We describe the case of a 73-year-old man with left shoulder paresis caused by a herpes zoster infection of the left C5 dermatomes. The patient had been affected by pain for 10 days, a skin rash on his left shoulder and back for 5 days, and weakness of his left shoulder for 2 days before admission. Electromyography revealed denervation discharges from the left supraspinatus, infraspinatus and deltoid muscles, which was compatible with radiculopathy showing after zoster infection. The patient was examined in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and treated with range-of-movement and strengthening exercises as well as activities of daily living and social participation. At 14 months after the onset of the condition, muscle strength had returned to normal. Electromyography revealed that motor unit action potentials were largely normal. These results indicate that the rehabilitation of paresis caused by herpes zoster can obtain positive results with suitable movement training.