Research Corner - Q&A Uneven Shoulders by Stephen Holt | Date Released : 03 Aug 2002 0 comments Print Close Question: After assessing my new client, I realized that her left shoulder is higher than the right one. She told me that she has had it all her life. She suffers no pain and the only limitation is when she raises her hands above her head. Then the left arm is at about a 35% limitation. This I am told is Springle Deformity. and that there is an extra little bone in her shoulder. Should I alter her shoulder and back exercises? Thank you Bea. Answer: The short answer is: "Heck, yeah!" Actually, you don't have much of a choice. Sprengel's Deformity is the most common congenital deformity of the shoulder. The scapula on the affected side is smaller, higher, and typically downwardly rotated. It's typically unilateral and affects three times as many women as men. About 30 percent of people diagnosed with Sprengel's Deformity have the "extra" bone you mentioned. It's called an Omovertebral bone and connects the superior angle of the scapula to the lower cervical vertebrae. Obviously, this severely hinders scapulothoracic motion. Glenohumeral motion, however, remains normal. Since the asymmetry of the scapulae necessarily affects the length-tension relationships of all of the muscles in that region, be sure to check for muscle imbalances. Weakness and atrophy of the trapezius, deltoids and rhomboids are common. Passive stretching used to be the recommended treatment, but studies have revealed it to be of little benefit. Unfortunately, since Sprengel's deformity varies in severity, there are no specific exercises or modifications I can recommend. As my wife, a rheumatologist, likes to tell me, you will never go wrong asking for the advice of your client's physician, physical therapist, etc. It's the most effective and most professional way to take care of your client's best interest. As a bonus, it helps cover you legally and can be a source of referrals. Back to top About the author: Stephen Holt Stephen is the Technical/Education Director of the Maryland Athletic Club and Wellness Center where he is responsible for all aspects of fitness education for over 60 colleagues. In addition to being one of the most popular fitness advisors on the web, Stephen has appeared in several national publications including Fit, Women's Sports and Fitness, Fitness Management and IDEA Personal Trainer. Holt is a member of the Clinical Advisory Board of both the American Medical Athletic Association and the American Running Association and serves on the Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness in Maryland. He is the Immediate-past State Director of the National Strength & Conditioning Association. Stephen holds multiple certifications from ACSM, NSCA, ACE, the CHEK Institute, AAAI and the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehab Professionals. Full Author Details Related content Content from Stephen Holt There is no related content. Please click here to see more... | Breathing Problems with Running Stephen Holt | Articles Sprint vs. Long Distance Running for Weight Loss Stephen Holt | Articles Popliteus Knee Tendonitis Stephen Holt | Articles Anaphylaxis Stephen Holt | Articles Buergers Disease Stephen Holt | Articles Inversion Boots Stephen Holt | Articles Chinese Blood Letting Stephen Holt | Articles Sauna Fitness? Stephen Holt | Articles Macro, Meso- and Microcycles Stephen Holt | Articles Height Predictions Stephen Holt | Articles Double Jointed Client Stephen Holt | Articles Restless Legs Syndrome Stephen Holt | Articles Triple Extension – What is it? Stephen Holt | Articles High vs. Low Static Exercise Stephen Holt | Articles Aerobic Training Adaptation Stephen Holt | Articles Crosstrainer vs. Treadmill Stephen Holt | Articles Heart Rate Monitors and Caloric Expenditure Stephen Holt | Articles Spot Reduction for Thighs Stephen Holt | Articles Weight Loss vs. Fat Loss Stephen Holt | Articles VO2 Max Stephen Holt | Articles Genetics and Heart Disease Stephen Holt | Articles Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Physiology Stephen Holt | Articles Strength vs. Hypertrophy Stephen Holt | Articles Heart - Mitral Valve Prolapse Stephen Holt | Articles Low Blood Pressure and Exercise Stephen Holt | Articles Sleep Apnea Stephen Holt | Articles Heart Rate Targeting Stephen Holt | Articles Bilateral Sacroiliitis Stephen Holt | Articles Numb Arms and Legs when Running Stephen Holt | Articles Nausea During Workouts Stephen Holt | Articles Uneven Leg Length Stephen Holt | Articles Nerve Impingement Stephen Holt | Articles Rhomboid Knots with Exercise Stephen Holt | Articles Blood Pressure and Exercise Stephen Holt | Articles Uneven Shoulders Stephen Holt | Articles Tense Neck During Ab Work Stephen Holt | Articles Biomechanical Look at Triceps Stephen Holt | Articles Get Off Your Rear! Stephen Holt | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top