Joint Mobilizations – Upper Extremity (week 7)

Scapulothoracic

Superior/ Inferior

Medial/ Lateral

What motions are we increasing?

• protraction/retraction

• upward/downward rotation

Scapulothoracic

Concave surface: scaupla

Convex Surface: ribs

shoulder joint

Concave: glenoid fossa

Convex: head of humerus

Glenohumeral – Distraction/ Lateral

Hand inside the axilla

Pushing laterally to separate joint surfaces

Purpose : Increase general mobility

Glenohumeral – Caudal or Inferior

One hand in axilla. One just distal to the acromion

Purpose: inc. abduction

Glenohumeral - Anterior

One hand at elbow area. Ulnar border of hand just distal to the acromion. Be sure not to pull up at elbow

Purpose: Inc. extension, lateral rotation, hor abduction

Glenohumeral - Posterior

hand just distal to the acromion/joint line

Purpose: inc flexion, hor. add, medial rotation

Progression in alternate position

Sternoclavicular Protraction /Retraction

Concave portion of the clavicle articulates on convex costal cartilage

Posterior - increase retraction

Anterior – increase protraction

Sternoclavicular Elevation /Depression

During elevation and depression, the convex surface of the clavicle glides on the concave manubrium

Inferior – increase elevation

Superior – increase depression of clavicle

Humeroulnar Distraction

Mobilize at proximal ulnar on volar surface. Move caudally

Purpose: General Mobility. Increase flexion or extension

Humeroulnar distal glide is similar but with an adding scooping motion. Used to increase flexion

elbow

Concave: head of radius, trochlear notch

Convex: capitulum, trochlear

Humeroradial – Dorsal and Volar glides

Purpose: inc elbow Flexion/ Extension

Dorsal glide of radius: extension

Volar glide of radius: flexion

Hand on medial side of the arm stabilizes the humerus

Proximal Radioulnar Joint – Dorsal and Volar glides

Elbow flexed to 70 dg and Forearm supinated to 35 dg

Purpose:

• Dorsal – Increase pronation

• Volar – Increase supination

radioulnar joint

Convex: radius

Concave: ulna

Radiocarpal – Dorsal and Anterior

Both hands at joint line. Squeezing separates joint a little

Purpose: inc wrist flexion/extension

Be careful not to compress nerves!

Radiocarpal joint

Convex: carpals

Concave: radius

Metacarpophalangeal and Interphalangeal Joint of Fingers

Position: Slight flexion. Hands at joint line

Purpose: finger Flexion/extension

Volar – flexion

Dorsal - extension

MCP joints

Convex: distal end of phalange

Concave: proximal end of phalange