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Supine Elbow Flexion Extension

BeginnerMobilityTier T0
Supine Elbow Flexion Extension

Bend and straighten your elbow while lying down. Gravity is eliminated, making this ideal for early rehabilitation.

Targets: Elbow

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home

Home Options

  • bed or couch

No equipment? Try: Bed

Dosage

2

Sets

12

Reps / Time

30 sec

Rest

2 down / 2 up

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Lie on your back on a mat or bed
  • Point upper arm straight up toward ceiling
  • Keep elbow pointed up throughout
  1. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 1 of 5

    Slowly bend your elbow

  2. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 2 of 5

    Lower your hand toward your forehead

  3. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 3 of 5

    Pause briefly

  4. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 4 of 5

    Straighten your elbow

  5. No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.

    Step 5 of 5

    Reach toward the ceiling

Breathing

  • Exhale as you bend
  • Inhale as you straighten

Form Cues

  • Keep upper arm still
  • Move only at the elbow
  • Control the movement
  • Breathe normally

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Upper arm moving
  • Dropping the arm
  • Moving too fast
  • Not going through full range

Safety Information

Very safe exercise for early rehab. No resistance involved.

Progressions

Hold a light weight

Regressions

Use other hand to assist movement