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Does pain below left scapula is SW?
Hey docs, Hope you are doing alright. I have left scapular pain which comes and goes. But the thing is, i have left winging of scapula too. I am confused what is causing this pain.
Answers (13)
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Most of the left scapular pains comes because of the desk work professionals. For better understanding please do consult me .
Next Steps
Do proper ergonomics
Health Tips
Don't stress your scapula
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Visit head to heel clinic , porur , ch -116 , Dr.Andrew jaya singh - senior sports physio top result .
Search in google and make a free consultation in phone .
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Pain is referred to arm or not if not then do reisitive exercises contact if you want more information
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Scapular pain along with visible winging usually indicates weakness or dysfunction of the muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade, especially the serratus anterior, lower trapezius, and sometimes the rhomboids.
Winging occurs when these muscles are not able to hold the scapula flat against the ribcage.
The pain you feel comes and goes because the shoulder blade becomes unstable during certain movements such as pushing, lifting, overhead activity, or prolonged poor posture.
In some cases, mild nerve irritation (long thoracic nerve) can also contribute.
This condition is common and treatable with proper strengthening and postural correction.
Next Steps
Start strengthening exercises for:
• Serratus anterior (wall push-ups, push-up plus, dynamic hugs)
• Lower & middle trapezius (Y-T-W exercises)
2. Avoid overhead heavy lifting till control improves.
3. Apply hot pack for 10 minutes if pain increases.
4. Get a scapular stability assessment from a physiotherapist to rule out nerve involvement.
5. If symptoms persist beyond 3–4 weeks, consider nerve conduction study (NCS) to check long thoracic nerve function.
Health Tips
Do not self-crack or force movements.
• Maintain upright posture—avoid long hours of leaning forward.
• Winging improves slowly, so be consistent with exercises.
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Wings of scapula id because of the imbalance and weakness of the muscle shoulder as a whole is a complex joint and scapula, clavicle, humerus ( arm bone) and their muscles are interconnected and interrupted, the reason for your pain may be malalignment of the bone or muscular imbalance we need to check to rule out the reason then we can think about the solution, connect online for consultation and treatment
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Left-sided scapular pain along with scapular winging usually indicates that the muscles responsible for stabilizing your shoulder blade—especially the serratus anterior, lower trapezius, and sometimes rhomboids—are either weak, overworked, or not coordinating well. In many cases, the underlying issue is related to postural overload, desk work, or muscle imbalance, but sometimes the long thoracic nerve can also contribute to winging.
Next Steps
1. Get a proper physiotherapy assessment
This will help confirm whether the winging is due to muscular weakness, nerve irritation, or poor movement mechanics.
2. Check serratus anterior and lower trap strength
These are the primary stabilizers that usually need targeted strengthening.
3. Rule out cervical and thoracic spine issues
Sometimes pain near the scapula comes from the spine or nerve roots.
4. Begin corrective exercises
Wall slides with serratus activation
Scapular protraction exercises
Lower-trap strengthening
Postural correction and thoracic mobility drills
5. Modify activity
Avoid heavy overhead lifting or pushing until stability improves.
Health Tips
Avoid slouched posture during long sitting hours.
Warm up shoulder blade muscles before gym sessions.
Use heat therapy and gentle stretching if pain flares up.
Consistency is key, scapular winging improves gradually with the right exercises.
If pain worsens or there is increasing weakness, consider nerve conduction study to rule out long thoracic nerve involvement.
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Hey there!
I need to know few more details. Kindly consult me online for better diagnosis. Just click the consult now button on your right to connect with me.
Regards
Your physio
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Thank you for sharing your concerns. You mentioned experiencing left scapular pain along with some visible scapular winging. It’s important to understand that posture on its own is not usually a direct cause of pain. Pain is typically influenced by multiple factors such as muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, movement control, repetitive activities, sustained positions, and even stress levels. Posture itself is dynamic and naturally changes throughout the day, so there’s no need to worry excessively about having a “perfect” posture.
In many individuals around your age, scapular discomfort can develop when certain muscles are overloaded—often due to repetitive sports activities, prolonged desk or mobile use, or general overuse patterns. When some muscles overwork and others are underactive, imbalances can develop that contribute to pain and reduced control.
I would recommend visiting a qualified physiotherapy clinic so a therapist can assess your scapular muscle strength, endurance, and coordination, as well as your thoracic mobility. Based on the assessment, they can guide you through a structured rehabilitation process. This typically includes:
1. Deep muscle activation and stabilization exercises
To improve control around the scapulothoracic region.
2. Flexibility exercises
To address any tight or overloaded muscles contributing to your discomfort.
3. Progressive strengthening exercises
To build balanced strength around the shoulder and scapula.
4. Endurance training
To help prevent recurrence of symptoms during daily or sports activities.
5. Dynamic stability training
To restore proper movement patterns and improve overall shoulder function.
With consistent work over the course of about six weeks, many people experience significant improvement in symptoms and function.
Try not to worry—scapular issues like this are common and very manageable with the right guidance. A physiotherapist will help you understand the specific factors affecting you and support you in a safe, progressive recovery plan.
Next Steps
Meet your near by Good Physiotherapist
Health Tips
Do Neck and scapular movements regularly, avoid sustained posture give mini breaks.
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Hey as you have mentioned pain comes and goes means this is related to your posture.
Also few Biomechanical things need to be corrected along with work to be done on strength of muscles like trapezius lower fibers ,Serratus Anterior
.But planning a Rehabilitation protocol for you needs to be planned with Nearby physio
Next Steps
let the pain subsides first ..then go for assessment
Health Tips
avoid heavy lifting for shoulder as this may affect the shoulder in long run ..Go for Rehab
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Consult in person with nearby physiotherapist for proper assessment to get proper treatment
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Please consult online for proper assessment n treatment plan accordingly
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Need to check some clinical movement plz consult online
Next Steps
Maintain posture
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Hi may be that is also one of cause or something else please take an online consultation for best diagnosis and treatment.
Next Steps
I need to check some clinical movements
Health Tips
Take care of your posture
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