Table Slides into Abduction: Gentle Shoulder Mobility for Lateral Range

Regaining shoulder mobility—especially into abduction (moving the arm out to the side)—can be challenging after an injury or surgery. Table Slides into Abduction offer a controlled, low-impact way to improve this range of motion safely and effectively.

How to Do Table Slides into Abduction

Step 1:
Sit facing a table with your affected arm resting on a towel or cloth to allow for smooth sliding.

Step 2:
If available, adjust the table to a 30° incline to make the movement more fluid and supported.

Step 3:
Turn your body slightly so that your arm can move out to the side, rather than straight forward.

Step 4:
Gently slide your arm outward, away from your body, while leaning your torso in the opposite direction to increase the stretch.

Step 5:
Keep the motion slow and controlled, moving only within a pain-free range.

Step 6:
Once you reach your comfortable limit, return to the starting position slowly.

This exercise is great for shoulder recovery and mobility training. It encourages safe movement into abduction while minimizing strain.