Putting your “shoulder to the wheel” is a time worn phrase, and perhaps indicative of the wear to the shoulder joint from too much repetitive loading. Shoulder wheels have been used as a component of rehabilitation since the 19th century.
The utilization of the wheel to promote shoulder function is tied to the recognition of the circumductive nature of the shoulder, and the optimal example of circumductive motion is the wheel. Similar to the spoked helm used to steer a sailing boat, the shoulder wheel was mounted on the wall to allow full shoulder elevation. A thumb screw was often included, and this could be tightened against a brake drum to vary the resistance (see image).
Although a feature of many rehabilitation gyms, the shoulder wheel isn’t mentioned in Gardiner, Tidy, or Krusen until 1961, and the first specific publication dealing in detail with the use of the shoulder wheel was published by Elizabeth McClusky in 1958.
References:
McClusky E. 1958. Shoulder exercise wheel. Physical Therapy (38)3, 169-170.
