Condition guide
Scapular Winging - Overview
Scapular winging describes a shoulder blade that projects away from the rib cage. Muscle-control problems or injury to a nerve supplying the shoulder muscles can contribute; the underlying cause needs assessment.
Symptoms
- Visible scapular protrusion
- Shoulder instability
- Pain with arm elevation
- Reduced shoulder strength
Causes & Risk Factors
- Weakness or imbalance of muscles controlling the shoulder blade
- Injury affecting a supplying nerve, including the long thoracic nerve
- An associated shoulder or bone injury
Diagnosis
- Review of symptoms, previous injury and shoulder-blade movement
- Examination of shoulder strength, flexibility and arm movement
- Nerve testing or imaging when a clinician suspects a nerve or structural injury
Effective Treatment Options
- An exercise programme selected for the assessed muscle or nerve problem
- Appropriate shoulder-muscle strengthening, flexibility and movement-control work
- Specialist assessment when nerve injury or persistent functional difficulty is suspected
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scapular winging permanent?
Recovery depends on the cause and any muscle or nerve injury. Some people improve with rehabilitation; others need specialist care. An individual assessment is needed to discuss the outlook.
Which exercises help scapular winging?
Exercises should match the muscles and nerves involved. A physiotherapist may work on strength, flexibility and movement control; a suspected nerve injury needs assessment before choosing a programme.
Sources and further reading
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