What changes when Maitland Joint Mobilization meets the shoulder? Start with the patient's movement, assess safely, and see what the re-test reveals.
3 specific variationsClinical re-test built in
Specific variations
How this technique is applied in the shoulder
Each variation below is written so you can follow patient setup, contact, direction, dose and the re-test that decides whether the technique earned a place in the plan.
01
ShoulderHumeral head on glenoid
Glenohumeral Posterior Glide
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Shoulder flexion, internal rotation, painful arc and functional reach.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Improve a painful/restricted flexion or internal-rotation comparable sign when a posterior glide produces a useful response.
Primary target
Humeral head on glenoid
The movement that tells us
Shoulder flexion, internal rotation, painful arc and functional reach.
Patient focus
Improve a painful/restricted flexion or internal-rotation comparable sign when a posterior glide produces a useful response.
Therapist verifies
Shoulder flexion, internal rotation, painful arc and functional reach.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in shoulder flexion, internal rotation, painful arc and functional reach. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Supine with the scapula supported and the shoulder near a comfortable resting position; progress arm position only as irritability allows.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize the scapula/acromial region. Use a broad contact over the anterior proximal humerus close to the joint line.
3
Apply the technique
Apply a posterior translation of the humeral head. Use Grade I–II for pain-dominant presentations and Grade III–IV only when stiffness dominates and irritability is low.
4
Dose & re-test
30–60 seconds of oscillation for 2–4 bouts, with immediate re-test after each bout. Re-test: Shoulder flexion, internal rotation, painful arc and functional reach.
Clinical pearl
If the scapula moves with the humerus, you are no longer isolating a glenohumeral glide.
Safety / avoid
Avoid in acute dislocation, fracture or unstable postoperative states.
02
ShoulderHumeral head on glenoid
Glenohumeral Inferior Glide
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Abduction/elevation and overhead reach.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Improve elevation/abduction when inferior joint play is clinically relevant.
Primary target
Humeral head on glenoid
The movement that tells us
Abduction/elevation and overhead reach.
Patient focus
Improve elevation/abduction when inferior joint play is clinically relevant.
Therapist verifies
Abduction/elevation and overhead reach.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in abduction/elevation and overhead reach. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Supine with the arm supported in a comfortable amount of abduction.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize the scapula. Contact the proximal humerus close to the joint line with a broad comfortable grip.
3
Apply the technique
Direct the humeral head inferiorly relative to the glenoid using the selected Maitland grade.
4
Dose & re-test
30–60 seconds × 2–4 bouts, reassessing elevation after each set. Re-test: Abduction/elevation and overhead reach.
Clinical pearl
Do not pull from the distal arm; keep the force close to the joint so the glide is controlled.
Safety / avoid
Respect inferior instability and postoperative precautions.
03
ShoulderHumeral head on glenoid
Glenohumeral Anterior Glide
One question matters more than the name of this variation: will the patient notice a useful change in Extension/external rotation and the exact functional restriction.? The careful re-test gets the final word.
The change we are looking for
Selected trial for extension/external-rotation restriction when an anterior glide improves the comparable sign.
Primary target
Humeral head on glenoid
The movement that tells us
Extension/external rotation and the exact functional restriction.
Patient focus
Selected trial for extension/external-rotation restriction when an anterior glide improves the comparable sign.
Therapist verifies
Extension/external rotation and the exact functional restriction.
Success signal
Keep the technique only if the re-test shows a meaningful improvement in extension/external rotation and the exact functional restriction. without symptom worsening.
Full clinical application
1
Position the patient
Prone or supine in a position that permits safe stabilization without stressing the anterior capsule.
2
Set the contact
Stabilize the scapula; contact the posterior proximal humerus broadly.
3
Apply the technique
Apply a controlled anterior glide. Begin with low grade and confirm the response before progressing.
4
Dose & re-test
30–45 seconds × 2–3 bouts initially. Re-test: Extension/external rotation and the exact functional restriction.
Clinical pearl
Anterior glide is not automatically appropriate just because external rotation is limited—use symptom response and stability testing.
Safety / avoid
Avoid when anterior instability is suspected.
Safety / do not apply when…
Avoid in acute dislocation, fracture, unstable postoperative restrictions or severe acute inflammatory states.
Clinical rule
A technically correct technique is not automatically a useful technique. Keep it only when the patient's pain, range or function improves in a clinically meaningful way, then transfer that gain into active movement, loading or self-management.
