Standing or sitting
For women, a gown over the non-examined side with the examined area exposed or a halter top is recommended.
For men, removal of the shirt is requested.
Anterior, lateral or posterior to the patient.
May I place my fingers on your shoulder? (or point to the demonstrated area)
With the patient relaxed, gently place your fingers on the joint including the lateral end of the
clavicle and the medial end of the acromion process. Either guide or demonstrate motions and have
the patient move through glenohumeral motions that incorporate acromioclavicular motion.
Acromioclavicular motions are identified as glides (accessory or arthrokinematic motions) by
some and as physiologic (osteokinematic motions) by others. The glide motions are listed here:
- Superior Glide of the Acromion, occurring with humeral elevation (most clearly glenohumeral abduction)
- Inferior Glide of the Acromion, occurring with humeral lowering (most clearly glenohumeral adduction)
- Superioanterior Glide, occurring with glenohumeral flexion
- Inferioposterior Glide, occurring with glenohumeral extension