“Understanding Scapular Dyskinesia and Its Impact on Shoulder Function”

Your shoulder's base is the scapula, or shoulder blade. It provides a firm foundation for your arm's free motion. However, a disorder known as scapular dyskinesia may result from abnormal scapular movement. This results from improper scapular function, which impairs shoulder function, causes pain, and limits movement. Other shoulder injuries such as impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or even neck and upper back pain are frequently associated with scapular dyskinesia. This blog post will explain scapular dyskinesia, including its causes, symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help you regain your shoulder's natural range of motion.

Scapular dyskinesia: What is it?

When the scapula moves or positions itself abnormally during arm movement, it is known as scapular dyskinesia. As the arm moves, the scapula should ideally move evenly and fluidly. However, in individuals with scapular dyskinesia, the scapula may not move in unison with the arm or may move away from the back. Less shoulder mobility, discomfort, and instability may result from this.

Scapular dyskinesia comes in three primary forms:

1. Type I: The scapula rises.

2. Type II: The scapula's inner border separates from the rib cage.

3. Type III: The scapula's lower region separates from the body.

Scapular Dyskinesia Causes

Muscle imbalances, bad posture, and shoulder injuries are some of the causes of scapular dyskinesia. The most common causes include:  

1. Weak Scapular Stabilisers: Because they are not used or are out of balance, the muscles that govern scapular movement, such as the rhomboids, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior, can become weak. This causes the scapula to move incorrectly.

2. Shoulder Injuries: Your shoulder may move strangely as your body attempts to cope with pain and instability due to rotator cuff injuries, impingement syndrome, or labral tears.

3. Bad Posture: Shoulder blade alignment and movement can be disrupted by slouching or round shoulders.

4. Overuse or Repetitive Movements: Exercises involving overhead motions, such as swimming, weightlifting, or throwing, can cause overuse injuries and muscle fatigue, both of which can exacerbate shoulder issues.

Scapular Dyskinesia Symptoms

The following symptoms may be present in people with scapular dyskinesia:

• Shoulder or upper back pain or discomfort.

• Your shoulder joint's limited range of motion.

• Weariness or weakness in your arm or shoulder.

• Having trouble reaching up or lifting.

• When you lift or reach with your arms, you may notice an irregular movement of your shoulder blades.

The Impact of Scapular Dyskinesia on Shoulder Function

The normal operation of your shoulder joint can be disrupted by abnormal shoulder blade movement. This may result in:

• Impingement Syndrome: Pain and inflammation can result from abnormal shoulder movement that presses on the rotator cuff tendons between your acromion and humeral head.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Excessive shoulder movement strains the rotator cuff muscles, raising the possibility of tears or tendinopathy.

• Neck and Upper Back Pain: Scapular dyskinesia-related poor posture can put stress on your neck and upper back muscles.

• Reduced Range of Motion: Shoulder dysfunction may make it more difficult to perform reaching or overhead tasks.

A skeleton model showcasing proper shoulder anatomy and scapular function

How Physiotherapy Can Help

 You can enhance your shoulder function and manage scapular dyskinesia with physiotherapy.

When it comes to scapular dyskinesia, physiotherapy is revolutionary. It helps you get your shoulder moving smoothly, improve your posture, and regain control over your shoulder muscles. Physiotherapy can benefit you in the following ways:

1. Strengthening Exercises: These exercises focus on the muscles that support the stability of your shoulder blades. You'll discover how to prevent compensatory movements and strengthen them.

2. Postural Correction: To get your shoulder blades in the proper alignment, physiotherapists work with you to correct your posture. To avoid more issues, they will teach you the correct ways to stand, sit, and lift.

3. Hands-on methods such as joint manipulation and soft tissue mobilisation are used in manual therapy to ease tense muscles and increase shoulder mobility.

4. Functional Movement Training: This lowers your risk of shoulder injuries by assisting you in regaining appropriate movement patterns during daily activities or sports.

5. Stretching and Flexibility: You can increase your range of motion and avoid muscle imbalances by stretching the tense muscles in your upper back and shoulder area.

Physical therapy session highlighting exercises for scapular dyskinesia treatment

Conclusion

Scapular dyskinesia can seriously impair shoulder function, leading to pain, discomfort, and restricted range of motion. However, you can regain control and enhance your shoulder function with specific physiotherapy interventions. A speedy recovery and the avoidance of long-term issues depend on early intervention.