Evidence Based Scapular Rehabilitation: Strategies for Shoulder Pain & Dysfunction

Course Overview
The prevalence of shoulder pain and dysfunction continues to rise significantly across diverse populations, with 4-47% of individuals experiencing shoulder pain annually and over 30% of adults over 65 suffering daily shoulder discomfort. Healthcare professionals treating these conditions face complex challenges in addressing scapular dyskinesis, which serves as a primary contributor to shoulder pathology but remains poorly understood and inadequately addressed in many clinical settings. The increasing participation in overhead sports, occupational activities requiring repetitive arm elevation, and the growing aging population create an urgent demand for specialized knowledge in scapular rehabilitation. Current evidence demonstrates that scapular stabilization exercises significantly improve pain reduction, muscle strength, and functional outcomes when properly integrated into treatment protocols, yet many practitioners lack comprehensive training in evidence-based scapular assessment and rehabilitation techniques. This educational need is further amplified by the complex interdisciplinary nature of shoulder rehabilitation, requiring healthcare professionals to understand not only the biomechanical aspects but also the integration of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and collaborative care models to optimize patient outcomes.

Learning Outcomes 
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

• Identify the anatomy that aids in the scapula thoracohumeral rhythm
• Recognize risk factors and daily/occupational habits that can cause scapular dysfunction
• Define recommendations to occupational and functional activities that aid in the prevention of scapular issues
• Identify special tests that lead to the proper orthopedic diagnosis in relation to scapular issues
• Recall how to treat and rehabilitate issues involving the scapula to improve functional performance
• Recognize comprehensive rehabilitation strategies, including activity modifications and environmental adaptations, to optimize scapular function while considering the individual's occupational, athletic, and daily living requirements.

About the Author/Presenter 
Vince Fedorowich is currently the Latin American Medical Coordinator with the Milwaukee Brewers. Before working with the Milwaukee Brewers, he was the head athletic trainer and an instructor in the Division of Health Sciences at Missouri Valley College. Vince treated and educated student-athletes at Missouri Valley College for 8 years. He holds a Master's degree in Education (emphasis in Athletic Training) from Old Dominion University and received his Bachelor of Arts while double majoring in Physical Education and Athletic Training from Graceland University. Vince is a Certified Athletic Trainer who possesses a Missouri Athletic Training license.
Before Missouri Valley College, Vince traveled extensively throughout North America practicing as an athletic trainer in professional hockey, baseball, and high school settings. Through his experiences and education, he developed interests in the treatment and prevention of lower back injuries and concussion management. Vince is very passionate about helping and educating people, which meshes with his love of sports, making his current position the ideal place for him to practice. Vince is originally from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, but currently resides in Marshall, Missouri with his wife Rina.

Audience/Accreditations and Approvals 
Colibri Healthcare 
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details): 
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy

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