Shoulder Joint Anatomy (Glenohumeral Joint)

This course describes shoulder joint anatomy, which includes the glenohumeral joint. This includes descriptions of the bones, synovial joints, joint actions, ligaments, bursae, relative location, the relationship between the bones of the shoulder/humerus, and the muscles that cross them. Further, this course discusses palpation and introduces shoulder joint specific exercises, manual techniques, and interventions for dysfunction, pain, posture, and movement impairment. The shoulder joint is included in the common compensation patterns known as rounded shoulder posture (RSP), upper-crossed syndrome (UCS), shoulder medial rotation syndrome (SMRS), and upper body dysfunction (UBD). Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) with advanced knowledge of the glenohumeral joint will improve their ability to analyze human movement and develop sophisticated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions. Further, this course is essential knowledge for future courses discussing injury prevention and physical rehabilitation/physical therapy (e.g. impingement syndrome, rotator cuff injury, scapula (shoulder blade) dysfunction, shoulder arthritis, shoulder replacement, forward head posture, thoracic kyphosis, sternocostal pain, and medial epicondylitis of the elbow), the effect the shoulder joint has on upper extremity alignment (e.g. excessive shoulder internal rotation), and shoulder joint specific techniques for enhancing sports performance (e.g. upper body (upper limb) stability, strength, hypertrophy, agility, and power).

Brookbush Institute’s most recommended techniques for the Shoulder Joint (see videos below):

• Assess:
  • Overhead Squat Assessment: Arms Fall
  • Goniometry: Shoulder Internal Rotation
  • Goniometry: Shoulder External Rotation
• Self-administered Techniques:
  • Release: Latissimus Dorsi, Rhomboids, Teres Major, and Posterior Deltoid Vibration Release
  • Joint Mobilization: Self-administered Shoulder Mobilization
  • Stretch: Latissimus Dorsi and Erector Spinae Static Stretch: Child's Pose
  • Activation: Shoulder External Rotator Isolated Activation
• Manual Techniques:
  • Mobilization: Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Joint Anterior to Posterior Mobilization
  • Manipulation: Thoracic Spine Manipulation

Caption: An image of the glenohumeral joint, humerus, and scapula