SCAPULAR DYSKINESIS
Scapular Dyskinesis
Overview
Scapular dyskinesis refers to abnormal movement or positioning of the shoulder blade during arm motion.
It is often caused by muscular imbalance, poor posture, or previous shoulder injuries. Since the scapula serves as the foundation for shoulder movement, dysfunction here can contribute to pain, weakness, or recurrent shoulder issues.
Signs & Symptoms
- Abnormal shoulder blade movement (winging or tilting)
- Shoulder fatigue or heaviness during overhead tasks
- Pain in the upper back, shoulder, or neck
- Poor performance or coordination during lifts or sports
- Audible clicking or snapping sensation
Causes
- Weakness or delayed activation of scapular stabilizers (serratus anterior, lower trap)
- Tight pectoralis minor or upper trapezius
- Poor posture (rounded shoulders, forward head)
- History of shoulder injury or rotator cuff dysfunction
- Repetitive overhead work or training
How a Chiropractor Can Help
At Unify Rehab & Performance, we use a comprehensive movement and postural analysis to evaluate how your shoulder blade moves and interacts with the rest of your kinetic chain.
Our treatment includes:
- Manual therapy and mobilizations for the thoracic spine and ribs.
- Soft tissue therapy to release tight muscles limiting scapular motion.
- Acupuncture to alleviate pain and enhance muscular coordination.
- Strength-based rehab focusing on scapular control, posture correction, and load tolerance.
- Education on movement retraining and daily posture habits.
By improving how the shoulder blade moves, we help restore efficient, pain-free motion and prevent future shoulder injuries.