Pec Minor

Hi there,

I was wondering if someone could help me. 9 months ago I strained my pec minor surfing. I've been to physio, mri etc and it's still bothering me, I haven't surfed since :(

I am starting to get alot of pain around my shoulder blade and the base of my neck on that side and my shoulder blade is winged. Should I be stretching my pec minor or strengthening it or both? I'm a bit confused as to what I should be doing....I'd just like it to stop bothering me :(

Any help is much appreciated...thanks:)

nik

Hi

If your scapula is winging then I would focus on strengthening lower trapezius and serratus anterior. You probably have residual scarring in your pec minor so I would focus on stretching that.

Start with isolated strengthening of the two muscles mentioned and then look at doing combined strengthening with your rotator cuff. ie: stabilising your scapula muscles while using rotator cuff.

Just be aware that scapula pain can be coming from your neck so you may want to rule this out as a source of your pain.

Rachael

G'day Nick,

I would be looking for a 2nd opinion if I were in your shoes assuming that you have been doing what your practitioner advised. 9 months seems like far too long to not have had resolution for that issue and either something was missed during your examination or there is another underlying cause. Can you pinpoint your pain? Is it in the front or back of your shoulder? If you can be a little more descriptive people may be a little more able to give some other explanations for your condition. Will look for your reply.

SPPAWA

Hi Rachael, SPPAWA,

I will try some exercises to strengthen the muscles you suggested Rachael thanks :)

I do have a very mild scoliosis, which has never bothered me or limited me in anything (I wasn't aware of it until I was 28!!). My pain only started after I strained my pec minor. I can pin point the pain, it can vary between the following places:

Round about my 4th rib on the front of my chest (my mri showed nothing there).
The side of my shoulder blade closest to my spine and at the bottom of my shoulder blade.
My neck - upper traps mainly at the back, but can also be on the front outer area of my collar bone.
Occasional dull ache under my arm, as if the whole 4th rib is aching.
Down the outer side of my arm and my pinky and ring finger can ache and occasionally have a very dull sensation of pin and needles.

Thanks again for your help :)

Nik