Describe scapular winging and discuss how it can be corrected

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Scapular winging is a condition in which the entire medial border of the scapula is raised (called true winging) or the bottom of the medial border is raised (called pseudo-winging). Both patterns reflect muscular imbalances around the scapula, particularly a weakness in the serratus anterior and an adaptive shortening in its antagonist, the rhomboids. In a pseudo-winging pattern, the scapula is also anteriorly tilted, often from adaptive shortening in the pectoralis minor. Both patterns occur in generally poor alignment of the shoulder girdle and spine. To correct winging, adaptively shortened muscles need to be stretched, weak muscles need to be strengthened, postural muscles supporting the neutral position of the scapula and spine need to be activated and brought under control, and the scapulohumeral rhythm needs to be improved with neuromuscular patterning exercises for arm movement.