Having strong shoulder stability is incredibly important, especially because the shoulder joint is more flexible than other joints, meaning it has less natural stability than joints like the hip or knee. Different areas of your shoulder can become unstable for one reason or another, compromising the integrity of the entire joint. When this instability develops in your shoulder blades, this is known as scapular dyskinesis. In today’s blog, we explore why scapular dyskinesis develops, what symptoms it presents with and how you and your shoulder specialist can work to treat the condition.
Causes And Symptoms Of Shoulder Dyskinesis
Your shoulder blade, also medically referred to as your scapula, provides stability to the rotator cuff. When the shoulder blade becomes less stable, it can lead to excessive motion in the rotator cuff and a higher likelihood of rotator cuff tears, which in turn increases your risk of problems like shoulder dislocations. But why does the shoulder blade become unstable in the first place?
The most common cause of scapular dyskinesis is due to acute injury or repetitive stress on the shoulder area. Not surprisingly, this means that certain athletes are oftentimes at the highest risk for the condition. Scapular dyskinesis tends to be more common in athletes who put significant strain on the area or who regularly use overhand motions, like gymnasts, swimmers, volleyball players and baseball players, with an extra emphasis on pitchers. Damage or weakness to the muscles that control the scapula can cause it to shift out of place or become less stable.
Symptoms of scapular dyskinesis include:
- Shoulder pain
- Shoulder tenderness
- Decreased range of motion
- Shoulder weakness
- A snapping, clicking, catching or popping sensation when moving the shoulder
Shoulder dyskinesis also has some visible cues. The individual dealing with the condition may take on a more slouched appearance, and their shoulder blades may become more pronounced. A common term among patients with shoulder dyskinesis is wings or winging. The shoulder blades are always somewhat visible if you were to look at someone from behind while they are standing up, but in patients with shoulder dyskinesis, one or both shoulders can become very pronounced, almost as if they have small wings on their back. While it can leave the individual a little self-conscious, it also makes for a relatively easy diagnosis.
Diagnosing And Treating Shoulder Dyskinesis
As we just mentioned, oftentimes a visual exam can help a doctor cue in on a shoulder dyskinesis diagnosis, but they’ll also put their patients through a short physical exam. Seeing how a patient responds to simple arm movements can give a provider a better understanding of the depth of the instability, as well as some ideas for how to best treat it. To confirm their suspicions or to rule out a more serious injury, imaging tests like an X-ray, MRI or CT scan may be ordered, but they are not always necessary.
Shoulder dyskinesis is commonly caused by an issue plaguing the muscles that support the shoulder blade, so the good news is that the problem can oftentimes be treated by working to strengthen the supportive soft tissues. The vast majority of patients will make a full recovery by pursuing a conservative care plan. Each patient will be different, but a general care program for someone looking to get back to physical activity after being diagnosed with shoulder dyskinesis oftentimes includes a combination of short-term rest and activity modification, targeted physical therapy, controlled range of motion exercises, ice and heat to manage any discomfort and a gradual reintroduction to physical activities. Recovery timeline is typically measured in weeks, but more severe cases may take months to achieve the best results.
If you’ve been dealing with shoulder discomfort or you’ve noticed that your child’s shoulder blades have become much more pronounced, consider setting up an appointment with a shoulder specialist. Treatment is relatively straightforward, but without proactive care, you’ll be at risk for rotator cuff and joint problems, so don’t put off care just because discomfort is minimal. Connect with Dr. Holloway and let him help find a solution to your shoulder issue. For more information, or for help with a different shoulder condition, reach out to his office today at (865) 410-7887.
