Scapular Stability Exercises

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated: 11 May 2022

The following scapular stability exercises are designed to improve the strength and control of the muscles of the shoulder blade (scapula). You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should only be performed provided they do not cause or increase pain. Begin with the basic scapular stability exercises. Once these are too easy, progress to the intermediate scapular stability exercises. As your strength improves, the advanced and other exercises can then be added to the intermediate program.

Basic Scapular Stability Exercises

To begin with, the following basic scapular stability exercises should be performed approximately 3 times daily. As your strength and control improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions, frequency or duration of the exercises provided they do not cause or increase pain.

Shoulder Blade Squeeze

Begin this exercise standing or sitting with your back and neck straight. Your chin should be tucked in slightly and your shoulders should be back slightly. Slowly squeeze your shoulder blades together as hard and far as you can go without pain and provided you feel no more than a moderate stretch (figure 1). Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times provided the exercise is pain free.

Shoulder Blade Shrug

Begin this exercise standing with your back and neck straight. Your arm should be at your side, slightly away from your body with your palm facing forwards as demonstrated (figure 2). Slowly elevate your shoulder blade towards your ear as far as possible provided the exercise is pain free (figure 2). Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times on each side.

Shoulder Blades Forwards Against Wall

Begin this exercise standing with your back and neck straight and your hands against the wall as shown (figure 3). Your shoulder blades should be squeezed together fully in this position, your elbows straight and you should be leaning into the wall slightly. Keeping your back and neck straight, slowly bring your shoulder blades forward allowing your arms to lengthen. Hold for 2 seconds and then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times provided the exercise is pain free.

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Intermediate Scapular Stability Exercises

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Advanced Scapular Stability Exercises

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Other Scapular Stability Exercises

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

Physiotherapy Products for Scapular Stability Exercises & Rehabilitation

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with shoulder blade stability exercises and shoulder rehabilitation, click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

More Information

• View Shoulder Stretches
• View Shoulder Strengthening Exercises
• View Upper Body Massage Ball Exercises
• View Upper Body Foam Roller Exercises
• View Upper Body Resistance Band Exercises
• View Arm Strengthening Exercises
• View Arm Stretches
• View Beginner Pilates Exercises
• View our Shoulder Diagnosis Guide

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