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Scapular Dyskinesis

What is the Scapula?


The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a flat bone that glides along the rib cage and plays a key role in positioning the shoulder joint for movement.


What is This Condition?


Scapular dyskinesis refers to abnormal movement of the shoulder blade. This can cause pain, weakness, or a “winged” appearance of the shoulder.


What Causes It?


  • Muscle weakness or imbalance (especially around the shoulder blade)

  • Nerve injuries (long thoracic or spinal accessory nerve)

  • Repetitive overhead activity

  • Shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears or instability, which alter normal motion


What are the Symptoms?


  • A feeling of weakness or fatigue in the shoulder

  • Pain around the shoulder blade or with overhead activity

  • A visible “winging” or abnormal movement of the scapula during arm motion

  • Decreased athletic performance, especially in throwing or overhead sports

  • Symptoms often improve with rest but return during repetitive use


How is It Diagnosed?


  • Exam: observation of abnormal scapular movement during arm motion

  • Imaging: usually not needed unless ruling out other causes


How is It Treated?


Non-surgical:


  • Physical therapy is the mainstay — focusing on strengthening scapular stabilizers and improving posture

  • Addressing any associated shoulder conditions (rotator cuff tears, instability)


Surgical:


  • Rarely needed, except in cases caused by nerve injury that does not recover


Learn more from AAOS (OrthoInfo):

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/scapular-shoulder-blade-disorders/

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