Scapular Dyskinesis
Definition
Abnormal scapular movement or position during arm motion. The scapula should upwardly rotate, posteriorly tilt, and externally rotate as the arm elevates overhead. Dyskinesis describes any deviation from this pattern: premature elevation, insufficient upward rotation, excessive protraction, or medial border prominence during movement.
Clinical Significance
Scapular dyskinesis is present in the majority of patients with shoulder pain. The scapula is the platform from which the rotator cuff operates -- if the platform moves incorrectly, rotator cuff function is compromised regardless of its strength. Dyskinesis contributes to subacromial impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and labral pathology. The root cause is frequently thoracic kyphosis or serratus anterior dysfunction rather than an isolated scapular muscle problem.
How AKMI Assesses This
AKMI assesses scapular kinematics during bilateral arm elevation and lowering (scapular dyskinesis test). The assessment identifies the type of dyskinesis (prominence of the medial border, early elevation, or loss of upward rotation) and correlates with thoracic mobility and rotator cuff function data.
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A biomechanical assessment measures scapular dyskinesis and its relationship to the rest of your structural chain. 18 tests, objective data, personalized programming.