American College of Sports Medicine

The Brookbush Institute is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# {{aotaCourseApprovalNumber}}. This distance learning-independent activity is offered at {{aotaCredits}} CEUs {{aotaLevel}} {{aotaCategory}}.  AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

American Occupational Therapy Association

New York Physical Therapist just a disclaimer The Brookbush Institute (B2C Fitness) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education.

New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy

This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider 2309052TX and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas.

Texas Physical Therapy Association

World Instructor Training Schools

Completion of this course will earn you {{credits}} non-contact hours of continuing education in "Anatomy and Physiology" with Yoga Alliance

Yoga Alliance

International Sports Sciences Association

The Brookbush Institute (BOC AP# P10038) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of {{credits}} hours/ Category A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.

Board Of Certification

Athletics and Fitness Association of America

NASM Provider #737 and 1 Credit = 0.1 NASM CEUs

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Canadian Fitness Professionals

Providers of Approved Continuing Education

ACE Course ID: {{aceId}} and Credits: {{aceCredits}}

American Council on Exercise

Approved by CATA and 1 course contact hour = 0.4 CATA CEUs

Canadian Athletic Therapists Association

Approved for {{credits}} CEUs by CPTA #CPTAAP-36

California Physical Therapy Association

CIMSPA

Synovial joints are designed for motion. They include hinge joints, ball-and-socket joints, facet joints, pivot joints, gliding joints, saddle joints, and condyloid joints. 

Lesson 4: Synovial Joints

Access to all courses with monthly membership

Brookbush Institute

I have almost completed my CPT certification and am half-way through the Human Movement certification to inform my massage practice. The different modalities of reading, watching audiovisual materials, and attending live or recorded webinars have been important to my learning style and for review.

Brookbush Institute has the most detailed, specific and effective tools for online learning for movement and/or bodywork professionals. I love the combination of the videos as well as the text available online.

I recently completed the CPT course. It was demanding yet practical. I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting an education about human movement.

I have my personal trainer certificate through here and am almost finished my human movement specialist certification. Overall, the education that Brookbush has packaged together for clinicians and trainers is invaluable. I am a physio assistant so coming from more of a rehab background I appreciate that this education has been beneficial both as a trainer and in a rehab setting. I love that I have been able to do all learning at my own pace and able to work around my schedule. Thank you for setting up this platform! Highly recommend :)

I have been a massage therapist for 10 yrs and I feel like all the “pieces” I’ve learned throughout the yrs have been put into place and can see the full picture. I am also a member to tons of great content since I love to learn! I plan to get my CPT through them as well.

I have been following Brent Brookbush for nearly a decade- back when I was a personal Trainer and now as a Physical Therapist. BBI is an incredible resource for any movement nerds and corrective exercise specialists! The information is thorough with multiple real world applications. I am looking forward to an in-person Manual Therapist course the second they do one a little bit closer to Virginia ;)

I have taken both the Human Movement Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer certificate programs and have found the value in understanding the how and ways the body moves and functions and from evidence, non-biased, outcome, conceptual, theoretical, and practical approach to helping my clients/patients look better, feel better, and move better.

Over the last years I've returned time and again to Brookbush Institute for stellar coursework as I've worked toward a Human Movement Specialist certification. (I'm currently ACE CPT, and in training with Anatomy Trains for Structural Integration Manual Therapy.) Every Brookbush Institute module is fantastic and each one includes detailed informational videos, written descriptions of how to-do, and, more importantly, why to-do!

I am a 70 yr old chiropractor and no other healthcare provider was able to come up with an exercise protocol particular to my structural and balances and muscle deficits and keep me in the game. And as for continuing education on human skeletal movement, the website is phenomenal full of great exercises for particular mechanical dysfunction.

The H.M.S. is the most valuable certificate I have earned and was a fraction of the the cost of my others. Define the best bang for your buck!

Brookbush is the most efficient Personal Training Certification I have ever come across. All the lessons are well thought out and very straight to the point.

