To increase shoulder flexion in a stiff shoulder, which glide direction should be used?

• A. Anterior glide
• B. Posterior glide
• C. Inferior glide
• D. Superior glide

Answer: (B)

To increase shoulder flexion, apply a posterior glide of the humeral head on the glenoid. The glenohumeral joint has a convex humeral head moving on a concave socket, so the glide direction is opposite the direction of the desired movement. As the arm flexes, the humeral head tends to move anteriorly; a posterior glide facilitates that posterior slide, allowing greater flexion ROM and helping overcome stiffness.

An anterior glide would push the head forward and is not helpful for improving flexion. An inferior glide targets lifting the arm away (abduction), while a superior glide addresses issues related to superior migration and certain impingement scenarios, not specifically increasing flexion.