should not start lifting weights immediately or even after some time of shoulder surgery. Ideally, you should wait for your shoulder to heal completely and then start lifting weights. The time frame that you should generally wait for lies between 4-6 months. Meanwhile, to increase or maintain the strength and movement in your shoulders, you can practice some light rehabilitation exercises.
Q2: How to recover after shoulder surgery?
Ans: The best way to recover completely after shoulder surgery is by taking ample rest and working out. You don’t have to participate in intense workouts; you can also do some light training and rehabilitation exercises to make your arms and shoulders regain their movement.
The 7 Best Workout Equipment After Shoulder Surgery
#1 Whatafit Shoulder Resistance Bands
Features
- Durability: 8/10
- Resistance: 9/10
- Portability: 7/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Overall scores: 8/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Natural Latex
- Resistance levels: 5 levels
- Dimensions: 7.87 x 6.69 x 4.33 inches
- Load capacity: 150 pounds
- Weight: 2.44 pounds
Bottom Line
You will get an additional travel bag with these shoulder workout bands. You will be able to keep all of your accessories in this bag, making carrying and moving the bag an easier task.
Pros
- You get five different resistance levels in these shoulder bands
- These shoulder bands have a high load capacity of 150 pounds
- You also get additional accessories in the backpack
- Ideal for travelling and storage
- The color levels differentiate the resistance levels.
Cons
- The bands might break if you exceed the weight limit
- You should also be careful while using these bands as they can hit you in the eyes
Details
- Resistance: You get five different intensity levels in these shoulder bands, anybody who is recovering from a shoulder injury can choose the resistance according to their rehabilitation. The five resistance levels are 10 pounds, 20 pounds, 30 pounds, 40 pounds, and 50 pounds. Moreover, these bands are also different in color to judge the best level for you easily.
- Performance: These shoulder straps are among the best equipment for the rehabilitation process after shoulder surgery, as you can gradually increase the resistance on your shoulders. The maximum load capacity of these shoulder straps is 150 pounds. The non-slip handles on these shoulder straps will prevent all types of injuries and accidents while working out.
- Durability: You will find these shoulder workout straps to be highly durable and long-lasting as they are made from high-quality materials. These straps are made from natural latex because these straps are supposed to be stretchable. The more stretchy the straps, the higher resistance they will offer to you.
- Portability: To carry these shoulder straps, you will get a portable handbag. This portable handbag can easily fit all these straps along with additional accessories. You can travel to your workplace or holiday destinations with this backpack.
#2 Rangemaster Shoulder Pulley
Features
- Durability: 7/10
- Resistance: 7/10
- Portability: 8/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Overall scores: 7.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Metal brackets
- Resistance levels: None
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.5 x 7 inches
- Load capacity: 100 pounds
- Weight: 6.74 pounds
Bottom Line
The metal brackets on this shoulder pulley are also covered with soft sponges so that these brackets don’t leave any scratches on the doors and windows. Watch Rangemaster pulleys in action below
Pros
- This shoulder pulley is easy to install and hang on doors
- It also has wooden handles for a safer grip
- This pulley has a compact design safe for easy traveling
- Smooth rope on this shoulder pulley will last very long
- Adjustable ropes and handles
Cons
- Does not include any instructions manual
- Does not have different resistance levels
Details
- Resistance: This shoulder pulley is an excellent tool for recovering from a shoulder injury or surgery as it uses gravitational force. The gravitational force will gradually increase the blood flow along with the range of motion in your shoulders. This shoulder pulley doesn’t have a fixed resistance level, so the resistance offered to you will depend on the gravity and the distance you can stretch the rope.
- Performance: This shoulder pulley is great for people suffering from shoulder issues. Our shoulders are self-lubricating joints. But when there isn’t enough movement in these joints, they can tend to be very stiff. With this shoulder pulley, you will start feeling more strength and movement in your shoulders even after the first use.
- Durability: The long smooth rope attached to this pulley is very stretchable, and it also offers you resistance while working out. The wooden handles on the ropes are excellent for maintaining a tight grip. The handles on this rope are also sweat absorbing, due to which you will not lose your grip while working out.
- Portability: You also get great adjustability in this shoulder pulley. The wooden handles can be glided over the ropes so that people with different heights can use this pulley. It also has a compact design, where you can fold the rope and carry the whole system in a small bag.
