Condition Structural Concern Benchmarked

Winged / Protracted Scapulae

Scapular winging (medial border lifts off thorax) or protraction (scapulae sit far from midline). Driven by serratus anterior weakness, lower trap inhibition, pec minor shortening, and thoracic mobility restriction.

6
ROM Tests
4
Corrective Priorities
4
Risk Factors
4
Red Flags

Key ROM Tests

1 Scapular Position
2 Thoracic Extension
3 Shoulder Horizontal Abduction
4 Shoulder Flexion
5 Shoulder Internal Rotation
6 Diaphragmatic Assessment

Risk Factors Assessed

Scapular Position
Thoracic Extension
Shoulder Horizontal Abduction
Shoulder Flexion

Expected Timeline

6-12 weeks for activation, 12-20 weeks for postural change, nerve palsy recovery 6-12 months if nerve is intact

Frequently Asked Questions

Can winged / protracted scapulae be corrected with exercise?
Typical improvement timeline is 6-12 weeks for activation, 12-20 weeks for postural change, nerve palsy recovery 6-12 months if nerve is intact. The protocol includes 4 prioritized corrective interventions and screens for red flags that require medical referral.
What assessments are done for winged / protracted scapulae?
The protocol assesses Scapular Position, Thoracic Extension, Shoulder Horizontal Abduction, Shoulder Flexion. Each test identifies the specific driver of the condition, guiding the corrective sequence.
Is winged / protracted scapulae the same for everyone?
No. The assessment differentiates structural from functional causes and identifies the individual's primary driver. The corrective plan is ordered by priority, with the highest-leverage corrections addressed first.
How do I get started with the Winged / Protracted Scapulae protocol?
Apply for an assessment through AKMI. Your coach will run the Winged / Protracted Scapulae protocol as part of your initial structural evaluation, then build a personalized corrective plan based on the findings.

Get your Winged / Protracted Scapulae assessment

Your coach runs this protocol as part of your structural evaluation, then builds a personalized corrective plan based on the data.

Apply for Assessment

Protocol Details

Category
Condition
Subcategory
Structural Concern
ROM Tests
6
Corrective Targets
4
Benchmarked
Yes
Red Flag Screens
4
Timeline
6-12 weeks for activation, 12-20 weeks for postural change, nerve palsy recovery 6-12 months if nerve is intact
Free Pain Assessment

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Related Condition Protocols

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Pain on the outer aspect of the knee, most commonly IT band friction syndrome (ITBS). Assessment targets ITB length (Ober's test), hip abductor strength, ankle dorsiflexion, and lateral meniscus provocation.

 Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Degenerative changes in the rotator cuff tendons, most commonly supraspinatus. Assessment targets shoulder IR/ER ratio, isometric strength testing, painful arc identification, and scapular control.

 Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

Collapsed medial arch with excessive pronation during stance and gait. Driven by tibialis posterior weakness, intrinsic foot muscle atrophy, and proximal hip rotation deficits that cascade distally.

 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Compression of neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet causing arm numbness, pain, or weakness. Assessment targets scalene tension, first rib mobility, pec minor length, and cervical posture.

 External Rotation Gait (Duck Feet)

Externally rotated foot position during gait, driven by tibial torsion, hip external rotation dominance, ankle eversion, and foot pronation patterns. Can be structural (tibial/femoral torsion) or functional (muscle imbalance).

 Protracted Shoulders

Chronically protracted shoulder girdle with anterior shoulder rounding. Driven by pec major and minor shortening, posterior shoulder tightness, thoracic extension deficit, and scapular retraction weakness.