I am getting my Master's degree in Kinesiology, and I would like to say that I have benefited greatly from the rich, comprehensive, well-documented scientific content of Brookbush Institute that links theory to practical applications. Proudly I've got my CPT certificate, and I am on my way to get my HMS certificate.

Having courses count towards different certifications makes it so users can transition seamlessly from one certification to another. In my case, going from earning the BI CPT to earning the BI HMS was an easy decision and I am proud to have earned both certifications. I have also had the pleasure of going to a Live HMS workshop that was well taught by Instructor Boettcher and that was excellent to see how the methods and techniques are implemented.



I have been a member of BBI for years and every course I have taken has been incredibly informative. I learn more from these courses than I do at local CEU courses for my PTA license. I also earned my CPT and HMS certifications through the platform. It was so convenient and the content was top notch! Forever member.

We learn principles in academia, we learn cool new modalities via whatever specialty certification, but BBI really concentrates on the nuances of passive treatment and they do a fantastic job. The format in which BBI instructs soft tissue specialists (DPTs, Chiros, ATs) like myself feels like almost like an apprenticeship. You get a thoroughly detailed explanation of the “why’s”, and a visual comprehension of how to apply. Personally, I believe application is where the good and the great are distinguished.

Brookbush has been incredibly helpful since I was in massage school and now as I’m in my career! I run my own practice and it gives me the resources I need to not only improve what I already know, but also help me navigate better, more efficient ways of treatment.

Totally loving the convenience and affordability of this program with my crazy lifestyle! I feel like I am getting a quality education without a massive cost! My favorite part is the videos I can watch in the courses. I learn so much better that way. Once I really spent more time on the site, I figured out how to maneuver around a lot better! I enjoy the sense of humor, as well as the easy explanation, and short tests. And if I am really tired, I can have the computer read me the lessons. 😁

Challenging concepts are explained in very understandable terms without dumbing down the material, and I find this program to be superior in quality to other personal training programs.

Home

Courses

Certified Personal Trainer

Synovial joints are the most common joint type in the human body. Their unique structure permits more motion than fibrous joints (also known as immovable joints) and cartilaginous joints (partly moveable joints). These unique features include: 

Articular cartilage covering bone surfaces

Intricate ligament systems to support motion

The synovial joint type, joint shape, joint structure, cartilage, and connective tissue determine how much motion is permitted. Examples of synovial joint types include ball and socket, hinge, pivot, gliding, saddle, and condyloid. Each joint type allows motion in a specific number of planes, and the joint type and available planes of motion correspond to specific joint actions. 

For example, the elbow joint is a hinge joint, which only allows motion in one plane (sagittal plane), which corresponds to the joint actions of flexion and extension (e.g., biceps curls and triceps extensions). Whereas the shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint, which allows motion in all three planes (sagittal, frontal, and transverse), which correspond with the joint actions of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, horizontal abduction, horizontal adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation (e.g., horizontal adduction during a bench press). 

Less commonly mentioned joints include the gliding joints of the carpal bones (wrist bones), the saddle joint of the carpometacarpal joint (thumb), or the pivot joint of the proximal radioulnar joint (forearm). Note the lower limb has the same joint types, including a ball and socket joint (hip joint), hinge joint (knee joint), and gliding joints (transverse tarsal joints).

 A hinge joint (also called a ginglymus joint) is a synovial joint in which the articular surfaces fit one another in a way that is analogous to the hinge of a door. Generally, these joints permit motion in one plane. Examples include the elbow, the knee (unless considered a condyloid joint), and the interphalangeal joints.

 A ball and socket joint (also called a spheroid joint or spheroidal joint) is a synovial joint in which the rounded or spherical end of one bone fits into a cup-like depression of another bone. The distal bone is capable of motion around an indefinite number of axes, which have one common center. Examples of ball and socket joints include the hip and shoulder (glenohumeral) joints.

 A pivot joint (also called a trochoid joint, rotary joint, or lateral ginglymus joint) is a type of synovial joint in which the cylinder of one bone fits into a corresponding cavity, allowing for rotational motion. Examples include the articulation between the first and second cervical vertebrae (c1/c2 a.k.a. atlas/axis) and the proximal radioulnar joint.

