SICK Scapula: An Overlooked Cause of Shoulder Pain

SICK Scapula: An Overlooked Cause of Shoulder Pain

SICK scapula or shoulder dykinesis is a form of shoulder pain created by disorganized movement of the shoulder joint. Kinesis refers to “motion”, and the prefix “dys” describes something that is “bad, abnormal or difficult”. So in the case of SICK scapula, athletes who repetitively use their arms for overhead motion such as throwing, swimming or swinging a racquet, are all at risk of developing this condition.

Pain may be followed by limited range of motion, and if left untreated, may develop into a more severe shoulder injury. This article will help explain the anatomy of the shoulder, the features of SICK scapula and the treatments that can be used to correct it.

Why is it Called SICK Scapula?

SICK is an acronym for the prominent features of the condition:

• Scapular malposition
• Inferior medial border prominence
• Coracoid pain and malposition
• DysKinesis of scapular motion

The Anatomy of the Shoulder

SICK Scapula Treatment – Huntington Beach, Orange County CA

The scapula, more commonly referred to as the shoulder blade, is the boney structure on the upper back below the top of your shoulder and just behind the axilla. It is a free floating structure with only one attachment to the upper body through a joint located at the end of the clavicle (or collar bone) called the acromioclavicular joint. The long bone of the upper arm, called the humerus, sits in a small socket on the outer edge of the scapula. It is called the glenohumeral joint. The glenohumeral joint by itself has very little stability. It relies on a set of four muscles known as the rotator cuff to provide the foundation and stability of the shoulder. The rotator cuff muscles and their functions are as follows:

• Supraspinatus which predominately stabilizes the shoulder and helps pull the arm toward the body (adduction)
• Infraspinatus which helps rotate the upper arm so the palm faces up (external rotation)
• Teres minor which also aids in external rotation
• Subscapularis which helps elevate the arm away from the body (abduction)

In addition to the rotator cuff, there are several other muscles that are involved in shoulder stabilization and range of motion. They too can be involved in SICK scapula:

• Trapezius which help pull the scapula toward the spine (scapular retraction), upward as if “shrugging” the shoulders (scapular elevation), and down and inward toward the midback (scapular depression)
• The rhomboids which also aid in scapular retraction
• Levator scapula which also aid in scapular elevation
• Serratus anterior which stabilize the scapula and pull the scapula away from the spine as when the shoulders roll toward the front of the body (protraction/scapular abduction)
• Pectoralis major which helps pull the arm towards the body (adduction)

How SICK Scapula Happens

Because the shoulder is capable of such a wide range of motion, a very complex and harmonious chain reaction of muscle contraction must occur for normal, painless movement. Usually, this is the case for most of us in our daily lives. But for those who repetitively use the shoulder in strenuous overhead activity, weakness and instability in any part of that chain reaction can lead to injury. SICK scapula can be both a precursor to injury or the result of a previous one.

SICK Scapula Therapy can be Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy or a very good Strength and Conditioning Coach. SICK Scapula Therapy can include overhead lifts when merited – Huntington Beach Sports Chiropractor CA

Like the parts of an engine, the muscles of the shoulder must all work together perfectly. The repetitive overhead use causes certain muscles to weaken while others tighten. This literally pulls the scapula away from the body, tilting and rotating out of its normal plane of movement. In turn, this puts stress on the head of the humerus as the angle of the glenohumoral joint changes.

Pain and restricted motion of the arm are the result.

Eventually, the normal, smooth movement of the scapula becomes completely distorted due to its altered position. In this state, continued intense, repetitive use greatly increases the chance of severe injury.

Therefore, if there is pain through range of motion or with exertion, it can be important to consider this diagnosis in addition to shoulder strain, as both share common characteristics, but have very different underlying causes.

SICK scapula is a biomechanics problem, while shoulder strains are muscle damage due to intense, repetitive movements that apply too much pressure to the muscle and joint. Athletes such as swimmers, tennis players, baseball and softball players are susceptible given the nature of their sports.

SICK Scapula Symptoms and Evaluation

Pain and limitation of shoulder movement are usually the main complaints. Because the scapula is misaligned, the affected shoulder will appear lower than the other or “dropped”. Also, the scapula will appear “winged” or protracted due to its altered position. The top, front or outer portion of the shoulder may be painful to the touch.

A functional assessment tests for pain, strength and range of motion. It is very useful in diagnosing this condition. Imaging tests can be used if there is a history of shoulder trauma to rule out any fractures. Imaging can also help identify joint degeneration, bony impingement of the soft tissues and arthritis. If a muscle strain is suspected, a musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to evaluate for scar tissue, as this can also be a source of restricted shoulder movement and pain.

Treatment for SICK Scapula

The good news is there are many therapeutic options for treating SICK scapula. The foundation of any program will most likely include RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) in addition to NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

Physical therapy, physiotherapy or working with an experienced strength and conditioning coach are all good options. These practitioners may also recommend or incorporate soft tissue manipulation techniques such as Active Release Technique® or Graston Technique.

An important part of any rehabilitation program is stretching. Many athletes fail to recognize the importance of stretching and warming up prior to activity. The presence of scar tissue in the muscle makes it more dense, less flexible and difficult to fully elongate. Stretching helps get the most out of any strengthening regimen. The common misconception that a tight muscle is a strong one is not only incorrect- it can lead to injury!

Sometimes, a tight muscle signifies it is weak, in constant spasm to maintain function, and on the verge of greater injury. In SICK scapula, the pectoralis major is usually very tight, contributing to the misalignment of the scapula. An effective stretch for this muscle is simply placing the forearm flat on a wall or doorway and then stepping forward. Stretches such as this should be incorporated into the therapeutic routine.

Eccentric rehabilitative exercises are also very helpful as they focus on strengthening the muscles and tendons involved in SICK scapula. These exercises can stimulate healing within the first six weeks, giving the best prognosis for recovery. Approximately 8-12 weeks of treatment will be needed, depending on the injury.

Steroid injections may be of use in decreasing the discomfort and in some cases, surgery is indicated in order to repair torn muscular tendons.

In summary, it is important to consider SICK scapula when there is shoulder pain. It is a diagnosis that can easily be made in certain athletes who perform overhead activities and have very specific findings on a physical exam. Most importantly, when recognized early and treated, it can spare further advanced injury.

Looking for assistance with your shoulder condition? We do offer online courses for education of the area, rehab exercises and empowerment to know you have control over your condition.

Works Cited

S, Gumina, Carbone S, and Postacchini F. “Result Filters.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 10 Oct. 2008. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19111217>.

Seroyer, Shane T., Shane J. Nho, Bernard R. Bach, Jr., Charles A. Bush-Joseph, Gregory P. Nicholson, and Anthony A. Romeo. “Abstract.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2009. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445067/>.

“Scapular Dyskinesis/ SICK Scapula.” Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists. Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists, 2012. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. <http://www.sportsandortho.com/minneapolis/scapular-dyskinesis-sick-scapula.htm>.

Cressey, Eric. “Clearing up the Rotator Cuff Controversy | Eric Cressey | High Performance Training, Personal Training.” Eric Cressey. Cressey Performance, 31 Jan. 2010. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. <http://www.ericcressey.com/clearing-up-the-rotator-cuff-controversy>.

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