Best quote from Scapular Dyskinesis: Assessing Shoulder Motion and Injury Risk
The scapula is a link in the kinetic chain that transfers energy from the legs and core into the arm; if that link is weak, the arm has to work twice as hard.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
Teaching on assessment, testing, investigation, diagnosis and physiotherapy treatment of scapular dyskinesis
Frequently Asked Questions
Scapular dyskinesis refers to an alteration in the normal motion of the shoulder blade. The term is derived from 'dys,' meaning alteration, and 'kinesis,' meaning motion. It is characterized by movement patterns like winging or hitching during shoulder elevation. Rather than being a specific disease or diagnosis, it is considered a movement impairment that often acts as a signal for underlying issues within the shoulder system.
While scapular dyskinesis is highly prevalent in those with shoulder injuries—appearing in 64% to 100% of cases—it is not always linked to pain. Research indicates that approximately 27% of individuals with no shoulder pain also exhibit these exact movement patterns. Because abnormal motion can be normal for some, clinicians must use a framework that connects these movement patterns to the patient's specific pain and functional limitations.
Assessment involves moving beyond just observing the shoulder to determine if the scapula is a 'victim' of a bad joint or the 'culprit' causing the trouble. Physical therapy assessment focuses on whether the dyskinesis is an impairment related to the patient's symptoms. Since movement patterns vary, the goal is to create a framework that connects the observed shoulder biomechanics directly to the patient's clinical presentation and injury risk.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