 A gliding joint (also called an arthrodial joint, plane joint, or plane articulation) is a synovial joint that allows only gliding movement in the plane of the articular surfaces. The opposed surfaces of the bones are flat or almost flat, with movement generally limited by tight capsules and ligaments. Gliding joints are numerous, are most often small, and allow very little motion. Examples include the carpal joints of the wrist, the tarsal joints of the ankle, and the facet joints of the spine.

 In a saddle joint (also called a sellar joint or articulation by reciprocal reception), the opposing surfaces are reciprocally concave-convex, allowing for motion in 2 planes. Motion is similar to how a horseback rider can move in a saddle. Examples include the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint of the thumb (1st carpometacarpal joint) and the sternoclavicular (SC) joint.

 A condyloid joint (also called condylar, bicondylar, ellipsoid, or ellipsoidal) is an ovoid articular surface, or condyle, that is received into an elliptical cavity. These joints permit movement in two planes. Examples include the knee, metacarpophalangeal joints, and metatarsophalangeal joints.

Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) must be aware of synovial joint types for the analysis of motion and the development of sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. 

Note, this lesson builds on the previous lesson discussing joint actions, and will be essential knowledge for further lessons discussing the muscles of the hip joint, knee joint, ankle joint, spine, etc. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing biomechanics, muscle synergies, movement dysfunction and pain, posture, physical therapy (physical rehabilitation), sports science, sports performance, etc.

Continuing Education and Certification Approved Final Exam

For more advanced anatomy, check out our integrated functional anatomy courses:

Sternoclavicular (SC), Acromioclavicular (AC), and Scapulothoracic (ST) Joint Anatomy

An example of the large range of motion in a ball and socket joint found in the shoulder and hip joint. 

Course Summary: Synovial Joints

Course study guide Lesson 4: Synovial Joints

Course Study Guide: Lesson 4: Synovial Joints 

In this video we define each synovial joint type and describe how their bony structure influences available range of motion (ROM). This includes ball and socket joints, hinge joints, pivot joints, gliding joints, saddle joints, and condyloid joints (with examples of each). Further, we describe how joint types correspond to planes and joint actions. 

For example, the shoulder is a ball and socket joint, which allows for flexion and extension in the sagittal plane, adduction and abduction in the frontal plane, and internal rotation, external rotation, horizontal adduction and horizontal abduction in the transverse plane. This is foundational knowledge for all movement professionals, including personal trainers, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athetic trainers, etc.

Course Video Lesson: Synovial Joint Types

What Is A Joint?

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is common gliding joint in the human body

Importance of Understanding Joint Structure

Common and Technical Names of Joints

Introduction: Synovial Joint Types

A hinge joint allows for flexion and extension in the sagittal plane

Hinge Joint Definition and Activity

Anatomy of the elbow, a hinge joint. Note how the shape of the joint only allows flexion and extension in the sagittal plane.

The knee joint, is a common hinge joint in the body

Illustration of the ankle joint

Illustration of interphalangeal joints in the hand

About Hinge Joints

Hinge Joint

Illustration of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. The "ball" of the femoral head, and the "socket" of the acetabulum. 

Ball and Socket Definition and Activity

Illustration of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. The "ball" of the femoral head, and the "socket" of the acetabulum. 

The shoulder (glenohumeral) joint is a common ball and socket joint in the body

About Ball and Socket Joints

Ball and Socket Joint

Pivot joints with available motions such as internal and external rotation

Pivot Joint Definition and Activity

Depiction of pivot joints with available motions

The proximal radioulnar joint is a common pivot joint in the body

Illustration of the atlantoaxial joint (C1 and C2) joint, a common pivot joint in the body

About Pivot Joints

Pivot Joint

Depiction of gliding joints with available motions

Gliding Joint Definition and Activity

An illustration of the structure of a gliding joint on the left, and an image of the foot and ankle which includes the gliding joints of the tarsals on the right.

