To increase shoulder extension, which glide is used?

To increase shoulder extension, which glide is used?

• A. Posterior
• B. Anterior
• C. Medial
• D. Lateral

Answer: (B)

In the glenohumeral joint, the humeral head is convex on a concave glenoid, so the glide direction that helps a given motion follows the convex-on-concave rule. To increase shoulder extension, apply an anterior glide of the humeral head on the glenoid. This anterior glide encourages the head to translate forward as the arm moves into extension, improving range. A posterior glide would more closely relate to increasing flexion, while medial or lateral glides pertain to other aspects of shoulder motion and aren’t the primary means to boost pure extension.

In the glenohumeral joint, the humeral head is convex on a concave glenoid, so the glide direction that helps a given motion follows the convex-on-concave rule. To increase shoulder extension, apply an anterior glide of the humeral head on the glenoid. This anterior glide encourages the head to translate forward as the arm moves into extension, improving range. A posterior glide would more closely relate to increasing flexion, while medial or lateral glides pertain to other aspects of shoulder motion and aren’t the primary means to boost pure extension.