About this topic
The shoulder blade, or the scapula, is part of the shoulder joint. The shoulder blade has many muscles that attach to it. These muscles help hold the arm close to the body. They also help the arm move. Normally, the shoulder blade lies flat against your back. A winged scapula happens when the edge of the shoulder blade that is closest to your spine sticks out. This is often a sign of another problem rather than an injury to the shoulder blade itself. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest if injury is from repeat motions.
- Wear a sling or brace if your doctor suggests you wear one.
- Do exercises for range of motion and strengthening.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to a specialist called an orthopedic doctor. Your doctor may also send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest your shoulder for a while. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you work out or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What problems could happen?
Long-lasting nerve damage ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise. Use good ways to train and good form for sports. Have an expert look at your technique.
- Wear protection when playing sports.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Follow pitch count guidelines if you are a baseball or softball player.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Numbness or tingling in your arm or hand
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or numbness and tingling or swelling.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