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What Is Scapular Mobilization?
Is Scapular Mobilization Painful?
While you may feel a strain or stretching sensation, this treatment should not be overly painful.
Stevica Mrdja / EyeEm / Getty images
Scapular mobilization exercises may also be performed after the hands-on portion to maintain and advance your progress.
Why Is It Used?
Restrictions in scapular movement can cause damage and pain to your shoulder and can negatively impact your posture.
Because of this, scapular mobilizations are often used whenever limited shoulder blade motion is identified.
Benefits
Scapular mobilization has been shown to positively benefit a number of the conditions mentioned above.
It is worth noting, however, that these improvements are similar to those seen with postural stretching.
Risks
While scapular mobilizations are generally safe, they should not be painful.
When scapular movement is restricted, it can cause pain and problems with functioning.
Scapular mobilizations involve hands-on manipulation and stretching of the shoulder blade.
When combined with exercise, this treatment can reduce soreness, increase range of motion, and improve function.
The scapula serves as an attachment point for many shoulder, neck, and trunk muscles.
Because of this, normal movement in this bone is key to a fully mobile and pain-free shoulder.
How well you tolerate the therapy and your pain levels may also account for your treatment length.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Scapular(shoulder blade) disorders.
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doi:10.1016/j.jse.2019.05.037
Fani M, Ebrahimi S, Ghanbari A.
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