Glenohumeral Joint Mobilizations

Question 1

What Type of Joint is the Glenohumeral Joint, in terms on (Convex/Concave)

Answer 1

Convex Humeral Head with Concave Glenoid Fossa

Question 2

What is the plane of the scapula? (resting position for joint mobilizations of the shoulder) (Open-Packed)

Answer 2

Shoulder Abduction 55 degrees
Horizontal Adduction 30 degrees
Internal Rotation (Arm in Neutral)

Think about position needed for a GHJ Distraction technique

Question 3

What is GHJ Distraction primarily used for? Generally how to perform it?

Answer 3

General Mobility (Grade 3 type technique)

Motion is a translatory motion away from the plane of the glenoid fossa

Question 4

What is the GHJ Inferior glide for?

Answer 4

Increasing Shoulder Abduction

• Can be used to reposition the humeral head if it is superiorly positioned

Question 5

How can you progress the GHJ inferior glide

Answer 5

Placing the GHJ joint further into abduction

• ER should be used as the arm goes beyond 90 degrees.

Question 6

What is the GHJ Posterior Glide used for?

Answer 6

Increasing Shoulder Flexion and IR

Question 7

What are GHJ Anterior Glides used for? (Also what is the preferred direction of the glide?)

Answer 7

Increasing shoulder Extension and ER
- Direction of glide is Anterior and /slightly Medial

-Patient here is in prone, we learned we can do it in supine while pressing on the coracoid process, making a relative anterior glide of the humerus

Question 8

What are ACJ Anterior Glides used for?

Answer 8

• Used for increasing overall mobility of the joint
• Patient in sitting or prone