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Have you ever felt pain or discomfort in your shoulder blades while performing daily tasks or exercises? This could be due to a condition known as a winged scapula, where the shoulder blade protrudes from the back, causing pain and reduced mobility. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a deep dive into the causes of winged scapula and the importance of corrective exercise. We will also explore the anatomy of the scapula, understand the movements involved, and provide a range of exercises to help you alleviate your pain and discomfort.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Winged scapula is a condition where the shoulder blade protrudes from the back, causing pain and reduced mobility.
  • Corrective exercise is essential to alleviate the symptoms of winged scapula and prevent the condition from worsening.
  • Stretching exercises improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing tension and pain in the affected area.
  • Strengthening exercises build the muscles that stabilize the scapula, improving posture, and reducing pain and discomfort.
  • Other corrective exercises focus on improving posture and alignment
  • Always consult with a medical professional before starting any exercise routine.

 

Understanding Winged Scapula

A winged scapula is a condition where the shoulder blade protrudes from the back, causing pain and reduced mobility. It can be caused by various factors such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, or trauma to the shoulder. Some of the common causes of winged scapula include:
  • Injury to the long thoracic nerve
  • Trauma to the shoulder
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Weakness in the muscles that stabilize the scapula
  • Poor posture
If left untreated, winged scapula can lead to chronic pain and disability. Therefore, it is crucial to take corrective measures at the earliest.

 

Anatomy of The Scapula

The scapula, or shoulder blade, is a triangular-shaped bone that connects the humerus bone of the arm to the clavicle bone of the chest. The scapula has several muscles attached to it that helps in the movement of the arm and shoulder. Proper scapular movement is essential for healthy shoulder function. However, a winged scapula can disrupt the normal functioning of the shoulder, leading to pain and discomfort.
 

Importance of Corrective Exercise

Corrective exercise is essential to alleviate the symptoms of winged scapula. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles that stabilize the scapula and improve posture. Corrective exercises can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent the condition from worsening.
 

Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises are an essential component of corrective exercise for winged scapula. These exercises help in improving flexibility and range of motion, reducing tension and pain in the affected area. Here are some of the best stretching exercises for winged scapula:
 

1. Pectoralis Major Stretch

  • Stand in a doorway with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle and your forearms resting on the door frame.
  • Slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in your chest muscles.
  • Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat.

2. Latissimus Dorsi Stretch

  • Stand with your arms extended overhead and your palms facing each other.
  • Slowly bend forward at the waist, keeping your arms extended.
  • Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat.

3. Levator Scapulae Stretch

  • Sit with your back straight and your arms hanging loosely by your sides.
  • Slowly tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder.
  • Place your hand on the opposite side of your head and gently apply pressure.
  • Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side.

 

Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are essential to building the muscles that stabilize the scapula. These exercises help in improving posture and reducing pain and discomfort. Here are some of the best strengthening exercises for winged scapula:
 
1. Scapula Retraction Exercises
  • Stand with your arms at your sides and your shoulders relaxed.
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds.
  • Release and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
2. Wall Angels
  • Stand with your back against a wall and your arms extended out to the side at shoulder height.
  • Slowly raise your arms above your head while keeping them in contact with the wall.
  • Lower your arms back to shoulder height and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
3. Push-ups
  • Begin in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
  • Slowly lower your body towards the ground while keeping your elbows close to your sides.
  • Push back up to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
 

Other Corrective Exercises

In addition to stretching and strengthening exercises, there are other corrective exercises that can help alleviate the symptoms of winged scapula. These exercises focus on improving posture and alignment. Here are some of the best corrective exercises for winged scapula:
 
1. Plank
  • Begin in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
  • Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
  • Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat for 2-3 sets.
2. Shoulder Blade Squeeze
  • Sit with your back straight and your arms at your sides.
  • Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5-10 seconds.
  • Release and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
3. Reverse Fly
  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended in front of you.
  • Raise your arms to shoulder height while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  • Lower your arms back to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, a winged scapula can be a painful and debilitating condition that affects your daily life. However, with the help of corrective exercises, you can alleviate the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. This guide has provided an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of the scapula, the causes of winged scapula, and the importance of corrective exercise. We have also provided a range of exercises to help you improve your posture, strengthen your muscles, and regain mobility. Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can help you live a pain-free life. Remember, always consult with a medical professional before starting any exercise routine.
Byron  Lam

Byron Lam

Chiropractor, CCSP®, FR® Spine

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