You might like to read: Best Wedge Pillow For Shoulder Surgery
#3 Lifeline Multi-Use Shoulder Pulley
Features
- Durability: 8/10
- Resistance: 8/10
- Portability: 6/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Overall scores: 8/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Nylon and rubber
- Resistance levels: Free-flowing
- Dimensions:2.5 x 7.5 x 8.25 inches
- Load capacity: Not fixed
- Weight: 12 pounds
Bottom Line
Using this shoulder pulley regularly will increase the flexibility in your body and better movement. If you suffer from any kind of bone or muscle tissue in the shoulder, then using this pulley is ideal for you.
Pros
- This shoulder pulley has a fast rope adjusting system
- You will also get a foam cushion grip for your comfort
- This shoulder pulley is ideal for rehabilitation purposes
- It increases blood flow and movement
- The ropes on this pulley are very stretchable.
Cons
- Keep the rope away from sharp objects as they might compromise the integrity of the rope.
- Some people with a shorter height might have some difficulty while installing the pulley.
Details
- Resistance: This pulley offers you resistance through its stretchable ropes and pulley mechanism. The more you stretch the rope away from the pulley, the more gravitational force will act on your body. This pulley system is designed to keep the safety of the user in mind. Due to which you also get a rotator cuff for your comfort on the ropes.
- Performance: The patented all-ball grip on the handles of this pulley will prevent you from any injuries or accidents. Stretching and improving the circulation in upper body muscles is a vital part of the rehabilitation process.
- Durability: The rope on this pulley also has the feature of moving the rope at a faster speed. This will allow you to adjust the rope quickly and get on with your work. The foam cushion assistive grip for the comfort and safety of the user is also a major plus point for people that are scared to work out on a pulley system.
- Portability: Portability and compactness are among the necessary features for making a product appeal to people. This feature allows the people to carry and travel with the equipment everywhere and still work on their rehabilitation.
#4 iRibit Fitness Figure 8 Toner Resistance Bands
Features
- Durability: 9/10
- Resistance: 9/10
- Portability:8/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Overall scores: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Natural Latex
- Resistance levels: 8 to 20 pounds resistance, three levels
- Dimensions: NA
- Load capacity: Stretchable
- Weight: 0.44 pounds
Bottom Line
These figure 8 resistance bands are a perfect toolset for a home gym, stretching, yoga, muscle toning, Pilates, weight lifting, and physical therapy. Hence you don’t need to throw them after your recovery.
Pros
- You get an anti-slip soft foam handle in these resistance bands.
- These bands are highly durable as they are made from premium quality latex and rubber.
- Safe design that prevents these resistance bands from snapping.
- You also get a portable bag with these resistance bands so that you can carry these straps easily.
Cons
- Some people might find these straps to be too soft for an advanced-level upper body workout.
Details
- Resistance: These bands are 8-shaped and are available in three different colors, where these different colors represent different resistance levels. You get three different resistance in this band set; these three resistances are 8-10 pounds, 13-15 pounds, and 18-20 pounds. Working out regularly with these resistance straps will improve the stability and movement in your shoulders if you have just had surgery.
- Performance: To enhance the performance of these resistance bands, the company has given an anti-slip grip. This grip is very important as it will prevent the bands from slipping from your hands. Safety while working out is an important aspect of any resistance gear. So to make these straps extremely safe, they have a reinforced design that prevents them from snapping.
- Durability: You will find over time that these resistance straps are made from premium quality latex and rubber. Due to its tough and rough nature, it is wise to go for highly durable gear.
- Portability: Additionally, you also get a portable bag with these resistance bands. The whole set of resistance bands will fit inside the bag, making it ideal for you to carry these straps anywhere you want. People working full-time jobs will find this feature very helpful.
You might like to read: Best Shirts For Shoulder Surgery
#5 Fitryo Total Bar Exercise Bar
Features
- Durability: 9/10
- Resistance: 9/10
- Portability: 7/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Overall scores: 8/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Polyurethane rubber
- Resistance levels: 34 pounds resistance
- Dimensions: 60 x 2 x 2 inches
- Load capacity: Not specified
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Bottom Line
One of the unique features of this exercise bar is that it is also useful for treating rotator cuff injuries. This exercise bar is ideal for increasing muscle growth, weight loss, and injury rehabilitation. Here is Fitryo’s official video explaining their product:
Pros
- This exercise bar is perfect for treating injuries and other issues related to your muscles.
- You will also find this exercise bar suitable for smooth operation.
- There are additional features added to this exercise bar to increase your comfort.
- You can use this exercise bar as a body blade.
- Lightweight and portable design.
Cons
- You will not get any set of instructions with this exercise bar
- Some people may not find this exercise bar to be very practical
Details
- Resistance: You can get resistance upto 34 pounds with this exercise bar. Making 270 reps per minute is ideal for the treatment of rotator cuff or shoulder injuries.
