Glenohumeral (GH) Joint

Screening: Assess active range of motion testing to determine shoulder with greatest range of motion
restriction. Somatic dysfunction at the shoulder is often a combination of anterior or posterior and superior or
inferior somatic dysfunctions of the glenohumeral joint.

Diagnose via passive gross range of motion testing (flexion, extension, internal rotation [medial rotation],
external rotation [lateral rotation], abduction, and adduction) or via passive motion testing of the minor glides
at the humeral head:
Diagnosis Gross ROM Minor Glides Image
Anterior/ As the shoulder Passively gliding
extension SD extends, horizontal humerus
abducts, or externally anteriorly meets
rotates, the humeral no resistance until
head moves easily anatomic barrier
anteriorly is reached

Posterior/ flexion As the shoulder Passively gliding

SD flexes, horizontally humerus
adducts, or internally posteriorly meets
rotates, the humeral no resistance until
head moves easily anatomic barrier
posteriorly is reached

Superior/ As the shoulder Passively gliding

adduction SD elevates (shrugs up) humerus
or adducts, the superiorly meets
humeral head moves no resistance until
easily superiorly anatomic barrier
is reached

Inferior/abduction As the shoulder Passively gliding

SD depresses (pulled humerus inferiorly
down inferiorly) or meets no
abducts, the humeral resistance until
head moves easily anatomic barrier
inferiorly is reached