The Best Over the Door Shoulder Pulley for Shoulder Rehab

Shoulder injuries are a very common type of injury worldwide. According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, last year saw approximately 1.4 million shoulder surgeries alone.

The shoulder is a major joint in the body and responsible for a very wide range of motion. Due to the high frequency of use, large amount of motion, and forces applied to the shoulder it is often from sports and overuse. One of the best ways to gain range of motion back after an injury is to use an over the door shoulder pulley.

A shoulder pulley allows you to move your injured/surgical arm without causing pain or further damaging it.

Name	Price	Best Feature	Our rating	Best Price
Vive Shoulder Pulley	$	60 Day Guarantee	9.4/10	See Current Price
BodyHealt Overhead Shoulder Pulley	$	Two Installment Options	8.8/10	See Current Price
PrePak Products Home Ranger Shoulder Pulley	$	Latex Comfort-Grip Handles	9.2/10	See Current Price
BlueRanger Shoulder Pulley with Patient Guide	$	Custom Zinc Pulley resists distortion over time	9.4/10	See Current Price
Therapist’s Choice® Shoulder Pulley	$	Smooth Nylon Roller Pulley	9.2/10	See Current Price

What is a Shoulder Pulley?

A shoulder pulley is a device developed for physical therapy to help improve the range of motion of a patient’s shoulder during and after the healing process.

A shoulder pulley commonly consists of:

A length of rope approximately 6 feet in length.
Two handles, one attached at each end of the rope.
And a pulley in the middle of the rope can be hung.

This simple yet effective devices can have a huge effect on improving the healing process post surgery.

See also:

Common Injuries and Surgeries that would Benefit from Using a Shoulder Pulley

There are a number of injuries associated with shoulder pain, many of them are quite common and caused simply by use over time. Using a shoulder pulley can help with the pain, and help with the recovery period.

Tendonitis of the rotator cuff.
Osteoarthritis
Frozen Shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis
Shoulder replacement
Fractures
Rotator cuff tears
Bicep Tendon Injuries

Do you have a new shoulder injury? Have you tried using a shoulder brace? See our best shoulder braces to improve pain!

How to Use a Shoulder Pulley

Using a shoulder pulley during recovery is fairly straightforward. There are several different positions that can be used in order to accelerate recovery and redevelop strength in the full range of motion of the shoulder.

After attaching the pulley to an overhead position you can sit or stand depending on your preference or design of the shoulder pulley.
After grasping the handles with opposite hands, you use the unaffected arm to flex the shoulder that is in recovery.
There are several positions the affected arm can be in, with elbows bent and out in front, behind the back, the arm can be outstretched and out in front or out to the side.
It is important not to stretch the affected should past mild discomfort.
After repeating a movement for several minutes you will likely notice a greater degree of flexion in the shoulder and reduced discomfort.

FAQs About Shoulder Pulleys

Can you use shoulder pulleys after a shoulder replacement?

Absolutely! A shoulder pulley is great way to to improve range of motion after a shoulder replacement. Just be sure to get clearance from your surgeon or physical therapist before beginning range of motion exercises.

Can you use shoulder pulleys for a rotator cuff repair?

Yes you can. You normally can’t use shoulder pulley until at least 4 – 6 weeks after surgery to let it heal but using shoulder pulleys is a great shoulder exercise.

Does a shoulder pulley help with arthritis?

A shoulder pulley can help with shoulder arthritis. A shoulder pulley helps bring blood to the shoulder and stretch out the shoulder joint which can help keep the shoulder healthy.

How often should you use shoulder pulleys?

If you are trying to improve your range of motion, then using the shoulder pulley twice a day.

Use the shoulder pulley as much as you would like to help keep your shoulder loose.

The Best Shoulder Pulley to Improve Motion and Decrease Shoulder Pain

Vive Shoulder Pulley

The Vive over the door pulley system is one of the most common shoulder pulleys. It comes with a 60-day guarantee if you are not satisfied.

Pros: This shoulder is constructed of nylon with a metal pulley with a strap. The design is such that it will not leave a mark or scuff doors or door frames. The length of the rope is long enough to allow exercising while in a sitting position.

Cons: The length of the rope may be too long for those who do not have tall doors in their home.