Scapular Muscle Training Program

Phase 1: Acute Phase

Goal: Minimize further injury to tissues

Focus:

1. Promote scapular and glenohumeral muscle activation working synchronously and without substitution.
2. Restore passive mobility

Core / Lower Extremity:

• Stretches for hip:
  • Hip flexors
  • Hip rotators
  • Hip abductors
• Standing resisted hip strengthening with tubing
  • Extension
  • Abduction
  • Hip flexion
• Begin functional core strengthening (for balance and control) such as:
  • Stepping back and up onto platform without UE support
  • Assume “power position” and hold for 3 seconds
  • Assume “cocked arm” position and hold scapular squeeze for 3 seconds

Shoulder:

• Stretches for posterior shoulder capsule:
  • Cross body arm stretch with scapular stabilized against wall
  • “Sleeper stretch”
• Stretches for anterior musculature
  • Doorway stretch starting with arms by side and progressing to shoulder abduction 90 degrees.

Scapula:

• Active scapula movement, especially retraction, with arm by side and no resistance
  • Watch for substitutions
• Progress to isometric scapular exercises
  • Low scapular retraction
  • Inferior glide scapular abduction

Criteria to progressing to Phase II:

• Minimal or no pain with ADLs
• Demonstrate good voluntary control of scapula with minimal or no verbal cues.
• Improved flexibility
• Demonstrate no loss of balance with standing hip exercises.