A. What is the correct direction for glenohumoral mobilization for a patient with adhesive capsulitis? Anterior-inferior gliding or posterior inferior gliding? I am confused because I found two differing answers from both the Scorebuilders and TherapyEd texts. (Edited).

A.

Adhesive capsulitis is a benign, self-limiting condition of unknown etiology characterized by painful and limited active and passive glenohumeral range of motion of ≥ 25% in at least two directions most notably shoulder abduction and external rotation.

High grade mobilisation techniques (HGMT) have been shown to be helpful for improving range of motion in patients with adhesive capsulitis for at least three months and can be given as inferior, posterior or anterior glides as well as a distraction to the humeral head. When compared with the low-grade mobilisation techniques.

High grade mobilisation techniques appear to be more effective for increasing joint mobility and reducing disability. Joint mobilisations, in particular posterior glenohumeral glides, can help decrease deficits in external rotation, more so than anterior glenohumeral glides.

Both techniques had a significant decrease in pain, but there was greater improvement in external rotation range of motion with the posterior mobilisation treatment.

The reference makes for an interesting read and I highly recommend it.