Facet joints of the vertebrae 

Illustration of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint 

About Gliding Joints

Gliding Joint

Saddle Joint: In a saddle joint (also called a sellar joint or articulation by reciprocal reception), the opposing surfaces are reciprocally concave-convex, allowing for motion in 2 planes. Motion is similar to how a horseback rider can move in a saddle.

A saddle joint, such as one in the thumb which will allow for flexion, extension, adduction and abduction

Saddle Joint Definition and Activity

Illustration of a saddle (sellar) joint next to the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint of the thumb, one of 2 saddle joints in the human body. 

Illustation of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint an 

About Saddle Joints

Saddle Joint

Illustration of condyloid joints actions

Condyloid Joint Definition and Activity

Condyloid joints generally permit motion in 2 planes. For example, the radiocarpal joint of the wrist is a condyloid joint. 

 Image of the 2nd – 5th metacarpophalangeal joints, common condyloid joints in the body

Image of the wrist from a cadaver

About Condyloid Joints

Condyloid Joint

The elbow joint is a common hinge joint in the body

Elbow - By Brian C. Goss - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=971378

X-Ray of the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint, a common ball and socket joint

X-ray of Shoulder- By RSatUSZ - PACS UniversitätsSpitalZürich, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11258999

C1-C2 articulation of the spine

C1-C2 articulation - http://www.infoseek.me/atlanto-axial-joint.html

Facet joint of the lumbar spine

Schematic of the facet joint. - Blausen.com staff. "Blausen gallery 2014". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762. - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27796926

The sternoclavicular joint is a common saddle joint in the human body

Mostly Biplanar Joint - Allows for motion in any 2 planes

Normal X-Ray of the wrist joint

Note: The knee (tibiofemoral) joint is occasionally referred to as a condyloid joint

2 planes of motion allowed are sagittal and transverse

, and the joint actions the knee is capable of are flexion, extension, internal rotation, and external rotation.

Synovial Joint Activity Answer Key

Shoulder Joint

Knee Joint

Putting It All Together

Head - spherical shape beyond a narrow neckline portion of bone

Condyle (protrusions) are big segments of bone, usually at the end

Fossa - big cavity, depression, or hollow

Additional Information: Boney Landmarks Terms

Carolyn Richardson, Paul Hodges, Julie Hides. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbo Pelvic Stabilization – A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain: 2nd Edition (c) Elsevier Limited, 2004

John V. Basmajian, Carlo J. De Luca. Muscles Alive: Their Function Revealed by ElectroMyography. 1985

Lesson 4: Synovial Joints

Related Courses:

Course Summary: Synovial Joints

Course Study Guide: Lesson 4: Synovial Joints

Course Video Lesson: Synovial Joint Types

Introduction: Synovial Joint Types
3 Sub Sections

Hinge Joint
2 Sub Sections

Ball and Socket Joint
2 Sub Sections

Pivot Joint
2 Sub Sections

Gliding Joint
2 Sub Sections

Saddle Joint
2 Sub Sections

Condyloid Joint
2 Sub Sections

Synovial Joint Activity Answer Key

Putting It All Together
2 Sub Sections

Additional Information: Boney Landmarks Terms

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

Lesson 4: Synovial Joints

Related Courses:

Course Summary: Synovial Joints

Course Study Guide: Lesson 4: Synovial Joints

Course Video Lesson: Synovial Joint Types

Introduction: Synovial Joint Types3 Sub Sections

Hinge Joint2 Sub Sections

Ball and Socket Joint2 Sub Sections

Pivot Joint2 Sub Sections

Gliding Joint2 Sub Sections

Saddle Joint2 Sub Sections

Condyloid Joint2 Sub Sections

Synovial Joint Activity Answer Key

Putting It All Together2 Sub Sections

Additional Information: Boney Landmarks Terms

Bibliography

Related Courses:

Comments

Guest

Introduction: Synovial Joint Types
3 Sub Sections

Hinge Joint
2 Sub Sections

Ball and Socket Joint
2 Sub Sections

Pivot Joint
2 Sub Sections

Gliding Joint
2 Sub Sections

Saddle Joint
2 Sub Sections

Condyloid Joint
2 Sub Sections

Putting It All Together
2 Sub Sections