Radiocarpal AP Glides (Flexion)
Purpose: To improve mobility of the radiocarpal joint.
Procedure: Patient seated with forearm supported on table and the wrist hanging unsupported off the end. For anterior-posterior glides to restore wrist flexion, the patient’s forearm should be in supination. The therapist uses one hand to stabilize the patient’s radius just proximal to the radiocarpal joint, while the mobilizing hand grips the carpal bones just distal to the radiocarpal joint. The therapist provides a gentle distraction force and an anteriorly directed glide as indicated.
Comments: The therapist can also provide medial-lateral glides to the radiocarpal joint by prepositioning the forearm in a neutral position. Medial-lateral glides restore ulnar deviation while lateral-medial glides restore radial deviation.
Radiocarpal PA Glides (Extension)
Purpose: To improve mobility of the radiocarpal joint.
Procedure: Patient seated with forearm supported on table and the wrist hanging unsupported off the end. For posterior-anterior glides to restore wrist extension, the patient’s forearm should be in pronation. The therapist uses one hand to stabilize the patient’s radius just proximal to the radiocarpal joint, while the mobilizing hand grips the carpal bones just distal to the radiocarpal joint. The therapist provides a gentle distraction force and a posteriorly directed glide as indicated.
Comments: The therapist can also provide medial-lateral glides to the radiocarpal joint by prepositioning the forearm in a neutral position. Medial-lateral glides restore ulnar deviation while lateral-medial glides restore radial deviation.