--- title: "Deltoid Strengthening Protocol | Dr. Avi Chezar" description: "Deltoid strengthening protocol to improve active shoulder function: 4 progressive stages from lying down to standing, with sets, weights and precautions." canonical: https://www.catef4u.com/en/physiotherapy/deltoid-strengthening translation-of: https://www.catef4u.com/physiotherapy/deltoid-strengthening last-updated: 2026-11-03 language: en source: catef4u.com --- # Deltoid Strengthening Exercise Protocol > Deltoid strengthening protocol to improve active shoulder function: 4 progressive stages from lying down to standing, with sets, weights and precautions. Gradual strengthening of the deltoid muscle and improvement of active shoulder function – 4 stages of progression 10 repetitions per set2–3 sets per exercise½ kg weight Translated (into Hebrew) from the Reading Shoulder Unit website – Prof. Levy and Prof. Copeland · [Download PDF (Hebrew)](https://www.catef4u.com/img/deltoid-strengthening-protocol.pdf) ## Purpose of the protocol To work gradually with exercises that **strengthen the deltoid muscle** and improve **active shoulder function** – with controlled progression between levels of effort. ## How to progress - The exercises are done in sets of **10 repetitions** – **2 sets** at first, and later **3 sets**. - At every stage, start **without a weight**. As strength and movement improve, do the same exercises with a **½ kg weight**. - When you can do the exercise easily with the weight, **you can move on to the next stage** – again starting without a weight and progressing to working with a weight. ## The stages of rehabilitation ### Stage 1: Exercises lying down – passive and active *Lying on your back with the head supported* #### Goal of this stage - Starting active use of the deltoid muscle and improving range of motion #### How to do it – 3 sub-stages - **a. Passive:** take the affected arm and, with the help of the **healthy arm**, lift it to 90°. Let go of the arm and try to **hold it in this position using the strength of the affected arm**. - **b. Active-assisted:** move the arm up and down using the strength of the affected arm, **with light help from the healthy arm**. Do this continuously for about 5 minutes. - **c. Fully active:** as function improves, move the arm up and down **without any help from the healthy arm**. Do this continuously for about 5 minutes. #### Precautions - Keep the movements controlled and slow - Stop if there is acute pain ### Stage 2: Active movements with a weight, lying down *Lying on your back with the head supported* #### Goal of this stage - Strengthening the deltoid muscle against light resistance (½ kg) #### How to do it - Lying down with the head supported, **raise and lower the arm holding a weight of up to ½ kg**. - Dose: **3 sets of 10 repetitions**. #### Precautions - **Do not move on to the next stage** until you can do this exercise correctly and easily with ½ kg - Slow, controlled movement – avoid swinging ### Stage 3: Half-sitting – raising the arm to the side *Half-sitting (for example on the edge of the bed)* #### Goal of this stage - Improving strength against gravity in a semi-upright position #### How to do it – 3 sub-stages - **a. Assisted:** raise the arm to the side with the help of the other arm, **try to hold the position**, and then lower it slowly without help. - **b. Unassisted:** raise and lower the arm to the side without any help – **10 repetitions per set**. - **c. With a weight:** when you can do sets of 10 repetitions easily, you can progress to a **weight of up to ½ kg**. #### Precautions - Keep a good posture and a slow, controlled movement ### Stage 4: Standing *Standing – preferably with your back against a wall and knees bent* #### Goal of this stage - Returning to full function against gravity while standing #### How to do it – 3 sub-stages - **a. Assisted:** raise the arm **with the help of the healthy arm**. - **b. Unassisted:** raise the arm fully **without any help**. - **c. With a weight:** lift a **light weight of up to ½ kg** – **10 repetitions, 2–3 sets** each time. #### Precautions - It is recommended to lean your back against the wall with your knees bent, for support and stability ### Extra exercise: pushing upwards (isometric) *Can be added at any stage – static strengthening* #### Goal of the exercise - Static (isometric) strengthening of the deltoid muscle without moving the joint #### How to do it - Make a **fist with the affected hand**. - Place the **healthy hand on top of the fist**. - Push the affected hand **upwards** against the resistance of the healthy hand – the joint does not move. #### Precautions - Do not hold your breath during the effort – breathe normally ## Official document The official protocol document is in Hebrew: [view the full document (PDF, Hebrew)](https://www.catef4u.com/img/deltoid-strengthening-protocol.pdf). [**Official protocol document** – Page 1 of the full protocol, in Hebrew (PDF). – Open the PDF →](https://www.catef4u.com/img/deltoid-strengthening-protocol.pdf) ## Progression ladder 1. Without a weight – free movement 2. With a ½ kg weight → when the weight feels light, move on to the next stage At every new stage, start without a weight and progress again. ## When should you contact a doctor? - Fever above 38°C - Pain that is not relieved by painkillers - Heavy discharge from the wound ## Further reading from leading medical sources - [Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Conditioning Program — OrthoInfo (AAOS)](https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/rotator-cuff-and-shoulder-conditioning-program/) – A structured exercise program for strengthening and rehabilitating the shoulder and rotator cuff - [Conditioning Program — full exercise guide (PDF · AAOS 2025)](https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/globalassets/pdfs/rotator-cuff-and-shoulder-conditioning-program-2025.pdf) – The illustrated exercise booklet to download and print – PDF file --- Canonical HTML: https://www.catef4u.com/en/physiotherapy/deltoid-strengthening Hebrew original: https://www.catef4u.com/physiotherapy/deltoid-strengthening Site index for agents: https://www.catef4u.com/llms.txt _This Markdown is the text-only variant of the page above, served for `Accept: text/markdown`. It is an English translation of Dr. Avi Chezar's Hebrew page. Medical information here is general and does not replace a personal consultation._