Scapular Pull up – The Assessment and Management of Unilateral Interscapular Pain with Functional Scoliosis in An Olympic Weightlifter – A Case Study

Introduction:Interscapular pain is a familiar condition in athletes with overhead load activity. The usual location of pain is along the medial border of the scapula close to the midline. Functional scoliosis is a type of scoliosis with temporary curvature of the spine which is reversible in nature and absence of rotation of the vertebrae. This case studies the scapular pull up exercise as assessment to view compensations and treatment variation to solve the root cause of unilateral interscapular pain. Method:The pronated grip hanging scapular pull up exercise was performed by the athlete which showed overactivity of the retractors and depressors of scapula with curvature of spine appearing at thoracolumbar level, convexity on same side. As a treatment plan for functional scoliosis and overactivity the same exercise was performed but with lateral flexion of spine towards the same side of convexity. The exercise was performed for 10 repetitions of 4 sets for 2 sessions across 2 days for a total of 4 sessions of treatment. Results:Numerical pain rating scale was taken pre and post treatment at rest, in movements and training overhead at same weights. Post treatment there was clinically significant reduction in pain and the scapular pull up lateral trunk bending exercise changed the temporary curvature of spine (functional scoliosis) to normal on observation. Conclusion:This single case study shows an important assessment exercise to find the compensation, the root cause and the treatment exercise for unilateral interscapular pain with functional scoliosis in overhead training athlete.