Winging Scapula and atrophied muscles?

Question

I had surgery for frozen shoulder Jan 2 2007! Just noticed a couple months ago that I have winging scapula! Have a great deal of pain with scapula! Anyone no what will ease up the pain? Iam doing Pt once a week for soft tissue release! Wondereing to if Pt will solve the problem?? Can the scapula be frozen too?? Thanks, Mary

Answer 1

Contrary to what the previous post wrote frozen shoulder is NOT an outdated diagnosis. The cause of Adhesive capsulitis (the medical term for frozen shoulder) is hotly debated in the medical community but that does not change the fact that you are experiencing pain in your scapula. I am familiar with the book noted (its a good book) but it only presents their theory. The winging scap is from weakness in your serratus anterior muscle. PT can solve the problem but the PT has to work on strengthening your scapular muscles to completely solve the problem. The scapula can become hypomobile (decreased mobility) due to lack of motion and thus needs to be mobilized in addition to the glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint). I would recommend you write down all the symptoms you are feeling and all the questions you wrote in this post and sit down with your PT before your next treatment and discuss these issues/concerns with him/her. If the PT seems to not be concerned with your concerns then find another PT

Answer 2

Hi Mary. Ask your therapist to evaluate your Serratus Anterior muscles (they cause the winging scapula) for myofascial triggerpoints. These are often the cause of problems like you are having.

Please note: "Frozen Shoulder" is an out-dated concept/diagnosis. Any doctor that treats you under this diagnosis is NOT current in his/her knowledge. You may want to suggest to your healthcare providers that they read the textbook by Simons and Travell called: "Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction". This book describes the "Gold Standards" of diagnosis and treatment for problems like yours.

It may also be appropriate for you to see your family Chiropractor for a second opinion.

Best wishes and good luck.

Hi Mary. I just read Dennis' response. Obviously, he and I disagree on some issues. The key is not to get wrapped up in disagreements on poorly understood conditions, like the one you are suffering from. What is important is that you get some relief from your pain.

There are so many issues that could be discussed here (that Dennis did not address), such as the role the cervical spine plays in your problems, the various neuropathies that may be contributing to your problem (e.g. Thoracic Outlet Syndromes and Cervical Disc Syndromes), the possible roles of environmental toxicities (e.g. heavy metals, chemical sensitivities, dental infections, failed root canals, etc.), allergic conditions and nutritional imbalances, etc. etc.

There are so many factors that need to be addressed in a case like yours. Sadly, most "healthcare professionals" only know their little corner of beliefs and biases (that applies to me as well).

Clearly, Dennis believes in the frozen shoulder philosophy, but, you have already been treated by people with that philosophy and their treatment has FAILED.

Keep pushing for better care, new approaches and new ideas. And, do not hesitate to get 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and more opinions from other types of practitioners who have other types of knowledge.

Answer 3

You need to ask your dr. about this, from what I have read occupational/physical therapy would be a starting point, if this does not work surgery is another option in some cases, see your dr. good luck.

Answer 4

Biodisc might help
Check out www.holistichealth4dummies.com
[e-mail]