Four weeks post-operatively after shoulder arthroscopy, a patient has limited abduction due to capsular stiffness. Which joint glide would be most appropriate to improve this motion?

Four weeks post-operatively after shoulder arthroscopy, a patient has limited abduction due to capsular stiffness. Which joint glide would be most appropriate to improve this motion?

• A. Inferior humeral glide
• B. Anterior glide of the humerus
• C. Posterior glide of the clavicle
• D. Superior glide of the scapula

Answer: (A)

The motion most limited by capsular stiffness in the shoulder during abduction is the inferior slide of the humeral head. When the arm abducts, the humeral head (convex surface) rolls superiorly on the concave glenoid and must glide inferiorly to maintain proper contact and allow full range. If the inferior glide is restricted, abduction stalls. So, applying an inferior glide to the humeral head directly facilitates the necessary downward translation, helping to restore abduction. Other options don’t address the main joint mechanics for abduction. An anterior glide of the humerus favors flexion and external rotation patterns rather than improving inferior translation. A posterior glide of the clavicle targets the SC joint rather than the glenohumeral joint. A superior glide of the scapula affects scapulothoracic rhythm but doesn’t directly correct the capsular tightness within the humeral head and glenoid.

The motion most limited by capsular stiffness in the shoulder during abduction is the inferior slide of the humeral head. When the arm abducts, the humeral head (convex surface) rolls superiorly on the concave glenoid and must glide inferiorly to maintain proper contact and allow full range. If the inferior glide is restricted, abduction stalls. So, applying an inferior glide to the humeral head directly facilitates the necessary downward translation, helping to restore abduction.

Other options don’t address the main joint mechanics for abduction. An anterior glide of the humerus favors flexion and external rotation patterns rather than improving inferior translation. A posterior glide of the clavicle targets the SC joint rather than the glenohumeral joint. A superior glide of the scapula affects scapulothoracic rhythm but doesn’t directly correct the capsular tightness within the humeral head and glenoid.