When to Strengthen the Upper Trapezius
Scapular Depression & Downward Rotation
I was recently treating a patient who presented with left shoulder pain, weakness, and the sensation of instability following a surfing accident. The patient denied any history of dislocations, but reported the shoulder felt weak 'as if it could pop out' in various overhead positions. Due to the traumatic onset of symptoms, I suspected a partial labral tear or rotator cuff involvement as the underlying pathoanatomical problem. Regardless, it is not my job to fix the anatomical issues. As the physical therapist, it is my job to treat his underlying impairments and provide education on pain and proper movement.
At his initial evaluation, he had both static and dynamic postural deficits. Statically, he was resting in scapular depression and downward rotation (see picture above). Dynamically, he had limited overhead mobility (see video below) as well as weakness in his serratus anterior and upper trapezius muscle. Additionally, he had decreased cervical rotation range of motion due to the depressed position of his scapula.
A 'scapular assistance test,' which provides support to the shoulder girdle, revealed full, painfree cervical range of motion.
Identifying shoulder mobility deficits can be difficult due to the numerus ways the body will compensate for the lack of motion. In the video below, the individual over arches his middle back to reach fully overhead. When asked to maintain a neutral spine, he was unable to raise fully overhead.
Treatment Rationale
As part of his plan of care, treatment focused on retraining the upper trapezius muscle. Prior to starting therapy, his upper trapezius was placed in a chronically lengthened position due to his resting scapular posture. When reaching overhead, the upper trapezius muscle would activate early in the range of motion, and it could not complete its role as an upward rotator. The glenohumeral joint was placed on extra stress because the scapular stabilizers were not working synergistically. These deficits resulted in a sense of instability when reaching overhead.
Strengthening or retraining the upper trapezius is typically important in individuals with a scapular depression. Identifying the movement dysfunction and addressing the proper impairments can prevent a patient from having surgery or prolonged pain.
-Jim Heafner PT, DPT, OCS
