06/04/2026
Understanding the difference between Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Pain and Glenohumeral (GH) Joint Pain is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective physiotherapy treatment.
πΉ AC Joint Pain
π Anatomical Location
Located at the top of the shoulder
Between the clavicle and acromion
Pain is localized and superficial
β‘ Pain Characteristics
Sharp and well-localized pain
Patient can point with one finger
Pain increases with direct pressure
π Aggravating Movements
Cross-body adduction (most specific sign)
Overhead lifting
Sleeping on the affected side
π Range of Motion (ROM)
ROM is usually near normal
Pain occurs at end ranges
β Palpation Findings
Point tenderness over AC joint
Swelling may be present
π§ͺ Special Tests
Cross-body adduction test
AC shear test
Paxinos sign
β οΈ Common Conditions
AC joint sprain
Osteoarthritis
Distal clavicle osteolysis
π« Functional Limitation
Difficulty with pushing and pulling activities
Pain during horizontal arm movements
πΉ Glenohumeral (GH) Joint Pain
π Anatomical Location
Main ball-and-socket joint of shoulder
Between humeral head and glenoid cavity
Pain is deep and diffuse
β‘ Pain Characteristics
Dull, aching pain
Poorly localized
May radiate to deltoid region or arm
π Aggravating Movements
Pain during all shoulder movements
Worse with overhead activities
Difficulty in daily functional tasks
π Range of Motion (ROM)
Restricted ROM
Painful arc or stiffness (common in frozen shoulder)
β Palpation Findings
Deep tenderness
Difficult to localize precisely
π§ͺ Special Tests
Neerβs test
Hawkins-Kennedy test
Apprehension test
Rotator cuff tests
β οΈ Common Conditions
Rotator cuff tear
Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
Shoulder impingement
Labral injuries
π« Functional Limitation
Difficulty with all shoulder activities
Affects daily living tasks (ADLs)