Method and apparatus for rehabilitating the shoulder

A method for rehabilitating or strengthening a portion of a patient's body, using a device comprising a first member for supporting an arm of the patient, a second member for engaging the torso of the patient, and a third member for joining the first and second members, the method comprising the steps of:

• engaging the second member with the torso of the patient, without attaching the second member to the torso, so that the first member is disposed in a position remote from the torso;
• supporting the arm with said first member;
• and
• moving the arm in accordance with a desired exercise routine.

A method for rehabilitating or strengthening an extremity of a patient, using a device comprising a first member for supporting the extremity of the patient, a second member for engaging the torso of the patient, and a third member comprising a shaft which is adjustable in length for joining the first and second members, the method comprising the steps of:

• engaging the second member with the torso of the patient, so that the first member is disposed in a position remote from the torso;
• adjusting the length of said shaft;
• supporting the extremity with said first member, without attaching said first member to the extremity;
• and
• moving the extremity in accordance with a desired exercise routine.

A method for rehabilitating or strengthening an extremity of a patient, using a device comprising a first member for supporting the extremity of the patient, a second member having an arcuate configuration, with a concave side for engaging the torso of the patient, and a third member for joining the first and second members, the method comprising the steps of:

• engaging the concave side of the second member with the torso of the patient, without attaching the second member to the torso, so that the first member is disposed in a position remote from the torso;
• supporting the extremity with said first member;
• and
• moving the extremity in accordance with a desired exercise routine.

A device for rehabilitating or strengthening an arm of a patient, comprising:

• a first member for supporting the extremity of the patient, said first member being generally “C” shaped, having a concave side, wherein the concave side is adapted to accommodate an arm of the patient;
• a second rigid member for engaging the torso of the patient, said second member being engageable with but not attachable to the torso;
• and
• a third rigid member having first and second opposing ends for connecting said first and second members, said first member being disposed at said first opposing end and said second member being disposed at said second opposing end.

A device for rehabilitating or strengthening an extremity of a patient, comprising:

• a first member for supporting the extremity of the patient, said first member being engageable with but not attachable to the extremity;
• a second rigid member for engaging the torso of the patient, said second member being engageable with but not attachable to the torso;
• and
• a third rigid member having first and second opposing ends for connecting said first and second members, said first member being disposed at said first opposing end and said second member being disposed at said second opposing end, wherein the third rigid member is pivotally joined to at least one of said first and second members.