Movement Optimism Dr Lori Michener - Who's afraid of scapular dyskinesis?
Jan 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lori Michener, a Professor of Biomechanics and a leading physical therapist at USC, shares her expertise on shoulder rehabilitation. She delves into the evolving understanding of scapular dyskinesis and its relationship with shoulder pain. Dr. Michener emphasizes individualized treatment strategies over rigid adherence to scapular positions. The dialogue also covers tendon mechanics, the importance of tailored patient education, and the therapeutic value of attentive listening in physical therapy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Pitcher and Pronation
- Dr. Michener recalls a story of a pitcher who, despite not having pain, tried to improve pronation/supination.
- After improving range of motion, performance dropped, and returned when tightness returned.
Scapular Dyskinesis: Normal Variability
- Scapular dyskinesis, or abnormal scapular movement, is surprisingly common and variable among individuals.
- Asymmetry between sides is the norm, not the exception, and visual assessment alone isn't reliably linked to shoulder pain.
Impingement: Normal, Not Pathological
- Shoulder impingement is now considered a normal, unavoidable part of shoulder movement.
- Pain arises not from the impingement itself but from the sensitivity of the underlying tendon.