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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
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Winged scapula is a condition where the shoulder blade protrudes from the back, causing pain and reduced mobility.
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Corrective exercise is essential to alleviate the symptoms of winged scapula and prevent the condition from worsening.
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Stretching exercises improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing tension and pain in the affected area.
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Strengthening exercises build the muscles that stabilize the scapula, improving posture, and reducing pain and discomfort.
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Other corrective exercises focus on improving posture and alignment
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Always consult with a medical professional before starting any exercise routine.
Understanding Winged Scapula
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Injury to the long thoracic nerve
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Trauma to the shoulder
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Muscular dystrophy
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Weakness in the muscles that stabilize the scapula
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Poor posture
Anatomy of The Scapula
Importance of Corrective Exercise
Stretching Exercises
1. Pectoralis Major Stretch
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Stand in a doorway with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle and your forearms resting on the door frame.
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Slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in your chest muscles.
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Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat.
2. Latissimus Dorsi Stretch
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Stand with your arms extended overhead and your palms facing each other.
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Slowly bend forward at the waist, keeping your arms extended.
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Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat.
3. Levator Scapulae Stretch
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Sit with your back straight and your arms hanging loosely by your sides.
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Slowly tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder.
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Place your hand on the opposite side of your head and gently apply pressure.
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Hold the stretch for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side.
Strengthening Exercises
- Stand with your arms at your sides and your shoulders relaxed.
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Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds.
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Release and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
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Stand with your back against a wall and your arms extended out to the side at shoulder height.
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Slowly raise your arms above your head while keeping them in contact with the wall.
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Lower your arms back to shoulder height and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
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Begin in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
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Slowly lower your body towards the ground while keeping your elbows close to your sides.
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Push back up to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
Other Corrective Exercises
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Begin in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
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Keep your body in a straight line from your head to your heels.
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Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat for 2-3 sets.
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Sit with your back straight and your arms at your sides.
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Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5-10 seconds.
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Release and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
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Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended in front of you.
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Raise your arms to shoulder height while squeezing your shoulder blades together.
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Lower your arms back to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
Conclusion
