Shoulder Mobilization

Posterior Glenohumeral Mobilization

Patient Position: Supine

Therapist Position: Force Hand on Proximal Humerus

Mobilization: A posteriorally directed force is directed perpendicular to the humerus

Scapulothoracic Mobilization

Scapulothoracic mobilization is performed when there is some sort of dysfunction of the scapulothoracic articulation (e.g. restriction of upward rotation or lateral glide). Some mobilizations that are used are medial/lateral glides, superior/inferior glides, upward and downward rotation, and diagonal patterns. Typically, the patient is lying side-lying with the involved side up and the arm resting on the therapist's arm. The therapist stands in front of the patient, facing them. Hand contacts for these glides are the inferior angle of the scapula and the acromion. Direction and magnitude of force are dependent upon the technique being utilized and the amount of motion that is desired.