What type of joint mobilization would you use to increase shoulder abduction?

• A. Anterior to Posterior
• B. Posterior to Anterior
• C. Inferior to Superior
• D. Superior to Inferior

Answer: (A)

The key idea is using a mobilization direction that frees the joint in the way the movement requires. For shoulder abduction, the glenohumeral joint needs the humeral head to translate in a direction that frees space for the arm to move away from the body. An anterior-to-posterior mobilization can help release restrictions on the front part of the joint, allowing the humeral head to move more freely in the path that enables abduction. By addressing anterior structures first, this approach helps the head settle into the inferior glide pattern that accompanies abduction, increasing available range. The other directional glides either bias the head in directions that don’t promote the necessary inferior translation for abduction or don’t specifically release the anterior constraints that can limit this motion.