Ep. 059 | The Shoulder Blade Shuffle: Separating Fact from Fiction in Scapula Dyskinesia | Filip Struyf

In this podcast, we explore scapular dyskinesis, the abnormal movement of the shoulder blade. We discuss related terms like scapular misalignment and sick scapula, questioning the practicality of assessing it through visual observation. We highlight that identifying it as normal or abnormal may not guide treatment decisions or pinpoint the cause of shoulder pain. We also address its prevalence in athletes and non-athletes and suggest using various tests to assess scapular dyskinesis. Intriguingly, we'll reveal a surprising connection between scapular dyskinesis and an unexpected aspect of training, which might change the way you think about shoulder issues. So, join us for the full episode to uncover this fascinating insight.

Guest

Filip Struyf is a sportsphysiotherapist and professor at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. According to Expertscape, he is the #1 shoulder researcher world-wide. He teaches shoulder courses nationally and internationally and has created an online course together with us called “Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain: Separating Facts from Fiction”.

Content

00:00 Intro

01:15 The "correct" definition

04:05 What is "normal"

12:05 Prevalence

14:21 Is it a functional adaptation?

16:46 Scapula Dyskinesia as a risk factor?

26:09 How do we assess it?

28:51 How reliable or valid is assessment?

32:39 Can we improve scapula movement?

39:09 What's up with focussing on the lower trapezius?

42:26 What about Rhomboid Pain?

46:21 Is there a place for scapula mobilization techniques?

49:42 Filip's closing thoughts

52:15 Outro

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