Joint Mobilization: Glenohumeral, Acromioclavicular and Sternoclavicular Joints

Introduction

This course describes joint mobilizations for the shoulder joint, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and sternoclavicular (SC) joint. Several terms and definitions have been used to describe the "mobilizations" (e.g. mobilisations) that are taught in this course. The Brookbush Institute uses a conventional definition of "mobilization" that includes low amplitude, low-velocity, oscillatory techniques intended to reduce the stiffness of joints exhibiting a decrease in passive accessory range of motion (a.k.a. arthrokinematic motion and specifically glide or slide). Note, the term "manipulation" is reserved for high-velocity techniques taught in a separate set of courses.

This course includes mobilization techniques that intend to improve excessive stiffness of the shoulder joint, AC joint, and SC joint, reduce scapular dyskinesis (altered shoulder blade motion), improve shoulder range of motion (ROM), and reduce upper extremity dysfunction. For example, alterations in scapular motion have been correlated with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), mobilization of scapular joints has been correlated with improvement in shoulder ROM, and improvements in shoulder ROM have been correlated with a reduction in pain, improvements in function, and performance enhancement. These techniques may also be used in an integrated approach for upper body dysfunction (UBD) including sternocostal pain, upper thoracic pain, AC joint pain, frozen shoulder (post-acute phase), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and postural dysfunctions including rounded shoulder posture. Several studies even demonstrate that adding these mobilizations to conventional medical and therapeutic interventions may have a significant positive influence on short-term and long-term outcomes.

The techniques in this course are recommended for all clinical human movement professionals (physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, athletic trainers, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, etc.) with the intent of developing an evidence-based, systematic, integrated, patient-centered, and outcome-driven approach.

Techniques Covered in this Course:

• Shoulder Joint Mobilization
• Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Mobilization
• Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint Mobilization

Sample Intervention (Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Pain)

• Manual Release
  • Levator Scapulae
  • Upper Trapezius
  • Pectoralis Minor
  • Posterior Deltoid
• Mobilization or Manipulation
  • Thoracic mobilization
  • Shoulder Joint Mobilization
  • Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Mobilization
  • Sternoclavicular (SC) Joint Mobilization
• Manual Lengthening
  • Manual Pectoralis Minor Stretch
  • Manual Latissimus Dorsi Stretch
• Activation
  • External Rotator Activation
  • Serratus Anterior Activation
• Integration
  • Standing Cobra
• Support
  • Shoulder External Rotator Kinesiology Taping

Related Courses

Additional Joint Mobilization Courses

• Joint Mobilizations: Ankle and Tibiofibular Joints
• Joint Mobilizations: Knee and Hip Joints
• Joint Mobilizations: Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joints
• Joint Mobilizations: Cervical and Thoracic Spine
• Joint Mobilizations: Shoulder, Sternoclavicular, and Acromioclavicular Joints
• Joint Mobilizations: Elbow and Proximal Radioulnar Joints

For an introduction to joint mobilizations and manipulations:

• Joint Mobilization and Manipulation: Introduction
• Joint Mobilization and Manipulation: Reliability
• Joint Mobilizations and Manipulations: Effects
• Joint Mobilization and Manipulation: Risk of Adverse Effects
• Joint Mobilizations and Manipulations: Evidence-based Teaching and Learning