Facebook Pixel
Brookbush Institute Logo
  1. Videos
  2. Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Joint Anterior to Posterior Manual Mobilization

Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Joint Anterior to Posterior Manual Mobilization

22 Likes
0 Comments

Learn the proper technique for glenohumeral joint anterior-to-posterior mobilization in this step-by-step instructional video for clinicians and movement professionals. This manual mobilization may help reduce shoulder pain and increase range of motion, supporting better posture and functional performance as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Set-Up

  1. The patient should be supine, with their scapula stabilized by the table and the head of the humerus just beyond the side of the table.
  2. The patient's arm is supported by the practitioner's hand that is nearest the table.
  3. The table should be low enough to allow the practitioner to lean forward slightly to get the chest over the arm, with the opposite palm over the humeral head and arm fully extended.
  4. Ideally, the set-up would allow the practitioner to oscillate pressure by gently rocking the torso (not by using grip or triceps strength).

Anterior to Posterior Mobilization

  1. Standing on the side of the patient's affected arm, the patient gently holds on to the inside of the practitioner's arm, while the practitioner wraps their fingers under the patient's elbow, giving the practitioner passive control over the patient's relaxed, affected limb.
  2. The practitioner may then palpate the humeral head with the other hand, identifying the tubercles and biceps' tendon, before placing the palm over the anterior surface of the humeral head with the biceps tendon in the practitioner's inter-thenar groove.
  3. The practitioner should be able to straighten the mobilizing arm, ready to apply pressure by simply leaning forward.

Mobilization:

  1. Start with small test oscillations to identify the arthrokinematic range, the first resistance barrier, and the point that begins to push the humeral head out of the glenoid fossa.
  2. When you are satisfied with your test motions, identify the amount of pressure needed to reach the first resistance barrier and the mid-point of the arthrokinematic range.
  3. Decide the Grade of oscillation:
    • Grade III - Larger oscillations between the first resistance barrier and approximately 50% resistance. Note, these oscillations are large compared to grade IV oscillations, but are still relatively small motions.
    • Grade IV - Small oscillations at 50% resistance or more.
  4. Oscillate at 1 - 2 pulses per second.
  5. Continue oscillating until you feel a change in tissue resistance/joint stiffness.

Comments

Guest