The Mysterious Winging Scapula
A Recovery Plan for Therapists and their Patients
by Janet Delorme

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This book was written by a physiotherapist who became the patient. From her unique perspective, Janet Delorme recognized and understood a complex problem that might otherwise go undiagnosed. Do these symptoms sound familiar? * Cannot tolerate repetitive/forceful arm movement, especially overhead. * Arm feels “weak” * Fatigue, shortness of breath, sense of arm “disconnect” or a twisted body * Pain in shoulder but also in the back, neck, arm or head. These symptoms suggest instability of the chest wall, the most familiar cause of which is long thoracic nerve palsy. With an unstable chest wall, diagnostic tests of the “shoulder” are often negative and complaints of fatigue and shortness of breath are unsubstantiated from a medical perspective. This complex problem will often require patients and therapists to work together. This book was written for both the therapist and the patient. It provides insightful information about this condition and explains how to modify activities and lifestyle to manage symptoms and restore a “new normal”. The book also teaches key elements necessary for recovery: movement principles and exercise programs. Not all people recover. Many make a full recovery. Both outcomes are addressed with advice for every step of the recovery process.

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”After decades with no diagnosis and worsening pain, Janet finally helped me to understand and manage my condition. Long thoracic nerve palsy is very difficult to identify and treat, which is why her expertise on this subject is so rare and invaluable to both patients and medical professionals alike. By following the protocol outlined in this book, I was able to make the lifestyle modifications needed to avoid flare ups, reduce my pain and lead a more normal life.” —Beth Turner

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Janet Delorme BSc PT Queens University, Kingston, Ontario 1981. Owner/Partner Kenora Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre 1987-2012 Canadian Advanced Manual and Manipulative Therapist 2000-2012 Acupuncture Canada Anatomical Acupuncture, BTCM (traditional acupuncture) Certification in Dry Needling, Facilitator and lecturer CAFCI-1990-2012. Publications: Scapulothoracic Assessment in Three Simple Steps. Friesen Press 2021 Electrodiagnostic testing and the diagnosis of neuropathy in patients with scapulothoracic or proximal shoulder pathology/Electrodiagnostic tests - understanding the basics. ODR Sept/Oct 2018. Vol 31 No 3. Upper Fibres of Serratus Anterior - The Hidden Powerhouse - Part 1, Upper Branches of the Long Thoracic Nerve - The Hidden Powerhouse Part 2.. ODR Sept/Oct 2017. Vol 30. No 3. Case Study - Long Thoracic Nerve Palsy 2012-2015. ODR Sept/Oct 2017. Vol 30. No 3.

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Contributors

Author

Janet Delorme

Illustrator

Elizabeth Paton

Illustrator

Mesa Schumacher

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Other eBook Editions

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