- Performance: You also get the feature to adjust the resistance offered to you with this exercise bar. You can start from 1 pound resistance and go upto 34 pounds of resistance.
- Durability: This exercise bar is made from high-quality rubber. This rubber coating on the metal protects from further injuries and protects from any accidents while working out.
- Portability: This exercise bar is very portable because it is very lightweight and easy to carry. The entire weight of this exercise bar is just 2 pounds. More than this, you also get a carry bag that will easily fit this 5 feet long exercise bar.
#6 Mars Wellness Exercise Pulley
Features
- Durability: 8/10
- Resistance: 9/10
- Portability: 8/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Overall scores: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Nylon
- Resistance levels: Depends upon your strength
- Dimensions: 8.35 x 5.47 x 1.57 inches
- Load capacity: Not specified
- Weight: 4.73 pounds
Bottom Line
A major advantage of using this exercise rope for your shoulder rehabilitation is that it is very easy to install and use. You can attach this exercise pulley to almost every type of door without any hassle.
Pros
- You will find this exercise pulley to be an affordable option for rehab.
- The sturdy rope on this pulley is ideal for intense workouts and rehabilitation.
- It is also pretty easy to assemble and install
- Suitable for most of the issues related to muscles and movement.
- Adjustable straps on this pulley so that it is efficient for people with different heights.
Cons
- The pulley system will not stay on the door if you open the door while this exercise pulley is on the door.
- You might face some difficulties if your doors are too high.
Details
- Resistance: This exercise pulley is a good product for allowing people to gradually work on their arms and shoulder and recover from all sorts of injuries or surgeries. You can also use this pulley to increase the strength in your arms and shoulders with time.
- Performance: You get adjustable length handles in these ropes of the pulley system. You can adjust the length of the rope according to your height and then start working out comfortably.
- Durability: This exercise pulley has a sturdy rope. This sturdy rope is responsible for maintaining your safety while working out. Along with the rope, the metal pulley casing on this system is also very strong and durable.
- Portability: The smooth pulley wheel in this exercise pulley system is detachable. You can detach all these elements and then carry the system to wherever you go without any hassle.
#7 Knee Glide Shoulder Therapy Tool
Features
- Durability: 8/10
- Resistance: 8/10
- Portability: 8/10
- Performance: 8/10
- Overall scores: 8/10
Technical Specifications
- Material: Plastic on metal
- Resistance levels: No adjustable resistance
- Dimensions: 32″ L x 5″ W x 5 ½” H
- Load capacity: 200 pounds
- Weight: 2.89 pounds
Bottom Line
This knee and shoulder glider is a multipurpose exercise tool. You can use this tool for your knees as well as your shoulders. You can view this tool in action here:
Pros
- Multipurpose design allows you to exercise knees as well as shoulders
- You can increase the strength and motion in your joints with this exercise tool
- Regular working out and rehab will also improve your health
- Comfortable to use
- Portable and compact enough to travel with
Cons
- Do not exceed the load capacity on the equipment. It might start malfunctioning.
Details
- Resistance: There is no adjustable resistance feature in this exercise tool. You will have to work with constant resistance. Working with constant resistance is also good a lot of the time as your body gets used to working with a certain type of resistance.
- Performance: Due to the unique design of this equipment tool, it slides smoothly and securely over your body. You can slide this tool over your shoulders, back, as well as your knees. You can perform abduction and flexion exercises on this exercise tool. Performing these exercises regularly will improve your strength as well as your range of motion.
- Durability: You will also find this exercise tool very durable and tough as it has a metal frame over which you have a plastic layer. This plastic layering is done with the best type of plastics available in the market.
- Portability: This exercise tool is very lightweight as it just weighs less than 3 pounds. Due to its less weight and compactness, you can easily fit this workout tool in a bag and carry it around.
My Top 3 Choices
Recovery after a shoulder surgery might take months and the process may be daunting. But if you use the right equipment, your recovery can be safer and faster.
All the above seven equipment are highly suitable for shoulder surgery recovery. But if we have to shorten our list our top three products will be:
The best option is the Whatafit Shoulder Resistance Bands. This is because you get five different intensity levels in these shoulder bands. The maximum load capacity of these shoulder straps is 150 pounds.
The Rangemaster Shoulder Pulley is another great choice. The long smooth rope attached to this pulley is very stretchable, and it also offers you resistance while working out. You also get great adjustability in this shoulder pulley. The wooden handles can be glided over the ropes so that people with different heights can use this pulley.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the Mars Wellness Exercise Pulley, which offers resistance, performance, durability and ease of use at a very reasonable price point.
