The Movement System: Scapular Syndromes of the Shoulder

Presented by Jared Vagy

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Video Runtime: 69 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 33 Minutes

This is an interactive course that will teach you how to identify faulty scapular alignment and movement patterns in the shoulder by analyzing patient posture and movement. You will learn how to use components of the movement system to classify patients with scapular movement faults and mechanical shoulder pain. Based on movement classifications, you will hypothesize which mobility and muscle performance deficits are contributing to a patient’s symptoms. You will integrate symptom modification procedures into your interventions and learn how to restore optimal posture and movement of the scapula.

Additional Content


Additional athlete movement system courses presented by Dr. Jared Vagy include:

The Movement System The Athlete Movement System For more information

Meet your instructor

Jared Vagy

Jared Vagy received his doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed a one-year residency in orthopedics and a one-year fellowship in movement science. Dr. Vagy is a clinical assistant professor of physical therapy in the DPT program at USC and is a mentor in both the…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Patient Case: Whitney

1. Patient Case: Whitney

This chapter describes the background and history of Shirley Sahrmann and colleagues, the developers of the movement system impairment (MSI) model. You will then learn how to integrate the MSI model into the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) model to create a comprehensive model for physical therapist practice. You will analyze a patient’s posture and movement while learning how to utilize Symptom Modification Procedures (SMPs) to correct for scapular depression. You will determine how mobility and muscle performance deficits influence the patient’s posture and movement. You will then use the movement system to create a comprehensive intervention plan to improve scapular elevation.

Patient Case: Alex

2. Patient Case: Alex

This chapter will use a patient case to combine the syndromes of scapular abduction and scapular internal rotation. You will analyze the patient’s posture and movement while learning how to utilize SMPs to correct for excessive scapular abduction and scapular internal rotation. You will determine how mobility and muscle performance deficits influence the patient’s posture and movement. You will then use the movement system to restore optimal posture and movement for a patient who presents with excessive scapular abduction and internal rotation.

Patient Case: Andrew

3. Patient Case: Andrew

This chapter will use a patient case to introduce the syndrome of scapular adduction. You will analyze the patient’s posture and movement while learning how to utilize SMPs to correct for excessive scapular adduction. You will determine how mobility and muscle performance deficits influence the patient’s posture and movement. You will then use the movement system to restore optimal posture and movement for a patient who presents with excessive adduction.

Patient Case: Stephanie

4. Patient Case: Stephanie

This chapter will use a patient case to introduce the syndrome of scapular insufficient upward rotation. You will analyze the patient’s posture and movement while learning how to utilize SMPs to correct for excessive scapular depression. You will determine how mobility and muscle performance deficits influence the patient’s posture and movement. You will then use the movement system to restore optimal posture and movement for a patient who presents with excessive scapular downward rotation.

Patient Case: Dana

5. Patient Case: Dana

This chapter will use a patient case to introduce the syndrome of scapular winging and tilting. You will analyze the patient’s posture and movement while learning how to utilize SMPs to correct for excessive scapular winging and tilting. You will determine how mobility and muscle performance deficits influence the patient’s posture and movement. You will then use the movement system to restore optimal posture and movement for a patient who presents with excessive scapular winging and tilting.