Comparison of Scapular Stabilization and Thoracic Extension Exercises in Patients With Scapular Dyskinesis

Specific treatment of scapular dyskinesis include moist heat packs, soft tissue mobilization, strength and flexibility exercises of scapular muscles along with postural re-education. Acknowledging the role of scapula in upper extremity functions, integration of scapular stabilization exercises is shown to be more efficient than strengthening and stretching exercises for enhancing shoulder proprioception, optimizing muscle strength and decreasing dyskinesis. Scapular stabilization exercises defined as exercises aimed at gaining stability and strength of scapular muscles and increasing neuromuscular control to maintain the proper position of the scapula. These exercises increase fiber strength, mass, capillaries volume thus increasing the blood flow of muscle. Mobility of Thoracic spine is an important factor to consider while treating scapular dyskinesis as reduced thoracic mobility can result in dramatic reduction of shoulder range of motion . So a rehabilitation protocol based on the scapula dynamic stability to restore the position, direction and movement pattern of scapula by stabilizing and retraining the scapular muscles is a possible intervention strategy for improving recovery and preventing shoulder dysfunction. Numerous exercises had been proposed for rehabilitation of dyskinesis, but it lack consensus on which exercise is effective in each type of dyskinesia. As different types of scapular dyskinesia have different manifestations of muscle imbalance