Is there any treatment for winged scapula?
It’s a symptom of poor control or imbalance in the muscles which control the scapula, so when increased weight is taken through the shoulder girdle i.e. weightlifting, then any weakness becomes more apparent. It’s commonly weakness in the Serratus Anterior muscles that causes ‘winging’. Treatment would involve an exercise programme to address this imbalance which could include stretching and strengthening exercises and control retraining. It’s a long process and commitment is needed – often results aren’t immediate, although if you fail to treat it then it can leave you predisposed to shoulder problems later on, especially if you are weightlifting. I’m not a health professional – a physiotherapist would be able to set you out a programme of exercises. If you want to get this on the NHS then you’ll need to be referred by your GP, and if you want to be a high priority patient then you’ll need to tell them that it’s a recent onset problem that’s affecting your work.
