chicken wing scapula

[Lucky 7]

One of her scapulas looks a lot like a chicken wing sticking up. :wink: What kind of massage technique or stretches do you use to get it back down? I've been able to improve it but not that much. Thanks

 

[Mintee]

Usually this is a serratus anterior problem, or a long thoracic nerve issue which is its innervation.

 

[Cloe B]

Usually this is a serratus anterior problem

I concur, a weakness in serratus anterior is said to cause "winged scapula."

 

[eliza]

are the shoulder forward rolled?
I would personally say that pec minor, major, and the RTC muscles need to be addressed. I know because I had the same problem.
Scaps should lay flat on the back.

 

[7K3]

Thanks for the replies. I guess more info will get me more info? Sorry.
I've worked quite a bit on the serratus anterior muscle.
Her shoulders do not roll forward, in fact she has ideal posture and is very athletic.
She does fight whiplash though. I was thinking maybe it was something above the scapula or.... I'm not trained in any of the really technical medical massage, so thought I'd check here. I work all basic areas plus extra on the serratus but I'm obviously not finding it. Again, I appreciate the help.

 

[Savanna]

Thanks for the replies. I guess more info will get me more info? Sorry.
I've worked quite a bit on the serratus anterior muscle.
Her shoulders do not roll forward, in fact she has ideal posture and is very athletic.
She does fight whiplash though. I was thinking maybe it was something above the scapula or.... I'm not trained in any of the really technical medical massage, so thought I'd check here. I work all basic areas plus extra on the serratus but I'm obviously not finding it. Again, I appreciate the help.

I think it is a weakness of the serratus anterior, so what she needs is to strengthen it. One good way is by doing push-ups. She may need you to help with those growing pains, though.

 

[JAM!]

I've worked quite a bit on the serratus anterior muscle.
Her shoulders do not roll forward, in fact she has ideal posture and is very athletic.
She does fight whiplash though. I was thinking maybe it was something above the scapula or.... I'm not trained in any of the really technical medical massage, so thought I'd check here. I work all basic areas plus extra on the serratus but I'm obviously not finding it. Again, I appreciate the help.

Have you worked on Levator Scapula? Serratus Posterior Superior? The Rhomboids? Latissimus Dorsii?

 

[KOTU]

Could be something going on with C5/6/7.

May want to add in some neck work.

 

[Pompal 09.]

If the problem is due to weakness of the serratus, a great exercise is push-up pluses on a swiss ball.
Basically performing push ups on the swiss ball, with a full protraction at the top of the push up. Slow eccentric down, 4 seconds, and a strong, explosive push up again.
Start with feet on the floor, when you can do 3 sets of 10, raise the feet on a bench. When you can do 3 sets of ten, try one hand on separate balls. Then feet on the balls as well...

 

[BOOM shaka Lakaa]

Possibly Facioscapularhumerol dystrophy. This is a rare type but I have a friend that started out with the chicken wing and after it has prgressed he has lost the ability to drink from a straw or whistle. Does the shoulder on the side of the chicken wing rest lower than the other if looking from the front?

Mike