why patient perform shoulder flexion with abduction instead of isolated shoulder flexion in sidelying

The patient performs shoulder flexion with abduction instead of isolated shoulder flexion in sidelying due to several reasons:

1. Muscle Activation: Combining shoulder flexion with abduction can activate more muscles around the shoulder joint. This includes not only the deltoids and rotator cuff muscles, which are primarily responsible for flexion and abduction, but also the muscles of the upper back and chest. This can lead to a more balanced strengthening of the shoulder girdle.

2. Range of Motion: Performing shoulder flexion with abduction can also increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have limited mobility due to injury or surgery.

3. Functional Movement: Many daily activities and sports require combined movements of the shoulder, not just isolated flexion. Therefore, training the shoulder to perform flexion with abduction can help improve functional movement and performance.

4. Pain Management: For some patients, isolated shoulder flexion may cause pain or discomfort, especially if they have certain shoulder conditions like impingement syndrome. In such cases, combining flexion with abduction can help manage pain by altering the movement pattern and reducing stress on the affected area.

5. Rehabilitation: In rehabilitation settings, performing combined movements can help restore normal joint mechanics and movement patterns. This can be particularly important for patients recovering from shoulder injuries or surgeries.

Remember, it's always important to perform these exercises under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional to ensure they are done correctly and safely.