So I got back from the doctor yesterday regarding left shoulder pain and forearm/hand weakness that I have been experiencing for 2+ years. The doc attributed my symptoms to an ailment called backpack palsy (I backpacked for years and lived in an area that required intense hiking in and out of my town), exacerbated by my protruding shoulder blades or winged scapula and weakness of the muscles holding the blades close to the body. Frankly, I was relieved to hear his prognosis as I had been seeing doctor after to doctor to no avail, and he gave me a diagnosis that seems treatable given the right therapy and treatment.
I will most likely begin physical therapy in a month or so, but would like to hear from anyone who participated in a routine to strengthen the shoulder blade muscles: exercises that worked great, exercises that didn't work well, lifting regiments during PT, and overall experience of the rehab process. I'd love to get my shoulder to a level where I could comfortably play baseball again, and pick up boxing, but won't push it too hard. I'll be sure to add more input as I go forward, and lessons learned from the experience.
Thanks all.
I will most likely begin physical therapy in a month or so, but would like to hear from anyone who participated in a routine to strengthen the shoulder blade muscles: exercises that worked great, exercises that didn't work well, lifting regiments during PT, and overall experience of the rehab process. I'd love to get my shoulder to a level where I could comfortably play baseball again, and pick up boxing, but won't push it too hard. I'll be sure to add more input as I go forward, and lessons learned from the experience.
Thanks all.