Winged scapula / Scapula alata
Rehab for the injury
Description of winged scapula alata
Scapula Ala or Scapula Alata is a condition where the shoulder bade protrudes from the back resulting in a kind of “wing”. Besides causing decreased functionality of the shoulder blade, this often also gives way to problems in the joint since it pulls the acromial cavity forwards and thusly causes compression of the muscles and bursa when the arm is lifted. This is also called impingement syndrome; but impingement syndrome can be caused by several factors. This is just one of those; but also a very common condition, since scapula alata is usually a result of sitting statically in front of a computer or tablet.
Often, this condition effects both shoulders, which can give a curved posture with a rounded back. Another very common cause is paralysis of the nerve that controls the serratus anterior muscle which holds the position of the shoulder. If the muscle does not get a signal from the nerve, the muscle will not activate which causes the shoulder to wing. Paralysis of the nerve can be due to trauma, it can be disease-related (both short-term by the flu or bronchitis, or disease that effects the nervous system such as diabetes or sclerosis) or it may be a result of a dysfunction in the back. The condition is also called serratus palsy. Other causes of scapula alata may be weakened rhomboid (minor and major) muscles, than that m. trapezius. Whichever condition you have it is important to activate the muscles that support the position of the shoulder blade, and ensuring that the chest muscles are not too tight.
Symptoms of scapula alata
- Pain in the shoulder as in impingement syndrome.
- Reduced function of the shoulder blade.
- Curved posture of the upper back.
- Resulting injuries of the shoulder, neck and arm.
Examination of scapula alata
En læge eller terapeut kan stille diagnosen ved at sammenholde sygehistorien med det visuelle billede af posituren på skulderbladet, øvre ryg, skulderleddet og nakken. Herudover kan der ved en englevinge test hvor armene føres op og ned mens skulderbladenes bevægelse registreres og stille en diagnose.
Treatment for scapula alata
- Specific rehab training programs see below.
- A manual therapist, physiotherapist or osteopath can treat some of the symptoms.
In case of acute pain or injury, treatment and training will be given according to diagnosis.
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