Procaryote
Shoulder · Motor control

Overhead Shoulder Elevation with Destabilization

Overhead shoulder elevation with destabilization, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow control

Illustration of the Overhead Shoulder Elevation with Destabilization exercise

Listen to the instructions

How to do the exercise

Sets: 3

Repetitions: 8

Tempo: Slow and controlled

Description: Standing, slowly lift your arm laterally until it is above your head (at the zenith). During the movement, maintain a slight imbalance by using an unstable support (such as a balance cushion) under the foot on the same side to challenge shoulder motor control.

Tips: Keep your back straight and avoid excessive shoulder shrugging. Focus on a smooth, controlled movement to improve stability.

Progression: Gradually increase the duration of holding the raised position or add a light weight to the hand once control is mastered.

At a glance

Goal
Motor control
Level
Intermediate
Equipment
unstable support (balance cushion or similar)
Starting position
Standing, feet on an unstable support
Clinical goal
Improve motor control and shoulder stability
Also known as
unstable lateral raise, shoulder elevation with balance, unstable overhead lift

Precautions

Avoid this exercise, or check with your physiotherapist first, if you have:

Are you a physiotherapist?

Add this exercise to a personalised program in Physia: the AI builds the program in 30 seconds from the condition, then you send it to your patient by link, QR code or email.

Create a program for free Discover the software

Patient? Ask your physio to send your program to the free Physia Move app. Open Physia Move

Similar exercises — Shoulder

Plank with Blazepod for Shoulder StabilityPlank with Blazepod for shoulder stability, 3 sets, 30 seconds, alternating hands to touch Blazepods Proprioception with Overhead Shoulder MovementOverhead shoulder proprioception, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Proprioception: Shoulder Arm MovementProprioception shoulder arm movement, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled execution Reflex and Left/Right Dissociation Training with BlazepodReflex and left/right dissociation training with Blazepod, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side Scapular Push-UpsScapular push-up, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Semi-Open Chain Shoulder ProprioceptionSemi-open chain shoulder proprioception, 3 sets, 10 repetitions Shoulder Abduction with Motor ControlShoulder abduction with motor control, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Shoulder External Rotation Stabilization at 90° AbductionExternal rotation shoulder stabilization at 90° abduction, 3 sets, hold for 10 seconds, light resistance

See all shoulder exercises →

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor before starting, especially if you have pain, a recent injury or have had surgery.