DOI: 10.33631/sabd.1751885 ISSN: 2792-0542

Scapular Dyskinesis and Rehabilitation Approaches

Mustafa Özkan Fırat, İbrahim Halil Akçay, Dursun Alper Yılmaz
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This narrative review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the etiology of scapular dyskinesis, its relationship with shoulder pathologies, clinical assessment methods, and current rehabilitation approaches based on the available scientific evidence.A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and contemporary clinical guidelines published between 2000 and 2025 were included. The retrieved evidence was analyzed with respect to the assessment of scapular dyskinesis, its association with shoulder disorders, and rehabilitation strategies, and the available findings were synthesized.Current evidence demonstrates that scapular dyskinesis is associated with several shoulder disorders, including subacromial impingement syndrome, rotator cuff pathologies, glenohumeral instability, and chronic shoulder pain. The Scapular Dyskinesis Test, Lateral Scapular Slide Test, and Scapular Reposition Test are the most commonly used clinical assessment tools, whereas quantitative measurement techniques improve the objectivity and reliability of evaluations. Rehabilitation interventions primarily focus on restoring scapular stability, enhancing activation of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles, improving motor control, correcting postural alignment, and increasing thoracic spine mobility. These approaches have been reported to reduce pain, improve shoulder function, and optimize shoulder biomechanics.Early identification of scapular dyskinesis and implementation of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies are essential for improving shoulder function and preventing shoulder injuries. Current evidence supports individualized exercise-based rehabilitation programs as effective interventions for achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

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