In the shoulder posterior glide joint mobilization, what is the stabilizing hand position?

• A. Forearm
• B. Distal aspect of the humerus, scapula supported by the table
• C. Proximal humerus
• D. Scapula

Answer: (B)

In this technique you’re trying to isolate the glenohumeral joint so you can glide the humeral head posteriorly without letting other joints compensate. To do that effectively, you stabilize the limb and the shoulder girdle so the movement happens at the joint of interest. Holding the distal aspect of the humerus near the elbow with one hand prevents unwanted motion of the forearm and elbow, while having the scapula supported on the table minimizes scapulothoracic motion. This setup keeps the glide focused at the glenohumeral joint, allowing a controlled posterior glide to target the posterior structures of the shoulder.