Raised/retracted Inferior Angle of Scapula

[Bccn]

In class last night I was working on another student and noticed her inferior angle of her left scapula was raised off of her torso higher than her right. So basically the angle was 'sticking out'.

My insturctior seemed to think it was an issue with were the lats cross over the inferior angle. I thought it could be an issue with tight supraspinatus or upper traps or possibly even a lengthened or weak subscapularis or part thereof.

Thoughts? Things to look at? Assesment ideas?

PS. Did not notice that one scapula was elevated or rotated more than the other.

She does round her shoulders forward. Did not notice one more than the other though.

She tilts her head slightly to the left when observing anterior and standing.

Her left shoulder is slightly lower than right in standing assesment.

No hip hink to speak of.

Both levator scapula are taught from slight 'bird watching' head/neck position.

Did not assess her pecs or anterior deltoids.

 

[Wang]

Raised/retracted Inferior Angle of Scapula

In my experience, scapular asymmetries are multifaceted in cause. Start with tightness of the anterior soft tissue (pecs, etc). Winging of the scapula is seldom caused by weakness of the rhomboids or similar. Open up the front and the scapula can lie in a more normal position. A mild scoliosis will create an asymmetrical ribcage, causing the scapula to lay in an altered posture. Work to reduce the spinal curve and level the landscape of the ribcage. The postural changes that even a minor scoliosis (which most of us have) set us up for "issues" such as this. If the client is coming in for scapular, or related pain, intervene. If it is simply your observation, without symptom, move on.

 

[Melon Bar]

Raised/retracted Inferior Angle of Scapula

Thanks for the reply.

I suspected after posting yesterday that It might have something to do with rounded shoulders/tight pecs/ant delts etc...

In class last night I had her sit more upright and pull her shoulders back and the raised angle of the scapula was reduced quite a bit.

I found out she had been treated at one time for multidirectional shoulder instability as well.

The next time I get a chance to work with her I will check into/treat ant delts and pecs.

She does have shoulder pain in both shoulders esp at GH joint.

Thanks a ton for taking the time to reply.