In the realm of shoulder health, having your shoulder blades move correctly is crucial. If they don't move as they should when you raise or lower your arms, you might feel pain, hear cracking sounds, or feel like your shoulder is unstable. This issue is called 'scapular dyskinesis.'
Scapular dyskinesis is more common than you might think and can affect anyone, from athletes to office workers. It often develops due to poor posture, overuse of the shoulder muscles, or injuries. Sometimes, it can be a result of underlying shoulder problems, such as rotator cuff injuries or shoulder impingement syndrome.
During a checkup with a healthcare provider, they can spot scapular dyskinesis by watching how your shoulder blades move when you move your arms. If your shoulder blades stick out or don't lie flat against your rib cage as they should, it's a sign of scapular dyskinesis. This misalignment can lead to muscle imbalances, pain, and reduced shoulder function.
The good news is that scapular dyskinesis can often be treated without surgery. Physical therapy is the mainstay of treatment, focusing on strengthening the muscles around your shoulder blades and improving their coordination. Your physical therapist will create a customized exercise program to address your specific needs and help you regain proper shoulder blade movement.
In addition to traditional physical therapy, advancements in technology have introduced new tools to aid in the treatment of scapular dyskinesis. One such device is the Neuralign System STM (formerly known as the Shoulder Pacemaker) developed by Alyve Medical Inc. This electro-stimulator is used during therapeutic exercises to target and activate specific muscles involved in shoulder blade movement. It helps to retrain these muscles, promoting natural scapula mechanics and reducing pain and dysfunction.
Combining physical therapy exercises with the use of innovative devices like the Neuralign System STM can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with scapular dyskinesis. By addressing muscle imbalances and enhancing shoulder blade movement, patients can experience relief from pain and improved shoulder function, allowing them to return to their daily activities with confidence.
Request an appointment today with one of our Shoulder Physicians!