A patient with chronic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is to be treated with joint mobilization to increase shoulder abduction. Which technique would be most appropriate?

A patient with chronic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder is to be treated with joint mobilization to increase shoulder abduction. Which technique would be most appropriate?

• A. Distraction with inferior glide
• B. Anterior glide with internal rotation
• C. Superior glide with approximation
• D. Distraction with posterior glide

Answer: (A)

For shoulder abduction, the glenohumeral joint needs the humeral head to glide inferiorly as the arm elevates. In adhesive capsulitis, joint surface movement is restricted, so a mobilization that both distracts the joint and directs an inferior glide helps restore the space and freedom of movement needed for abduction. This combination specifically targets the glide direction that facilitates abduction, making it the most effective choice. Glides in other directions would either not promote abduction or would bias different motions, so they’re less appropriate for increasing shoulder abduction in a stiff shoulder.

For shoulder abduction, the glenohumeral joint needs the humeral head to glide inferiorly as the arm elevates. In adhesive capsulitis, joint surface movement is restricted, so a mobilization that both distracts the joint and directs an inferior glide helps restore the space and freedom of movement needed for abduction. This combination specifically targets the glide direction that facilitates abduction, making it the most effective choice. Glides in other directions would either not promote abduction or would bias different motions, so they’re less appropriate for increasing shoulder abduction in a stiff shoulder.